Best Dispersed Camping near Brothers, OR

Dispersed camping opportunities exist on BLM land surrounding Brothers, Oregon, with the Oregon Badlands Wilderness area providing several primitive camping options. Free camping spots are available in designated areas including Oregon Badlands Dispersed, Badlands Rock Camping, and Jasper Point Dispersed. These sites are situated across high desert terrain characterized by ancient lava flows, juniper trees, and expansive views. Most locations offer no amenities and require visitors to be entirely self-sufficient while practicing Leave No Trace principles.

Access roads to dispersed camping areas typically consist of unpaved, rocky surfaces that may present challenges for low-clearance vehicles. The road to Jasper Point Dispersed requires high-clearance vehicles, with multiple reviewers noting they "bottomed out" in standard passenger cars. Several sites along Forest Road 9710 and in the Badlands area provide easier access. Most areas have no facilities, drinking water, or restrooms. Camping is generally limited to 14 days within any 28-day period on BLM lands. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and visitors should check current regulations before travel.

The camping experience varies significantly across the region's dispersed sites. The Oregon Badlands Wilderness offers solitude with occasional distant highway noise. Sites provide excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Campers frequently report wildlife sightings including coyotes. The Jasper Point area delivers panoramic views of Prineville Reservoir but exposes campers to potentially challenging weather conditions. "The weather here is moody," noted one visitor who experienced lightning storms followed by heavy rain. Wind can be problematic in exposed areas, with campers reporting dust storms in the Badlands. "Very windy in the morning and there was lots of dirt in the eyes but otherwise amazing!"

Best Dispersed Sites Near Brothers, Oregon (32)

    1. Oregon Badlands Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    23 miles

    "Nabbed a nice quiet spot about a mile up the dirt road. The fire ring looked like a bottledrop convention, but I quickly "Molly Maided" the site and was back to camping in no time."

    "We loved this spot, it was a perfect place to stay with our camper van. Easy to find in the dark and the roads, paved & dirt, were easy to maneuver."

    2. Badlands Rock Camping

    7 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "My fiancé and I stopped to car camp on our way to Portland. This stop is less than 5 minutes from the freeway yet quite. We had a zoom meeting in the morning and the service was great."

    "This is about 20 minutes east of Bend Oregon. You have a number of options here. Right off the road there is a lot where I saw an RV camped. I’m sure there would be some road noise there."

    3. Jasper Point Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Prineville, OR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "its a nice spot, bit rocky so the places to camp arent super great, but the view is beautiful 10/10. road up here is really tough, definitely want a high clearance vehicle if you wanna go very far along"

    "There is a gate you have to open and close behind you that will look questionable. Do not let this stop your journey but so close the gate behind you."

    4. Lower Crooked River

    1 Review
    Prineville, OR
    25 miles
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    5. FR 9710 Dispersed Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Sunriver, OR
    38 miles

    "Saw a few other campers (a 25ft trailer and a 35ft class A) but it was very quiet and dispersed. My 24ft class C did fine and dirt roads were in good condition."

    "This is a GREAT spot for small and large rigs looking for a boondocking spot near Bend, OR. Big open areas spot semi shade and campfires. Easy access from main road."

    6. BEND FS 4610 Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 383-5300

    "The main red dirt road is gorgeous with various pull offs spaced decently far apart. I saw one or two neighbors to the left and right of our spot but it was far enough that our spot felt private."

    "Dirt road through the forest. Pretty flat but sites were spaced out far enough that you couldn’t really see neighbors. Decent cell service, no complaints!"

    7. Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 383-5300

    "Free for 14 days, state land. Many other trailers and RVs parked throughout. Lots of mountain bikers, plenty of places to ride and also a paved path that runs alongside the road."

    "You need to keep driving on that road to get out of the "no camping" zone. They are doing reclamation in the area right off the highway."

    8. Dispersed Rock Quary

    7 Reviews
    Sunriver, OR
    39 miles

    "Only saw one camper van and a couple people off roading. Seems like a nice enough place to overnight. No signs anywhere."

    "One of the few places near Bend that was actually open for disperse camping in the winter. We stayed in a nice sight just across from the quarry, right by the turn around area."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Brothers, OR

103 Reviews of 32 Brothers Campgrounds


  • Aaron M.
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

    Fine dispersed camping close to town

    Just a forest service road. The area close to the road is closed to camping entirely. I showed up at 1am and missed that part since I'm so used to seeing no campFIRES and was hassled by a local for making their scenic walk less pretty. But if you look at the map posted you just need to be further in from the road - you'll see new signs for 14-day limits. Lots of mountain bikers riding past since there are a ton of trails out here. They also seem to be grumpy about seeing a vehicle parked out here, but oh well. 

    I don't know who is marking this area for services and water and toilets and RV hookups.... it's just a dirt road. However I do get 2-3 bars LTE on AT&T and Verizon even further in where you can camp.

  • Trevor G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2023

    Oregon Badlands Dispersed

    Quiet spot with epic view

    Nabbed a nice quiet spot about a mile up the dirt road. The fire ring looked like a bottledrop convention, but I quickly "Molly Maided" the site and was back to camping in no time. (Leave no trace, peeps!) Snow started to fall early in the evening and through the night. Woke up to single digits, but overall it was a perfect overnight getaway just outside of town.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Skull Hollow Dispersed

    Free and close to Smith Rock!

    If you keep driving on the forest service road past the Skull Hollow campground there are many designated spots to car camp along the road. The road is dirt but 2WD/low clearance is fine. The campground has public, dry toilets near the entrance of the road. Some sites are shaded by juniper trees.

  • Brian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    NF 4610 Roadside Dispersed Camping

    Super close to Bend

    It is in a vast recreation area for off road vehicles. The main road in is gravel and quite smooth. I easily found a site to car camp late at night. It was just 20 minutes from site to Bend. No amenities just a good place to car camp.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Skull Hollow Dispersed

    Skull hollow dispersed

    Great sites off the small dirt roads on the way in. A lot of them have fire pits built. Stayed at a great site last night about 1.5 miles up the road, with a steep right turn off the main road heading west, a great spot on a hill crest. Hugh clearance recommended, but it would prob go in a Prius if you just need a spot to pull over.

  • Rick A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Hole In The Ground

    Bring everything you need

    I camped on the rim of the hole with my daughter. While we had a good time, and there weren't very many other people around, we arrived after June 1 during a dry year, meaning no campfire. The temperature during the day was around 85, and pretty comfortable, but at night it dropped down to around 40. We were pretty cold since we had counted on a campfire. As for the Hole in the Ground, it is pretty cool, and you can walk the trails down into it and back up. Typical high desert semi forested terrain, decent roads, but bring a map, it's a hole, and therefore not visible until you're right up on it. Our map showed the power poles that run nearby, as well as the railroad tracks. We used those to orient ourselves so as to not get lost. There are no services here, so if you need something, you'd better bring it. We liked it, and will return.

  • S
    Apr. 10, 2021

    Dispersed Rock Quary

    Great location, right across from Sunriver

    Only saw one camper van and a couple people off roading. Seems like a nice enough place to overnight. No signs anywhere.

  • Sadie P.
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Oregon Badlands Dispersed

    Rad place to post up

    We loved this spot, it was a perfect place to stay with our camper van. Easy to find in the dark and the roads, paved & dirt, were easy to maneuver. We were pleasantly surprised with the open deserty views when we woke in the morning. Nice and close to Bend, too. Will definitely stay here again.


Guide to Brothers

Dispersed camping near Brothers, Oregon occurs on high desert plateaus at 4,500 feet elevation where day and night temperatures can fluctuate by 40°F even in summer. The volcanic landscape features ancient junipers, some over 1,000 years old, that provide limited natural shade at certain camping areas. Weather patterns create frequent afternoon wind events that campers should prepare for.

What to do

Mountain biking excursions: Forest Road 4610 Dispersed camping areas connect to extensive trail networks popular among mountain bikers. "Extensive mountain biking trials throughout as well," notes one visitor to BEND FS 4610 Dispersed. The trails range from beginner to advanced with most accessible from May through October depending on conditions.

Night sky viewing: The area's minimal light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. A camper at Jasper Point Dispersed shared, "This spot is great for watching a meteor shower, gets a little windy and not too much shade during the day." Plan stargazing during new moon phases for optimal viewing of the Milky Way.

Off-roading: Multiple dispersed camping areas accommodate different vehicle capabilities. "It's big and open and was really quiet. Great views of the stars on a clear night. But apparently people come here to shoot, so just keep that in mind," reports a visitor to Dispersed Rock Quary. Check road conditions before attempting access with standard vehicles.

What campers like

Proximity to Bend services: Several camping areas provide convenient access to Bend while maintaining a wilderness feel. "Perfect place to sleep if you're looking to explore downtown bend - only about a 10 minute drive out of town," explains a camper at Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping.

Secluded sites away from crowds: Many dispersed camping options offer privacy despite proximity to roads. At Badlands Rock Camping, a visitor reported, "The site where we were was surrounded by hills so felt very secluded. Beautiful scenery with lots of juniper trees around!" Cell service varies significantly across camping areas.

Water recreation opportunities: Lower Crooked River provides water activities within reach of several camping areas. "The river isn't the Metolius, but refreshing and fun for a float. So lovely and hot! We escaped the coast for sun and got it," explains a camper from Lower Crooked River. Summer temperatures frequently reach 85-90°F during daytime hours.

What you should know

Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads demand appropriate vehicles. At FR 9710 Dispersed Roadside Camping, one camper noted, "Not too hard to find, just turn where the map app tells you onto this gravel road, it turns into dirt and looks a bit tweakerish at the beginning but it's alright." Always check recent road conditions before attempting access.

Shifting access conditions: Area closures happen periodically and may not appear on maps. "Supposedly there are 2 areas you can camp - a parking lot and various spots down the dirt path. Well, the dirt path had a gate up and was closed," reported a visitor at Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120. Call the Prineville BLM office at 541-416-6700 for current status information.

Dust management: The volcanic soil creates significant dust challenges. "Super super dusty. It just gets all over everything. Spent an extra hour packing up just to wipe things down," warned a camper at FS 4610 Dispersed. Bring dust covers for sensitive equipment and consider camping farther from main access roads.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection strategies: Choose locations with natural barriers for child safety. "Took some trial and error to find a spot here, I recommend turning where all the large piles of gravel are to find a spot," shared a visitor to Oregon Badlands Dispersed. Look for established fire rings as indicators of suitable camping locations.

Wildlife observation opportunities: Dawn and dusk bring active wildlife periods. "Quiet, coyotes and stars!" mentioned a camper at Oregon Badlands Dispersed. Pack binoculars for spotting birds of prey and ensure children understand appropriate wildlife distance protocols.

Weather preparedness: Temperature swings require versatile clothing options. "I was sure equipment was being ripped off the top of our RV roof much of the night, and there were periods of intense dust storms while we were there," warned a family at Oregon Badlands Dispersed. Bring extra tent stakes and shelter securing methods.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility assessment: Check road conditions before attempting access with larger rigs. "Great off site location. Brought my fifth wheel and it was great," notes a camper at Dispersed Rock Quary. Most sites accommodate vehicles under 30 feet, but turning radius limitations exist at many locations.

Generator considerations: Noise pollution affects surrounding campers in the open terrain. "Only reason got 4 stars was someone was running their generator all night," complained a visitor at FR 4610 Dispersed. Follow standard generator etiquette with operation only between 8am-8pm and position exhaust away from neighboring sites.

Extended stay preparations: Several areas permit 14-day stays but require complete self-sufficiency. "Free for 14 days, state land. Many other trailers and RVs parked throughout," reports a camper at Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120. Pack additional water storage options as summer temperatures accelerate consumption needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Brothers, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Brothers, OR is Oregon Badlands Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Brothers, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Brothers, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.