Southwest Washington residents who routinely travel into Oregon’s Coast Range for off‑road recreation will see a major change at one of the region’s most heavily used destinations. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has moved Browns Camp in the Tillamook State Forest to an online, reservation‑only system, replacing its longtime first‑come, first‑served model.

According to reporting by Oregon Public Broadcasting, ODF announced the change in February, citing years of full‑capacity weekends and the growing number of visitors hauling motorcycles, ATVs, and side‑by‑sides into the forest. Ben Burns, ODF’s recreation facilities manager, said the goal is to give riders greater certainty after long drives into the Coast Range. Browns Camp, located on the eastern edge of Tillamook State Forest, serves as the primary access point for more than 250 miles of designated off‑highway vehicle trails.

ODF records cited in OPB’s reporting indicate the area receives roughly 6,000 individual users each season, adding up to an estimated 20,000 camper nights. Holiday weekends in particular have seen riders circling the campground without success, an issue the agency hopes to ease by allowing visitors to secure a spot in advance.

Burns told OPB that the shift is also meant to support staffing needs. With rangers spending increasing time on fee collection and paperwork, the reservation system is expected to free personnel to focus on trail work, conservation projects, and maintenance across the forest. The agency adopted a similar system for its equestrian camps last year; Burns said the transition was initially controversial but ultimately successful.

Browns Camp includes 28 drive‑in sites and typically operates from April through October, with a separate day‑use area open year‑round. The campground is the largest developed OHV facility in Tillamook State Forest. Several other OHV campgrounds in the forest remain first‑come, first‑served. Another popular site, Diamond Mill, is expected to move to reservations within the next one to two years, according to OPB’s report.

ODF continues to allow free dispersed camping outside designated campgrounds, though such locations lack services. The agency has no current plans to introduce day‑use fees at OHV staging areas.

Riders can reserve sites online through the Oregon State Parks system at the Browns Camp reservation portal. Same‑day reservations will be allowed, but ODF warns that cellular service in the area is unreliable.

Local relevance for Southwest Washington

Browns Camp is a frequent destination for off‑road riders from Longview, Kelso, and surrounding communities. Many residents travel more than 100 miles to reach the site, and the new system may reduce uncertainty for those hauling equipment across state lines. The change also comes as interest in off‑road recreation has grown in Cowlitz County, where formal OHV opportunities remain limited compared to Oregon’s state forest system.

Whether the reservation shift ultimately improves access for Washington riders will depend on how quickly peak‑season dates fill and how smooth same‑day booking proves for visitors who lack cell service in the mountains.

Why this matters

Access to outdoor recreation is a fundamental regional issue, especially for working families who must plan travel and equipment transport well in advance. As Oregon agencies continue tightening management of high‑use sites, Southwest Washington residents who rely on these forests for recreation may see availability, access, and user expectations change in ways that shape weekend travel and local outdoor culture.

Sources

Oregon Public Broadcasting: Popular Oregon camping destination for off‑road vehicles switches to reservation‑only system