Best Tent Camping near Butte Falls, OR

Tent campgrounds around Butte Falls, Oregon provide access to several primitive camping opportunities nestled within the Rogue River National Forest. Notable tent sites include the USFS Rogue River Dispersed camping areas where tent campers can choose from both drive-in and walk-in sites, and Mill Creek Campground which offers established tent sites along a picturesque creek. Many locations sit at higher elevations, providing both cooler temperatures and excellent views of surrounding mountains including Mount Shasta on clearer days.

Forest Service tent campgrounds in this region typically offer basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Most sites feature dirt or gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables, though some dispersed areas have minimal improvements. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Mill Creek and Mount Ashland, but dispersed tent sites lack facilities entirely. Campers should pack adequate water supplies as drinking water is unavailable at most locations. The camping season generally runs May through October, with higher elevation sites often inaccessible until snowmelt completes. Standard Forest Service regulations permit stays up to 14 days within a 30-day period at most locations.

Walk-in tent sites at locations like Mount Ashland Campground provide more secluded experiences than vehicle-accessible areas. The terrain varies from relatively flat forest floors to more rugged settings that require careful tent placement. Many sites offer natural shade from the surrounding pine and fir trees, providing welcome relief during summer months. Creek-side campsites at Mill Creek are particularly sought after for their ambient sounds and proximity to water. According to one review, "Sites alongside Mills Creek are really pretty and they stock the creek with trout for good fishing." Seasonal considerations significantly impact the tent camping experience, with some visitors noting that "high elevation and strong winds" can make for challenging conditions outside the prime summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Butte Falls, Oregon (51)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Butte Falls, OR

813 Reviews of 51 Butte Falls Campgrounds


  • Tanya B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Annie Creek Sno-Park

    Fine for a night

    We spent a full day exploring Crater Lake and needed a place to stay for the night.  Since the campgrounds within the national park were closed for the season, we searched The Dyrt for a nearby place to set up camp before dark, and found nearby Annie Creek Sno-Park. It's a big parking lot with a vault toilet, a warming station with indoor picnic benches and a few fire rings outside.  There are also a few spots down by the creek, which might be fine for tent camping, but not suitable for larger vehicles.  There were several other campers when we stayed in early October, and we enjoyed watching shooting stars and roasting marshmallows together around a campfire.  Convenient location and perfectly fine for a night.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Annie Creek Sno-Park

    Peaceful Camping Near Crater Lake National Park

    This campground is an excellent choice for an overnight stay when visiting Crater Lake National Park. The sites offer flat ground, making it easy to set up a tent. Although it is close to the road, it is secluded enough to provide a peaceful night's sleep. Be aware that during our visit, we encountered many hungry and persistent mosquitoes, so I highly recommend bringing insect repellent and other mosquito-prevention measures.

    The tent sites can be found by following an unpaved road downhill from the large parking lot. There are two basic restrooms located at the entrance, but there is no potable water available, so be sure to bring your own. If you don't use the entry restrooms, please practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the area clean and natural. The proximity to Crater Lake allows for convenient early morning starts to explore the park. Overall, it's a great spot for both solo travelers and families looking for a comfortable camping experience.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Aspen Point (lake of The Woods, Or)

    Okay for a day or two

    There are no hookups - no electricity, no water , no dump station at sites. There appears to be a water pipe? I’m not sure… but no faucet near the site. Beautiful surroundings, we even saw several mule deer.

  • DuBois The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Wolf Creek Park

    Nice established spot but pricy

    Nice flat sites would be good for small rigs, you can put your tent behind or next to the rv spot/table because the tent stakes aren’t gonna go in on the main part of the pad where everyone has been putting their campers (found out the hard way, lots of rocks and roots lol). Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet with tissue. No running water. Was $25 a night for a tent spot in July which is pretty high for this area considering no water. Close to freeway but was quiet.

  • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Mazama Village Campground — Crater Lake National Park

    Great Location

    This campground is in the Park near Crater Lake.  It's forested which offers good shade and privacy.  There are picnic tables, bear boxes and trash cans.  Good access to hiking and to Crater Lake viewing and activities.

  • A
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Ochoco NF-Ochoco West - Prineville Area

    Great Place

    This is a great place.  The cabin is vintage and takes you back in time.  It was clean and comfortable.  The out house was very clean.  There is no water so you need to bring your own.  The Fridge and stove worked really well, we did have issues trying to get the lights to work.  But we had lanterns so it was not a problem.  We were visited by some cattle that were grazing near by.  Bring your own cleaning supplies and bedding.  The beds are full size with trundles under neath, there are two of them.  There is a small table with chairs in the kitchen.  There  is a picnic table and fire ring outside as well.

  • Natasha H.
    Sep. 10, 2016

    Willow lake

    Wilderness Camping with the basics - A hidden Gem

    What a fantastic lake! Secluded in the mountain back country of the Southern Oregon area - not far from Medford / Grants Pass / Siskiyou National Forest / Crater Lake

    Great boating lake for water sports, good fishing, excellent hiking and great campsites and in nearby campgrounds not listed on The Dyrt yet, you can get some really secluded sites that are just beautiful... but do not expect more than an outhouse and a spigot, a picnic table (maybe a bear box?) and fire-ring- which to me is PHENOMENAL camping. Fresh water, a bathroom and nature. Works!

    The Willow Lake County Park offers more amenities though and great wilderness. Its a beautiful little gem and gets amazing weather- from warm and sunny to random rainy thunderstorms that do not last long. Truly God-sent sunsets and sunrises.

    Great place to make some wonderful memories with streams, creeks, the lake, the forested areas, trails, canyons, fishing, hiking, canoeing and more.

  • Michael L.
    May. 30, 2018

    Diamond Lake

    Outstanding Campground

    We stayed at this campground over Memorial Day weekend in a C loop single site, and there was no disappointment! The mosquitos were fairly tame, the water was pure and clean, other campers kept quiet and to themselves, and the facilities were above our expectations for a state-run campground. No shortage of large, flat spaces of soft ground in campsites all ready for tents. Only a two minute drive from the resort and store!

  • L
    Aug. 27, 2020

    Mazama Village Campground — Crater Lake National Park

    Super convenient to exploring Crater Lake!

    Best convenient option for camping and exploring Crater Lake. Biggest complaint would be how close together the sites are. Successfully got lucky with FCFS - arriving Friday at 1pm.  All sites have picnic tables, fire ring, bear box. Mazama store also convenient for any last-minute needs. Unfortunately it was kind of rowdy for us on Saturday night, due to some partyers next door. Annual national park pass gets you 50% nightly camping rate.


Guide to Butte Falls

Dispersed camping near Butte Falls, Oregon offers remote sites across Rogue River National Forest at elevations between 2,500-6,000 feet. Most primitive camping options remain accessible from late spring through mid-autumn, with forest roads typically clear of snow by May. Weather can change rapidly in this mountainous region, with temperature drops of 20+ degrees common after sunset even during summer months.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: USFS Rogue River Dispersed camping provides access to trout fishing along the Rogue River. "We took a right and found multiple sites to pull into right off the main forest service road... if you're into fishing the Rogue River is very close," notes one USFS Rogue River Dispersed camper.

Hiking access: Camping at Mount Ashland puts you near multiple trails including the Pacific Crest Trail. "The PCT runs near here so it is a place for thru hikers to stay," explains a Mount Ashland visitor. Trails range from moderate day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at primitive sites often yield wildlife sightings. One camper at Mount Ashland Campground reported: "Had deer running around while I was setting up the tent." Dawn and dusk provide best viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

What campers like

High elevation cooling: Summer heat relief comes from camping at higher elevations. "The cooler temperatures are great," notes a Mount Ashland camper about the climate advantages. Sites above 5,000 feet can be 15-20 degrees cooler than valley locations during hot summer months.

Stargazing: Clear mountain air provides exceptional night sky viewing. A Mill Creek Campground visitor shared: "It was beautiful being immersed in the forest right along the creek." Many dispersed sites offer unobstructed sky views away from light pollution.

Solitude: Primitive sites offer privacy and quiet compared to developed campgrounds. "We were the only ones using this site in mid October, it was beautiful," mentions a Mill Creek camper. Weekday camping, especially in shoulder seasons, provides the best chance for solitary experiences.

What you should know

Water availability: Most dispersed camping areas lack potable water. A Parker Meadows review states it offers "Primitive camping, needs maintenance, but wild and close to wilderness trails." Always bring sufficient water or water filtration equipment.

Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require careful driving. "Title refers to the potholes. Lots of potholes!" warns one USFS Rogue River Dispersed camper. High-clearance vehicles perform better on the unpaved forest roads leading to remote sites.

Temperature fluctuations: Be prepared for dramatic temperature drops. "It is WINDY and I mean, drops 20 degrees windy, rocks the van windy," cautions a Mount Ashland visitor. Pack layers regardless of season as mountain weather changes quickly.

Tips for camping with families

Creek-adjacent sites: Camping near water features engages children. Mill Creek Campground offers stream-side sites where kids can explore safely. "Each spot had a picnic table and fire pit, with a good amount of flat space for a tent or vehicle," notes a visitor to Mill Creek Campground.

Easier access options: With children, consider sites with minimal hiking. "If you are looking just for a quick site to get in and out of, this is it," recommends a USFS Rogue River Dispersed camper about certain drive-up spots suitable for families with small children.

Wildlife education: Turn animal encounters into learning opportunities. A camper at Willow-Witt Ranch mentioned unique wildlife interactions suitable for children's education. Many sites have interpretive materials available during peak season.

Tips for RVers

Size restrictions: Larger rigs face limitations at most primitive sites. "The place to park for vehicles is far from level. Even with camper jacks I was sleeping at an angle," warns a Jim Creek Group Campground visitor. Most dispersed sites accommodate vehicles under 25 feet best.

Leveling challenges: Bring leveling equipment for uneven parking. "RVs or trailers would have a hard time finding a spot that would fit them, though we saw one or two that a small rig could squeeze into," notes a camper describing Mount Ashland's terrain limitations.

Turnaround space: Scout ahead before committing to narrow forest roads. "It is advisable to walk up the road to assess to see if your rig has a space or will even fit," suggests a Mount Ashland visitor. Many forest roads lack adequate turnaround space for larger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Butte Falls, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Butte Falls, OR is Mill Creek Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Butte Falls, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 51 tent camping locations near Butte Falls, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.