Overnight camping reopening at some sites in Washington

SPOKANE—With the lifting of public health and safety restrictions enacted by Washington State officials, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced on Monday, June 8, that the Spokane District is opening certain developed sites in Washington to overnight camping. The BLM is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.

This week, the following sites will begin to reopen access to overnight camping:

• Blind Island

• Coffeepot Lake

• Lakeview Ranch

• Pacific Lake

• Patos Island

• Posey Island

• Rock Creek/Escure Ranch

• Twin Lakes

• Yakima River Canyon

(Umtanum, Big Pines, Lmuma, and Roza)

Be sure to call (509) 536-1200 or (509) 665-2100 to confirm the site you’re interested in is allowing camping. The public should still follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities while recreating.

The BLM encourages responsible, local recreation to avoid putting strain on other communities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website, https://www.blm.gov/oregon-washington/covid-access-restrictions and social media channels. Updates about BLM operations will be posted on www.blm.gov.