Fish Spring Dispersed camping area sits near the Nevada-Oregon border, providing equestrians with access to multiple regional trails. This remote site connects to the Warner Mountains and BLM lands at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. Located on a well-graded dirt road, the dispersed camping area can accommodate vehicles hauling horse trailers of various sizes.
What to do
Explore Mud Creek trails: Mud Creek Campground offers access to nearby hiking trails with varying terrain. "There is a trailhead a mile up the road with parking. There are vault toilets and space for both tent and RV camping. Be on the look out for rattlesnakes, ticks, and cows out here," notes Kelly N. about Fremont National Forest Mud Creek Forest Camp.
Visit Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge: This wildlife sanctuary is accessible from several horse campgrounds near Adel, Oregon. "Close to Hart Mtn Antelope Refuge. Would camp here again," reports Ariel & John W. about their stay at Mud Creek Campground.
Rockhounding opportunities: The Warner Mountains offer mineral collecting sites. "There's both a BLM and USFS office in nearby Cedarville for info plus hot springs in Surprise Valley and lots of good rockhounding in nearby Warner mountains on the west side towards Lakeview," shares Ariel & John W. about activities while staying at Stough Reservoir Campground.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many equestrian camping areas near Adel offer peaceful settings away from crowds. "No cell service solitude with the high-passing jets as my only company. Still a few patches of snow on the ground (5/2) and 26 degree morning," Greg B. writes about Stough Reservoir.
Flexibility for various camping setups: Dispersed camping areas accommodate different vehicle sizes. "We did not camp because we were doing a campground recon. There were 3 of the 8 sites that we could park our 26' fifth wheel trailer," notes Patricia N. about her visit to Stough Reservoir Campground.
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, most campgrounds maintain serviceable facilities. "Beautiful simplicity!!! No real defined spots, but several areas of access. Some pull-throughs were occupied by RVs, other spots had nothing but a car/tent combo. One vault toilet was very clean & well-stocked with paper," reports Greg B. about Fish Spring Dispersed.
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Water sources can be intermittent in this high desert region. "The creek is somewhat seasonal, but you can find a small stream on the road across from the campsite. Not enough water to go fishing or swimming," Kelly N. explains about Mud Creek Forest Camp.
Limited connectivity: Prepare for communication gaps. "There is no cell service out there, but many hiking trails and peace and quiet if that is what you are searching for," advises Kelly N. about Fremont National Forest Mud Creek Forest Camp.
Seasonal access limitations: Snow can restrict access during spring months. "Not much to report here, other than be aware of snow in May. We tried to get to this campground but were blocked by too much snow in the road," Laura M. warns about Stough Reservoir Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Check fire restrictions: Current conditions may limit campfire use. "Check the area sign for fire restrictions or warnings of large animals in the area. Keep your food locked up or hanging in a tree," advises Tom N. about camping at Stough Reservoir.
Prepare for insects: Some equestrian campgrounds experience heavy mosquito activity. "It's a nice spot for a night but plan to stay inside the entire time. When I pulled up people were leaving and told me it's infested with mosquitoes to the point they'd rather go into town and get a hotel for the night," warns Mike W. about Mud Creek Campground.
Bring sufficient water: Many horse campgrounds near Adel lack reliable water sources. "This campground has a vault toilet, a water pump, and a brown water dump site. It has 7 back in camping spots, and there is fishing nearby," notes Edna S. about Fremont National Forest Mud Creek Forest Camp.
Tips from RVers
Watch for low clearance obstacles: Tree branches can damage taller RVs. "I'd also like to add I'm towing a 30 foot TT and my roof was touching the tree branches on the way in. I would not recommend a 5th wheel or anything longer. It's tight. After I got to my next spot I noticed tears on my rubber roof," cautions Mike W. about Mud Creek Campground.
Size restrictions apply: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "I would suggest smaller trailers and Rvs or tent camping. If you need phone or internet service this site is not for you," Edna S. advises about Fremont National Forest Mud Creek Forest Camp.
Consider high clearance vehicles: Some roads to dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "Up a decent gravel road, only about a mile in. A beautiful, small reservoir with about 10 sites. I got the primo site across the water, solo spot with my own pit toilet," describes Greg B. about Stough Reservoir.
