Free Camping in Oregon
Discover 14 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Summer, Fall
Climate
Marine west coast with regional variations
Terrain
Mountains, Volcanoes
Free Spots
14 locations
Camping Spots (14)
China Hat/Badlands Backroads
Free dispersed camping around Deschutes NF, Oregon. Juniper flats and cinder buttes with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by China Hat OHV. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Dust; fire restrictions likely Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Rogue–Siskiyou – Bear Camp Rd
Free dispersed camping around Rogue River–Siskiyou NF, Oregon. Coastal mountains and canyons with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Agness/Gold Beach. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Narrow shelf roads Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Steens Mountain Backroads
Free dispersed camping around BLM Steens, Oregon. High desert canyons and aspen groves with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by East Rim/Frenchglen. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Remote; weather swings Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Santiam Pass – NF 11/12 Roads
Free dispersed camping at Santiam Pass – NF 11/12 Roads in Oregon. Subalpine fir and lava flows with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Santiam Pass. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Snow into June Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Fremont–Winema – Thompson Reservoir
Free dispersed camping at Fremont–Winema – Thompson Reservoir in Oregon. Pine forests and lake benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Thompson Reservoir. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Dusty roads Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Ochoco – Walton Lake Backroads
Free dispersed camping at Ochoco – Walton Lake Backroads in Oregon. Pine forests and meadows with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Walton Lake. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Elk season traffic Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Mt. Hood – Lolo Pass FS 18
Free dispersed camping at Mt. Hood – Lolo Pass FS 18 in Oregon. Mixed conifer and mountain views with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Lolo Pass. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Narrow roads Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
McKenzie – Deer Creek FS 2654
Free dispersed camping at McKenzie – Deer Creek FS 2654 in Oregon. Creekside pullouts and old growth with informal pullouts and some level clearings near McKenzie River. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Limited turnarounds Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Umpqua – Steamboat Creek Roads
Free dispersed camping at Umpqua – Steamboat Creek Roads in Oregon. River corridor and steep ridges with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Steamboat Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Steep side roads Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Rogue – Union Creek Vicinity
Free dispersed camping at Rogue – Union Creek Vicinity in Oregon. Mixed conifer forests and creeks with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Union Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Snow in shoulder seasons Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Deschutes – Paulina Lake Road Spurs
Free dispersed camping at Deschutes – Paulina Lake Road Spurs in Oregon. Newberry Volcano forests and lakes with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Paulina and East Lake. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Mosquitos early Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Steens – North Loop Access
Free dispersed camping at Steens – North Loop Access in Oregon. High desert canyons and aspen with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Steens North Loop. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Remote; carry water Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Wallowa – Hurricane Creek Road
Free dispersed camping at Wallowa – Hurricane Creek Road in Oregon. Alpine valley and creek benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Hurricane Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Private land near trailhead Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Rogue – Applegate Lake Backroads
Free dispersed camping at Rogue – Applegate Lake Backroads in Oregon. Mixed conifer and lake benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Applegate Lake. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Hot summers Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Popular Camping Areas
- Deschutes National Forest
- Mount Hood National Forest
- Willamette National Forest
Important Regulations
- Seasonal closures
- Fire restrictions common
- Wilderness permits required
Permits: Most dispersed camping is free, wilderness areas require permits
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Oregon
Oregon offers incredible diversity from Cascade Mountains to coastal camping, with volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes, and pristine wilderness areas.
Best Free Camping Areas in Oregon
Oregon offers diverse free camping opportunities across mountains, volcanoes, coastline, forests, desert. The most popular areas include Deschutes National Forest, Mount Hood National Forest, Willamette National Forest, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Oregon for Camping
The best times for free camping in Oregon are during summer, fall. The state's marine west coast with regional variations means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Oregon Camping Regulations
Before camping in Oregon, it's important to understand local regulations. Most dispersed camping is free, wilderness areas require permitsMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Oregon typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore mountains, volcanoes, coastline, forests, desert at your own pace.