The Deschutes National Forest has announced that the Gull Point Campground and Boat Ramp at Wickiup Reservoir will stay closed during the 2023 camping season for the protection of the public, due to the discovery of nearly 700 trees that are either dead or dying and considered hazardous.
The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District identified 679 dead and dying trees within the camping ground and boat ramp area. The announcement stated that the recent drought had contributed to the high number of hazardous trees.
Gull Point Campground and Boat Launch will be reopened in 2024 once the hazardous trees have been removed. Those who have made camping reservations for 2023 at the campground will receive full refunds.
According to Kevin Larkin, Bend-Fort Rock District ranger, “We are removing the hazardous trees at Gull Point Campground to ensure visitor safety. We understand the value of the campground as a recreation site and are working to provide fishing access and camping opportunities in the Wickiup Reservoir area.”
Boating access to Wickiup Reservoir will be available at North Wickiup Boat Ramp, Sheep Bridge Boat Launch, and West South Twin Boat Launch. Alternative camping options in the vicinity include North Twin Lake Campground, Sheep Bridge Campground, South Twin Lake Campground, and West South Twin Campground.
The Forest Service regularly conducts hazard tree inspections at developed recreation facilities. Some locations, such as Cultus Lake Campground, East Lake Campground, and Little Crater Campground, may close two to three weeks early this fall for the inspections and removal of hazardous trees. This will minimize any impact on the opening dates for spring 2024.
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