The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Burns, OR

10 Reviews

Dispersed camping is available throughout the public lands surrounding Burns, Oregon. The area includes several primitive campsite options managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with Sagehen Hill Road being the most reviewed location. This site is located approximately 4 miles up a gravel road off Highway 20, offering campers multiple pullout areas for overnight stays. Other options include Stinking Water Pass and Glass Buttes near Riley, though these have fewer established sites. The region consists primarily of high desert terrain with some wooded areas providing natural shade and windbreaks.

Access roads to dispersed campsites vary from improved gravel to rough dirt tracks. Sagehen Hill Road features a gravel surface with some washboard sections but remains passable for most vehicles. Several campsites can be found within the first 3-4 miles, both in wooded areas and open terrain. No drinking water, toilets, or other amenities are available at any of these locations, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during summer months when fire danger is high. Cell service is reported at some locations, with one camper noting "3 bars on T-mobile" at Sagehen Hill Road.

The dispersed camping experience near Burns provides solitude and immersion in Oregon's high desert landscape. Most sites feature level areas suitable for tents or small to medium-sized vehicles. Wildflowers bloom seasonally, creating scenic surroundings at certain times of year. Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, and the distance from highways generally ensures quiet camping conditions. According to camper reviews, Sagehen Hill Road sites offer "0 road noise" and visitors often "wake up to wildflowers and birdsong." The primitive nature of these sites appeals to self-sufficient campers seeking basic, no-fee camping options in natural settings without crowds. Weather conditions can be extreme, with one review noting overnight temperatures cold enough to "freeze a water bottle" in a tent.

Map showing campgrounds near Burns, OregonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Burns, Oregon (4)

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Burns Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Burns, OR

1 Photos of 4 Burns Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Burns, OR

10 Reviews of 4 Burns Campgrounds

  • d
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping

    Not a campground

    This place is on private property and has gates all around the area. Maybe it was once a campground but surely not anymore.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Sagehen Hill Road

    Quiet, peaceful

    Primitive camp. Nice views, pull in is flat enough, and there is 0 road noise.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Sagehen Hill Road

    High Desert Peace

    We came out in the dark, so didn’t get a prime spot. There are several areas to camp. We passed 2 other campers in our way in. There is a place to camp on the left, in the trees before the gps coordinates and many beyond the coordinates.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 3, 2025

    Sagehen Hill Road

    Great spot close to highway

    Stayed at a sweet little spot amongst some trees at the first campsite we came up on (about 4 miles up a gravel road). No water sources around, but if you have supplies you’re set. Great spot for dogs too. Lots of wild flowers and plenty of area to explore

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Stinking Water Pass

    Okay place for a night

    I don't know about the pass but took to turn off and proceeded down the road to the first set of trees off the road. Ther e are driveways among the trees that will allow small to medium vehicles. There's an open field (with plenty of rocks and boulders-not for driving on) that affords a view to the northeast. It is hot here now, 90s to 100.

  • Thomas B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping

    Up in the woods

    We ended up at this spot after finding roads closed by snow farther up the hill. It had plenty of fairly flat ground for our 26” skoolie. There was a fire ring, but we didn’t use. It got very cold at night. We were fine in our bus, but our traveling partner had his water bottle freeze in his tent. It’s a bit of an uphill drive off 15, but it’s a pretty good gravel road. There was a fair amount of litter from what looked like a hunting group when we arrived, but we took it with us.

  • C
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping

    Tucked away

    Lots of cows… funniest thing ever! One woke me up when it was sniffing at the tents rain cover! Good little tucked away site with spring water, fire pits and lots of empty space for my truck. Make sure to stop at the sign, we went about 2-3 extra miles looking before we came back lol

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2023

    Sagehen Hill Road

    Great spot for a night or two

    Gravel road in with some washboard but not bad. Level spots around some with trees.

  • J
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Sagehen Hill Road

    Quick access

    My husband and I checked it out to see if it could be a good place to stop for the night while we are traveling and found it to be a perfect for that. It’s far enough off the road but not to far to get on and off HWY 20.

Guide to Burns

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Burns, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom to set up camp in stunning landscapes while taking advantage of the unique features each area offers.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Burns, Oregon

  • Make sure to bring your own water and firewood, as locations like Sagehen Hill Road do not provide these amenities.

Scenic views while free camping near Burns

  • For breathtaking views, consider Stinking Water Pass, where you can find open fields that offer a picturesque northeast vista.

Wildlife encounters for dispersed campers

  • If you're lucky, you might spot some local wildlife at Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping, where cows roam freely and add a unique charm to your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What regulations should I know about for dispersed camping around Burns?

When dispersed camping around Burns, always verify land ownership before setting up camp. Some areas that appear to be public land may actually be private property with gates and restricted access. For legitimate dispersed camping, follow standard Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, stay no longer than 14 days in a 28-day period, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, so check current conditions before making a campfire. Many dispersed sites like those along Sagehen Hill Road don't have water sources, so bring all necessary supplies. Pack out all trash and waste. Most areas require self-containment for RVs as there are no dump stations or hookups available in these primitive camping locations.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Burns, Oregon?

Sagehen Hill Road offers excellent free dispersed camping options with several areas to set up camp. Located off Highway 20, it's accessible via a gravel road with some washboard sections, but generally passable for most vehicles. Campsites can be found throughout the area, with some spots available among trees about 4 miles up the road. For another option, check out Stinking Water Pass, which has driveways among trees suitable for small to medium vehicles and an open field area with views. Both locations provide flat spots for camping and are located far enough from main roads to avoid traffic noise.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Burns, Oregon?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most pleasant conditions for dispersed camping near Burns. May brings wildflowers and birdsong to areas like Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping, though nights can still be quite cold. Summer provides reliable weather, but prepare for potentially hot daytime temperatures. Be aware that winter camping is challenging, as temperatures can drop below freezing even in spring and fall—campers have reported water bottles freezing in tents during colder months. Higher elevation sites may have snow-closed roads in winter and early spring, limiting access. The Glass Buttes area is generally more accessible year-round due to its lower elevation position.

Keep Exploring