The Umpqua National Forest awarded a five-year permit to WESTrek Services to manage select campgrounds across the North Umpqua, Cottage Grove, and Diamond Lake Ranger Districts. The transition aims to enhance campground operations, improve visitor services, and maintain recreation facilities.

According to a release from the Umpqua National Forest, WESTrek will oversee operations at approximately two dozen campgrounds. The company is responsible for facility maintenance, trash removal, water system upkeep, and hazard tree management, ensuring safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences for visitors.

“Concessionaires like WESTrek operate and maintain developed recreation facilities on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service to help provide recreation experiences to the public, maintain and improve forest facilities, and meet public expectations for a high level of service,” a press release stated.

The agreement aligns with the Forest Service’s broader efforts to partner with private concessionaires to manage high-demand recreation areas efficiently. Under the permit, WESTrek will also be responsible for managing reservations, which have now reopened on Recreation.gov.

The transition brings changes to campground reservations, with Apple Creek, Cedar Creek, Coolwater, Hobo Camp, and Island campgrounds shifting from first-come, first-served to an online booking system later in the season. 

The Umpqua National Forest will continue direct management of several campgrounds, including Broken Arrow, Diamond Lake, Kelsay Valley Horse Camp, and Thielsen View, which remain bookable through Recreation.gov. 

Additionally, a dozen campgrounds will still operate on a first-come, first-served basis under Forest Service management.