May 1, 2024 11:20 a.m.  

Whittaker Creek and Clay Creek campgrounds will remain closed at the start of the 2024 season.

A Bureau of Land Management release said both sights are in the coast range between Eugene and the Oregon Coast off Highway 126 on the Siuslaw River.

BLM officials made the decision to keep the campgrounds closed due to low staffing and the lack of campground host volunteers. Ben Watts, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM said, “Without adequate staffing, we can’t host visitors”. The BLM relies on seasonal staff and the volunteer hosts to manage reservations, clean and maintain the facilities and ensure safe drinking water.

Watts said, “Public safety, especially the safety of our visitors, is our top priority. Opening sites without necessary staff leads to risks including increased crime and damage to natural resources”.

Both campgrounds were due to open at the end of April. All visitors with existing reservations have been notified.

Should adequate staffing and a camp host be secured, Whittaker Creek Campground may open later in the season.