BLM Announces Summer 2015 Loon Lake Camping Availability, Feb. 3

Loon Lake Campground will be open seven days a week this summer, with approximately two-thirds of the campsites available for overnight camping. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to open the popular campground from Memorial Day to September 30, 2015. The day-use area will be also be open seven days a week between Memorial Day weekend and September 30 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors can start making reservations at www.recreation.gov to camp during these dates on February 17, 2015. While the water availability at the campground improved over the winter, there is still not enough potable water to operate the site at full capacity. The Bureau of Land Management will temporarily close about one-third of the campsites to provide opportunities for longer camping stays, while staying within the limitations the lack of water brings. Dry weather the last two years has forced a reduction in the number of available campsites and the services the BLM can provide at the site. The campground was only open on weekends in 2014. “Reducing slightly the number of campsites available to visitors ensures people can camp longer, and still have a fun and safe trip to the lake,” said Todd Buchholz, Umpqua Field Manager. Again this year, visitors should plan to bring enough water to drink, wash hands, clean dishes, put out campfires, cook meals, etc. The flush toilets in the campground and day-use area will be open, but the showers and sinks will remain closed. The BLM plans to install non-flush vault toilets in 2015. “The campground has supported more visitors than was sustainable. This plan helps move us in the direction of having a campground that is less dependent on the historic level of water availability,” said Buchholz. “We need our visitors’ continued help to conserve water and their patience as we make changes at the campground.” For additional information about summer 2015 at Loon Lake Recreation site, including answers to frequently asked questions, please visit www.blm.gov/or/districts/coosbay or www.recreation.gov . Visitors can also call the BLM’s Coos Bay District Office at: (541) 756-0100.