Notice on Inyo National Forest Campgrounds/ Wilderness Permits

The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, announced that most developed recreation sites will remain closed through May 15. However, the concessioners who manage most campgrounds on the forest are reporting that opening dates of the campgrounds will be delayed while essential work to open the campgrounds is completed. Typically, it takes approximately two to three weeks to open a campground. This work includes removing hazard trees, brushing and sweeping the roads, cleaning sites, fire rings, and restrooms, and turning on and testing water systems. The concessioners’ employees have not been able to travel to start this work during the state’s shelter in place order, so this work has yet to commence.

Both Recreation Resource Management (RRM) and California Land Management (CLM) have begun cancelling reservations on recreation.gov through the month of May. Specifics will vary based on location. Cancellations will continue until such time as a firm date for opening the campgrounds is known. Additionally, some group campsites may be closed for a longer duration or may not open at all while the concessioners determine how to manage social distancing at a group site.

The Inyo National Forest has extended the cancelled the issuance of Wilderness permits, including Mt. Whitney day and overnight permits, through May 31. Cancellations had previously been through May 15. People with a Wilderness permit reservation that is cancelled will receive a notice from https://recreation.gov that notifies them that their reservation has been cancelled and a refund has been issued. The forest will continue to evaluate this process based on state and local health guidance.