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Established Camping

Mann Lake Recreation Site

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Mann Lake Recreation Site, near Diamond, Oregon, is a laid-back campground that offers a peaceful escape with stunning mountain views. It’s a great choice for those looking to unwind, with plenty of space to set up your tent or RV and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

The campground allows for campfires, so you can roast marshmallows and share stories under the stars. Visitors have noted the serene atmosphere, with one camper mentioning, “I was the only one there for most of the time and it was very peaceful.” While the lake might not be the cleanest, it attracts a variety of birds, making it a nice spot for birdwatching.

If you’re up for some exploration, the surrounding area boasts incredible views of the Steens Mountain and offers a fantastic stargazing experience due to minimal light pollution. Just keep in mind that the campground is part of an open range, so you might wake up to some curious baby cows wandering around. Whether you’re breaking up a long drive or just looking for a quiet getaway, Mann Lake Recreation Site has a relaxed vibe that many campers appreciate.

Fee Info

No Fees.

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Location

Mann Lake Recreation Site is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Burns, take State Highway 78 southeast for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Travel approximately 19 miles on the Loop Road before turning right into Jackman Park Campground. Jackman Park is located just 2 miles past Fish Lake Campground.

Coordinates

42.77753071 N
118.4386984 W

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Connectivity

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    Verified by 4 users
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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 14, 2024

Good overnight stop

Free BLM camping. Camped here on Oct 1, 2024. About 10 campsites scattered about the area. Some with metal firerings, others with rock firerings. One vault toilet; clean & supplied with tp, but full of flies. Sites are level and have a dirt surface; can get muddy & slippery when wet. Access from Fields-Folly Farm Rd not too bad. Very quiet. Coyotes crying at night. Sites appear to be level; large. One site had a picnic table. No cell service. Set well off of Fields-Folly Farm Rd; no road noise. Lake is full of waterfowl. Good overnight stop. Would stay here again. Bird photographers would enjoy this location.

Siteno site numbers
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Fred S., October 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Fred S., October 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Fred S., October 14, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2021

A good alternative

I stayed at Mann Lake as an alternative to camping on the Alvord Desert. We initially were sleeping on the desert until it started raining hard in the middle of the night and we evacuated to avoid getting stuck.

Luckily, even in the middle of the night, there were plenty of spots and everything was pretty peaceful. We ended up staying for two nights.

Just know that Mann Lake is part of an open range so we woke up to baby cows shaking our car (which we didn't mind). All around good place to stay (though less exciting than camping on the playa) if you're going to the Alvord Desert.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Katie M., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Katie M., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Katie M., July 6, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2020

Very Quiet

I was happy to be able to break up the drive on the dirt road with a stay at this campground. I was the only one there for most of the time and it was very peaceful. The lake, unfortunately, was gross but there are a lot of birds to watch. No shade but very accessible and level.

  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Jessy M., July 31, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2020

Not my first choice in the area

This campground is on the east side of the Steens Mountain at a small lake. The view of the mountains is incredible and it is peacefully silent with no highway or airplane noise. The view of the stars is unmatched since there is so little light pollution. It wouldn't be my first choice in the area, but may be easier to reach than the spots in the Steens, more affordable than the neighboring Alvord Hot Springs campground and safer on wet days than attempting to sleep in the Alvord itself, so it depends on a number of factors whether you want to stay here. There were a lot of bugs when we went. More than comparable sites in the area. No shade until the sun starts to go down behind the mountains.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Raphaela H., June 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Raphaela H., June 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Mann Lake Recreation Site by Raphaela H., June 29, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2020

Very mellow.

Went in the begin of May, (during COVID) several RV parked around. Very easy to keep social distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Mann Lake Campground?

Mann Lake Campground offers basic amenities typical of a remote BLM site. There's one vault toilet that's generally clean and stocked with toilet paper. The campground features approximately 10 campsites scattered around the area, some with metal fire rings while others have rock fire rings. Sites are level with dirt surfaces. There's no shade, no running water, and no hookups. The campground's remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.

Is there a fee to camp at Mann Lake Recreation Site?

Mann Lake Recreation Site is free to camp. It's managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and offers no-cost dispersed camping. The campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Even during busier periods, campers typically find available spots due to the site's remote location. Be prepared for self-sufficient camping as there are no fee collection stations or camp hosts on site.

How do I get to Mann Lake Recreation Site in Oregon?

Mann Lake Recreation Site is located on the east side of Steens Mountain in Oregon. Access is via a dirt road that can be challenging after rain. The site serves as a good stopping point when traveling through this remote area. The road can get muddy and slippery when wet, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended, especially during or after precipitation. Plan your route carefully as this is a remote location with limited services nearby.

What fishing opportunities are available at Mann Lake?

Mann Lake offers fishing opportunities, though water conditions can vary seasonally. The lake is known primarily for bird watching rather than premium fishing. The water quality can be suboptimal at times, which may affect fishing conditions. The lake serves as an alternative to nearby attractions like the Alvord Desert. For the best fishing experience, consider visiting in cooler months when water conditions might be more favorable. Remember to check Oregon fishing regulations and obtain appropriate licenses before fishing.