FAQs
It depends on what you plan to do and where you want to go. Generally, passes are required at sites that offer picnic tables, restrooms, signs, or other amenities. Passes are generally not required at remote or undeveloped sites such as wilderness trailheads or for dispersed camping along Forest Service logging roads. Required passes and fees are listed for each recreation site on our website.
Parking and day-use fee sites help the national forest maintain trails, bathrooms, and other building infrastructure. Check out our passes page to learn more about affordable options whether you are visiting for a day or multiple times a year – including a few fee free days. Recreation passes cannot be replaced if they are lost or stolen.
Some campgrounds are first come, first served and some take reservations. You can make reservations online at www.recreation.gov or phone 877.444.6777. Campgrounds fill up quickly from May - October and on holiday weekends. Camping in developed campgrounds is limited to no more than 14 days during any 30 consecutive day period. Camping outside of developed campgrounds (dispersed camping) is limited to 14 days during any 60 consecutive day period.
Visit our camping and cabins page for more information.
Camping on the beach below the high tide line is managed by the State of Oregon. For details, see Oregon State Beach Rules.
Sand camping is allowed on certain Siuslaw National Forest lands. Different regulations apply to areas open to motorized use and areas closed to motorized use on the Forest.
For areas open to motorized use, see the OHV Sand Camping section under OHV Riding & Camping.
For areas closed to motorized use, camping is allowed in most areas within certain guidelines. See our Dispersed Camping page for more about camping outside of developed campgrounds, including areas that are off limits.
Please follow good dispersed camping and Leave No Trace practices.
Yes, but depending on the size of your group and what you are planning, you may need a Special Use Permit. For details and application information, see our Special Use Permit section.
Rules about fires on the beach are established by the State of Oregon.
- Small recreational beach fires are allowed in the open sand. Please avoid fires near beach grass and driftwood.
- Do not leave fires unattended. Extinguish with water before leaving.
- No fire are allowed within 25 feet of a seawall.
- Public use restrictions for fire may change at any time. “Know before you go" and check fire restrictions before building a campfire.
See Oregon State Beach Rules and answers to frequently asked questions for beach recreation.
Driftwood collection below the high tide line is regulated by the State of Oregon.
State Park Beaches
The taking of driftwood in small amounts by visitors for souvenirs, for personal use or as gifts is permitted. The removal of large amounts of driftwood, or any wood with mechanized loading equipment, shall be prohibited except as approved by the park manager. Chainsaws must be approved by the park manager. No wood shall be removed which is imbedded in the beach or in sand dune banks.
Non-State Park Beaches
Driftwood removal for firewood and/or ornamental purposes shall be for personal use and restricted to wood which can be loaded by hand only.
Oregon State Beach Rules
Look for Oregon State Beach Rules under Division 26: Beach Log And Driftwood Removal Policy.
Sand Dune Riding
You can ride in designated areas in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and in the Sand Lake Recreation Area. Check our Motor Vehicle Use Maps to see OHV trails and areas open to cross country travel. Also check out our OHV section for information where you can ride, rules for riding, campgrounds and staging areas and more.
Forest Riding
Routes designated for OHV uses will be identified on the Motor Vehicle Use Maps. Also, in summer, be sure to check our Fire Page for public use restrictions before heading into the woods with your OHV.
In all cases, the State of Oregon establishes and administers OHV permits and regulations. You can find more information on the Oregon State Parks website or by calling Oregon Parks and Recreation Department information center at 1.800.551.6949.
You can ride non-motorized mountain bikes on any Forest Service roads and on designated mountain bike trails. Visit our mountain bike page for more information.
E-bikes (electric bikes) are classified as self-propelled motor vehicles and are only allowed on roads and trails open to motorized vehicles. Review our motor vehicle use maps to learn where e-bikes are allowed.
Yes, dogs are allowed within these guidelines:
- In developed sites such as campgrounds and picnic areas, dogs must always be restrained or on a leash no more than 6 feet long.
- Some beach areas are closed to dogs to protect nesting Western Snowy Plovers from March 15 – September 15. These areas are posted. See restricted areas, including maps of dog friendly beaches.
- Pack out dog waste.
- Leave aggressive or unusually noisy dogs at home.
- For the safety of others and your dog, we recommend keeping your dog on a leash wherever you are hiking.
- Remember to bring extra water, first aid supplies, and an identification tag for your dog.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages and regulates fishing and shellfish gathering. Visitors must comply with all state rules when fishing or crabbing on the National Forest. View fishing opportunities on the Siuslaw National Forest.
The placement of a monument, memorial, ashes, or commemorative plaque or bench along trails, overlooks, roadways, or other public place has become an increasingly common practice to memorialize loved ones and important events. This practice can have great significance for friends, family, or people close to the event. For others, memorials can impact their experience, particularly when they are found in natural settings. For this reason, and due to the increase in requests for such memorials across National Forest lands, we are unable to permit them.
No, fireworks and other explosives are prohibited from Forest Service lands.
Wind, heavy rain, or other winter storms may scatter tree debris on roads or trails. Consecutive days of heavy rain can cause landslides. King tides often occur during the winter and will cause the tide to rise usually high on the Oregon Coast. Use caution when traveling on Forest Service roads, especially during winter months. Snow and ice may be present at higher elevations. Most forest roads are not maintained for winter travel and do not receive snow removal. This includes the road to Marys Peak and Mt. Hebo.