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Environment

Umpqua National Forest Moves to Cashless Fees at Recreation Sites Starting April 1

Umpqua National Forest will switch to cashless fee collection at developed recreation sites beginning April 1, 2026. Visitors will need to use Scan & Pay or Recreation.gov, with cash and checks no longer accepted at Forest Service sites.

Umpqua National Forest Moves to Cashless Fees at Recreation Sites Starting April 1

Beginning April 1, 2026, visitors to developed recreation sites operated by the Umpqua National Forest will need to use cashless payment options, according to the Forest Service.

Fees at these sites will be collected through Scan & Pay using a mobile device or through advance reservations on Recreation.gov. Cash and checks will no longer be accepted at Forest Service operated locations once the transition takes effect.

Scan & Pay allows visitors to pay for first come, first served campsites or day use activities by scanning a QR code posted at the site. The system will be used at campgrounds, trailheads, showers, RV dump stations, boat ramps, and picnic and day use areas throughout the forest.

For campgrounds that already use the reservation system, any first come, first served sites will also shift to Scan & Pay. While April 1 marks the official start date, some recreation areas may not open until later in the season. When those sites open, they will operate under the cashless system.

Because many areas of the forest have limited or no cell service, visitors are encouraged to download the Recreation.gov app and add a valid payment method before arriving. After reaching a site, users can scan the QR code at the information board with the same device that has the app installed. Once payment is completed, visitors must write down the confirmation code and display it on their vehicle dashboard or at their campsite. If there is no service, payments will show as pending and will process once a connection is available.

Sites managed by the WESTrek concessionaire will continue to accept cash, operate through reservations, or offer Scan & Pay depending on the location. WESTrek’s summer operations begin May 22, 2026, at select campgrounds including Boulder Flat, Toketee Lake, Island, and White Creek.

The following recreation sites will no longer accept cash or checks after April 1, 2026.

Diamond Lake Ranger District

  • Boulder Flat Campground (winter only)
  • Broken Arrow Campground
  • Broken Arrow Campground Showers and RV Dump
  • Clearwater Falls Campground
  • Diamond Lake Campground
  • Diamond Lake Campground Showers and RV Dump
  • Diamond Lake North Shore Boat Ramp
  • Diamond Lake South Shore Boat Ramp and Picnic Area
  • Howlock Mountain Trailhead
  • Kelsay Valley Horse Camp Campground
  • Mount Thielsen Trailhead
  • Thielsen View Campground
  • Thielsen View Boat Ramp
  • Toketee Campground (winter only)
  • Umpqua Hot Springs Trailhead
  • Whitehorse Falls Campground

North Umpqua Ranger District

  • Hemlock Lake Campground
  • Hemlock Meadows Campground
  • Island Campground (winter only)
  • Lake in the Woods Campground
  • Steamboat Falls Campground
  • White Creek Campground (winter only)

Tiller Ranger District

  • Ash Flat Campground
  • Boulder Creek Campground
  • Devils Flat Campground
  • Dumont Creek Campground
  • South Umpqua Falls Campground
  • South Umpqua Falls Picnic Area
  • Threehorn Campground
  • Three C Rock Campground

Forest officials recommend visitors plan ahead before heading into the woods to ensure they are prepared to use the new payment system.

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