Linn County Conservation is announcing further changes to its operations in response to the current COVID-19 situation. Campgrounds at Buffalo Creek Park, Morgan Creek Park, Pinicon Ridge Park and Squaw Creek Park are open with additional sanitation and safety protocols as more facilities become accessible to the public. Non-modern (primitive) campgrounds at Matsell Bridge Natural Area and Wakipicada Natural Area are also open.
Current guidelines and restrictions include:
Campgrounds
- Social Distancing Within the campgrounds and other areas of the park, keep 6 feet between you and other patrons and wear a mask when social distancing cannot be maintained. Groups of more than 10 people are prohibited.
- Camping units Campsites are open to all camping units normally permitted under current department rules and regulations.
- Shower house Shower houses with modern restrooms are open starting May 20 for registered campers. Those camping with self-contained units are encouraged to continue using their own shower and restrooms.
- Group campgrounds Online reservations are accepted for dates after June 1, subject to additional restrictions.
- Practice safe hygiene. Please bring your own sanitizer and/or use soap and water frequently.
- First-come, first-served The long standing policy of first-come, first-served camping continues. Reservations are only accepted for Squaw Creek Park A-Loop online at LinnCountyParks.com
PLEASE HELP KEEP OUR CAMPGROUNDS OPEN
The Conservation Department is pleased to provide this outdoor recreation opportunity at this time. Cooperating with these guidelines not only helps keep the public and park staff safe, but enables us to all work together in offering a positive camping experience during this unprecedented time.
Additional Campground and Park Information
OPEN
- Restrooms Pit toilets and flushable restrooms in our outdoor areas or along trails are open. Sanitizer is not available and users who choose to use these facilities should bring their own product.
- Shooting Range The Matsell Bridge Shooting Range remains open.
- Watercraft Concession In-park watercraft rentals are open at Pinicon Ridge Park starting May 23. The canoe shuttle program is currently suspended due to health and safety concerns.
CLOSED
- Wickiup Hill Learning Center Along with the building closure, public programs and scheduled field trips are cancelled or temporarily suspended.
- Playgrounds The playgrounds at Buffalo Creek Park, Pinicon Ridge Park, Morgan Creek Park, and Squaw Creek Park; as well as Wickiup Wandering Woods nature playscape at the Wickiup Hill Learning Center remain closed.
- Observation Tower The observation tower at Pinicon Ridge Park is closed.
- Construction Some areas or park facilities may be closed due to construction, development, cleaning, or for other safety reasons.
- Water Fountains Public water fountains in our parks are currently closed off.
Linn County Conservation continues to advocate for the physical and mental health benefits of nature interaction. We hope the public has enjoyed the opportunity to explore our 28 parks, trails, natural areas and preserves during this unprecedented time.
Social Distancing Maintain social distancing by keeping a distance of at least 6-feet between yourself and anyone you encounter outdoors. Have a cloth face covering or mask on hand when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. This includes bike riders on our trails. Please ride in single file when possible while keeping your distance.
Continue to Practice Good Hygiene Use sanitizer or soap and water after being in contact with any surfaces.
Illness If you feel sick and regardless of how mild the illness is, please stay home for your health and the safety of others.
Facility Rentals and Reservations
- Cabins Camping cabins at Pinicon Ridge Park are now available for online rental at LinnCountyParks.com
- Shelters and Lodges Due to the complexity of group sizes, these facilities remain closed.
- New information as it pertains to the conservation program, as well as information of our parks, trails, natural areas and preserves that are available for you to visit, can be found at LinnCountyParks.com. Please sign up for our E-News.
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We thank our patrons for their support and understanding for the many changes and adjustments we have made in keeping the health and safety of our visitors and employees a top priority. Please visit Linn County’s website LinnCounty.org regarding awareness and recommendations to COVID-19.