Deschutes National Forest SnoParks

SnoParks on the Deschutes National Forest

Visitors should not camp on snow or in a snow cave within 300 feet of the perimeter of the snopark. This distinction is to provide for public safety during snow plowing operations.
Visitors should not camp within 300 feet of a snow shelter.
Overnight camping is allowed in snoparks along the Cascade Lakes Highway with the exception of Dutchman SnoPark (please see Dutchman SnoPark section below).
- The Deschutes National Forest Occupancy & Use / Camping Forest Order applies.
  - Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
Snopark plowing often occurs during the night. If you’re leaving your vehicle in a snopark overnight, please park in a location that maintains ample access for plowing operations.
If camping at a snopark for multiple nights, please move your vehicle after plowing to allow for unplowed areas around your vehicle’s prior parking spot to be plowed during the next plowing cycle.

A valid Oregon Department of Transportation SnoPark Permit is required for parking November 1 - April 30.
If parking a regular vehicle in a space designated for the length of a vehicle towing a trailer, please pull forward to allow two vehicles to park in the space. This maximizes parking opportunities for everyone.
Many snoparks regularly reach capacity – have a “Plan B” or alternative option if the snopark of your choice is full. Consider planning your trip for times that might be less busy.
DO NOT park in areas marked with “No Parking” signs. This can impact ingress and egress for other visitors and emergency vehicles. Vehicles that are incorrectly parked may receive citations.

Dogs are prohibited on the north side of Cascade Lakes Highway November 1 through May 1.
- An exception to the rule is for a permitted working dog in harness on a groomed snowmobile trail. Permits are obtained at Forest Service offices.
Dogs must be on leash at developed recreation areas on the south side of Cascade Lakes Highway.

Please do not walk or snowshoe on top of groomed ski tracks or skin tracks.
People traveling downhill have the right-of-way as they have more speed, and it can be difficult for them to stop.

Overnight camping is NOT permitted.
Overnight parking is NOT permitted from 6 p.m. on Tuesday through 6 a.m. on Wednesday and from 6 p.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Friday to allow for plowing operations.
Vehicles and/or vehicles and trailer units parked at Dutchman SnoPark may not be longer than 40’ in length.

Vehicles parked in the Wanoga Snow Play Area (lower parking lot) may not exceed 24’ in length.
No trailer parking in the Wanoga Snow Play Area (lower parking lot).
The Wanoga Snow Play Area is intended as a sledding hill and is not designed for snowboarding, skiing or building jumps.

Please limit camping to the lower parking lot.
Non-motorized recreationists are encouraged to park in the lower parking lot to help maximize the amount of parking space available for everyone.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=fseprd1077764