Dispersed camping stay limits

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Mendocino National Forest. This Order is effective from October 7, 2025, through October 8, 2027.

1. Camping within a one-mile radius of the same location outside of a Developed Recreation Site for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).
2. Camping within a one-mile radius of the same location outside of a Developed Recreation Site for more than 28 cumulative days in any 12-month period. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).
3. Camping within one-mile of a Developed Recreation Site. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(e).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
2. Any Federal, State. or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. 

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581. 

Done in Willows, California, this 2nd day of October 2025.

/Wade McMaster/

Forest Supervisor 

Mendocino National Forest 

This Forest Order supersedes Forest Order No. 08-23-08, dated September 28, 2023.