Volunteers Camp Out for Succor Creek Clean-Up in Oregon's Owyhees

Friends of the Owyhee organize effort to remove abandoned RVs and campers from public lands

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:04am

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a crushed camper shell repeated in a tight grid, using bright neon colors to transform the abandoned vehicle into a modern pop art piece, conveying the collaborative spirit of the clean-up effort.Volunteers band together to remove abandoned RVs and campers from Oregon's Owyhee wilderness, turning discarded recreation vehicles into a bold pop art statement.Adrian Today

Volunteers from the Friends of the Owyhee organization and the Gambler 500 off-road group came together in Malheur County, Oregon to clean up abandoned RVs and campers that had been left on public lands in the Owyhee region. The group worked with the local sheriff's office and Bureau of Land Management to remove the vehicles, some of which had been there for over a year.

Why it matters

The Owyhees make up a large portion of public lands in Malheur County, but the Bureau of Land Management is understaffed and has limited resources to maintain the area. This volunteer clean-up effort helps address the issue of abandoned recreational vehicles being left on public lands, which can be an eyesore and environmental hazard.

The details

The volunteers were able to remove two abandoned RVs and a camper that had been left on public lands in the Owyhees for over a year. The Gambler 500 off-road group brought in an excavator to help demolish one of the campers so it could be disposed of properly. The clean-up effort also received support from local businesses who donated dumpsters, equipment, and portable restrooms.

  • The clean-up event took place over the weekend of March 29-30, 2026.
  • Volunteers camped out on Succor Creek Road on Friday night to get an early start on Saturday.

The players

Friends of the Owyhee

A local organization that organized the clean-up effort in Malheur County.

Tim Davis

Runs the Friends of the Owyhee organization.

Gambler 500

An off-road group that brought volunteers and equipment to help with the clean-up.

Brian Arndt

Member of the Gambler 500 group.

Lela Blizzard

The lone recreational planner for the Vail District of the Bureau of Land Management.

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What they’re saying

“We had two abandoned RV'S and a camper that were abandoned out on public lands. They were sitting there for upwards of a year, and it is really clear that it is hard to get rid of these.”

— Tim Davis, Runs the Friends of the Owyhee organization

“That is awesome to see the turnout with the army of volunteers we have today. We are going to be able to get the camper all in the dumpster, get it cleaned down to the frame, and then everything that can be recycled will be recycled.”

— Brian Arndt, Member of the Gambler 500 group

“I just want to tell them thank you because I know they are taking time out of their weekend to come out here to help us make sure the land continues to look nice for everyone who comes out to enjoy it.”

— Lela Blizzard, Recreational planner for the Vail District of the Bureau of Land Management

“If you come out here and play in the area, be respectful. Pack it in and pack it out, leave no trace and do the right thing, or frankly, stay home.”

— Griz Ward, Volunteer

What’s next

The Friends of the Owyhee plan to continue organizing regular clean-up events in the Owyhee region to address the issue of abandoned recreational vehicles and other trash left on public lands.

The takeaway

This volunteer clean-up effort highlights the importance of public stewardship of public lands, especially in areas with limited resources for maintenance. It also underscores the need for outdoor enthusiasts to be responsible and leave no trace when enjoying natural spaces.