Best Dispersed Camping near Central Oregon in Oregon

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Central Oregon, look no further. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Oregon excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Central Oregon, OR (16)

    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed

    1. Painted Hills Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    88 Photos
    728 Saves
    Mitchell, Oregon

    Dispersed camping is allowed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service (USFS) lands without a permit, but it is recommended that campers obtain a map that shows current property boundaries. Please contact the BLM , (541) 573-4400 or (541) 416-6700, or the USFS, (541) 575-3000 or (541) 416-6500, for more information. While camping is not allowed within the three units of the monument, there are many nearby campgrounds. Some have full service amenities, some are quiet and remote, some are in the forest, and some are right on the John Day River.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed

    2. Oregon Badlands Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    50 Photos
    415 Saves
    Bend, Oregon
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gable Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Gable Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain North Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain North Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain North Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain North Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain North Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain North Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    5. Green Mountain North Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    15 Photos
    20 Saves
    Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, Oregon

    This trailhead is the northern access point for Green Mountain OHV Trail (#831) , which happens to be the only OHV trail in the Ochoco National Forest at this time.  The parking area is small and cannot accommodate many or large vehicles, so please plan accordingly when you come. 

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crooked River
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crooked River
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crooked River
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crooked River
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crooked River
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crooked River

    6. Lower Crooked River

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    17 Saves
    Prineville, Oregon

    Along the Chimney Rock segment of Central Oregon's Crooked Wild and Scenic River, Chimney Rock campground offers a relaxing woodland setting amongst Western Juniper trees and beneath massive Columbia River rock formations. Fly-fishing and hiking on the nearby Chimney Rock trail offer day-long recreational fun. Enjoy plenty of easy river access along the adjacent Crooked River Back Country Byway, State Highway 27.

    Know Before You Go:

    Chimney Rock Campground is open year-round and is equipped with 16 campsites and vault toilets. No reservations are accepted; site is first-come, first-served only. Water is available in the campground and an accessible fishing platform is located near the campground entrance. When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles. Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination.

    Point of Interest:

    Check out the campground's namesake butte located prominently above highway 27 opposite the campground. Access to the trailhead is across the highway at the Chimney Rock Trailhead. For a different view, visitors can ride the 18-mile Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway from Prineville to Big Bend Campground. Designated in 2018, this moderate route takes riders from picturesque farms to towering cliffs.ADA Access: Fishing platform and vault toilets are accessible.

      Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area

      7. Priest Hole Recreation Area

      2 Reviews
      15 Photos
      36 Saves
      Mitchell, Oregon
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping

      8. Badlands Rock Camping

      6 Reviews
      6 Photos
      70 Saves
      Bend, Oregon
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Cyrus Horse Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Cyrus Horse Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Cyrus Horse Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Cyrus Horse Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Cyrus Horse Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Cyrus Horse Camp

        10. Cyrus Horse Camp

        3 Reviews
        15 Photos
        25 Saves
        Culver, Oregon

        In 1992 this high desert horse camp was constructed with the help of volunteers amidst the remnants of an old homestead and orchard just a short distance from Haystack Reservoir.The facility is available for horse camping, standard camping, and RV camping opportunities. View a vicinity map here.Learn about Leave No Trace principles for horse camping__AMENITIES:Stock water is dependent on cattle permittee operations/infrastructure and has been removed for the season. Please plan ahead and bring your own water.5 standard campsites8 corrals2 hitching racks1 water trough1 manure pit1 wooden picnic table and 1 combination fire ring/grill per campsite1 vault outhouse for the campground1 informational signboard.Please call the Crooked River National Grasslands Office (541) 416-6640 or Ochoco National Forest Office (541) 416-6500 for more information.Nearby recreation opportunities include:Horseback Riding TrailsHiking TrailsMountain Biking TrailsHunting

        • Phone Service
        • Dispersed
        • Toilets
        • Alcohol
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      Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews in Central Oregon

      52 Reviews of 16 Central Oregon Campgrounds


      • N
        Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
        Nov. 25, 2024

        Oregon Badlands Dispersed

        This was a great place to be nude

        I was nude here for a week in July last year.  Great place to stay and not far from town.  Wasn't too crowded and my neighbors didn't seem to mind.  I had a great time hiking nude on some of the trails as they weren't too crowded.  I'll definitely be back again.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Mayfield Pond Recreation Area
        Sep. 18, 2024

        Mayfield Pond Recreation Area

        Parking spot for a night for me

        Coordinates get to entrance with signs, lots of rocks on this sandy rd. Kinda a wastelandish area for offroading and target practice. A good spot for app like Regrid, as half the pond on NW side is state property. Theres some creepy private property sign but that prob means no boating. Prob better to get here from other side from Bend Rd like at 44.085493,-121.126358 if you have a bike or want to hike in. Some cool rock features to climb. Mainly seems like a place for partying.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
        Sep. 18, 2024

        Badlands Rock Camping

        Cool sandy area with many spots

        A good open area with lots of nice smelling juniper. Theres parking at the few trailheads or off the road. The best spot, with some nice features such as lava rocks, is the 3rd right from the main road. Some folks may be particular about their "spot". No toilet, trash nor water but good trails. About 20 mins into town. Didnt see any snakes but was checking just in case. Prob best for RV or car camping. High desert gets to 40s at night this time of year.

      • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cyrus Horse Camp
        Jul. 17, 2024

        Cyrus Horse Camp

        Nice but Rough Road

        Great secluded dispersed camping. It was obviously meant for folks with horses, but I was the only one there, so there were no horses in sight. The road getting there entailed about 5 miles of bumpy, windy dirt roads. Not totally worth it for a one night stay in a van, but might be for a 4wd car.

        GPS: 44.448114, -121.102884

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
        Jul. 11, 2024

        Badlands Rock Camping

        NO ACCESS as of July 2024 -Completely blocked off to motor vehicles

        Tried to drive in but all entrances were blocked by large rocks and signs that say no motor vehicle access.

        Same with the other entrance a couple miles down the road.

      • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
        Jun. 30, 2024

        Badlands Rock Camping

        Good Option Near Bend

        Basically a gravel/dirt lot about 20 minutes outside of Bend. There's a chance I needed to drive further down the road to find better options. Stayed for two nights - no complaints. Near the road but quiet enough. A solid option for a short stay.

      • Shelby S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
        Jun. 15, 2024

        Painted Hills Dispersed

        Perfect ✨️

        I arrived midday, so I spent the hottest part of the day in my shade tent reading and then in the evening watched the fire under the stars in my hammock. very peaceful, only saw one car drive by the whole time

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
        Jun. 5, 2024

        Painted Hills Dispersed

        It’s what you’d expect

        Stayed here one night. Very windy and very desolate. We were the only ones here. The coordinates take you to a parking lot that does not allow overnight, but you go right past it and across a cattle grade and the campsite is on your right.

      • Clayton S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
        May. 29, 2024

        Oregon Badlands Dispersed

        Not much more than a turnout

        The dirt road that used to be popular, which can be seen on satellite, is now blocked with a sign that says "no vehicle access". That leaves a turnout for the trailhead and a small turnout near the formerly accessible gravel lot. So, expect close neighbors.

      • mThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area
        May. 28, 2024

        Priest Hole Recreation Area

        We have gone here the past 3 years!

        Mostly gravel road, high clearance is not necessary but there are some pretty big holes in the road, made it in a Toyota Corolla just fine but have gone in larger vehicles and tends to be a little less risky.

        Not a ton of camping spots near the water but plenty of open spaces elsewhere. Pretty spaced out if you choose the right spot.

      • Michael F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area
        May. 16, 2024

        Priest Hole Recreation Area

        Great camping right on the John Day River

        Getting to camp you drive into a “canyon”, switch backs most of the way down. The road is bumpy but does not require 4WD or high clearance. Once you get to the bottom of the canyon, the road will pass by a vaulted toilet. You continue down the road and a bunch of campsites pop up that line the river. Great space for big groups, dog friendly, all around great hang!

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
        Apr. 25, 2024

        Badlands Rock Camping

        So many sites to choose from!

        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. The site where we were was surrounded by hills so felt very secluded. Beautiful scenery with lots of juniper trees around! As a heads up service here was pretty spotty but once you find a good area, you can get enough service to hold phone calls.

      • Bree G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
        Mar. 26, 2024

        Oregon Badlands Dispersed

        Isolated but avoid on windy days

        This was a cool spot, you drive in and just park at whatever spot you want. It was not too busy when we went and we arrived later in the day. There are no bathrooms or water so come prepared. It was really windy in the morning and there was lots of dirt in the eyes but otherwise amazing!

      • Kelly H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
        Jan. 6, 2024

        Oregon Badlands Dispersed

        Very convenient and pretty peaceful in early May

        This proved a convenient spot to connect with some friends who were traveling through the area.  In the pouring rain (early May) there were enough mud puddles in the roads that others had recommended here.  So, we stayed a quick overnight in the parking lot to the Badlands Rock trail heads.  No one else there all night and a few hikers came in the next morning.  We took advantage of a nice hike and then walked around other dispersed camping sites along this gravel road.  There were several spots that looked pretty cool including one here:  

        43°57'00.5"N 121°01'02.4"W

        Strictly dry camping.  Likely hot and dusty in the summer with OHV's in the area, but the wide expansive views were lovely!

      • BThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
        Sep. 9, 2023

        Painted Hills Dispersed

        quiet & secluded!

        campsites were super easy to find & best of all..free! it was SO quiet out there, so lovely. just a little drive even from the furthest most campsite to all of the little trails around the painted hills! super lovely place to stay the night if you’re just passing through! :)

      • Christa L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park
        Aug. 26, 2023

        Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park

        Gorgeous views once you get pass the rocks

        The road leading to the edge is a rough drive (Mazda CX-5), but it is absolutely worth the view. It’s not too hot, and while there aren’t many places for tents because of rocks, we were able to hammock no problem.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park
        Aug. 14, 2023

        Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park

        Great spot, high clearance recommended!

        We stayed here for the meteor shower. One other family in the spot, one person came later, saw us, and went somewhere else.

        The drive in, we had to open and close the fence. We are in a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. Drive in was rocky, but we made it (very slowly). Bottomed out a few times.

        The family we met had a Tacoma, had no problem.

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
        Jul. 27, 2023

        Painted Hills Dispersed

        Good For An Overnight

        We stayed at 44.612620,-120.211000 - it seems like that's not the location posted here but I don't know if that's a good site as well so I won't edit the record.

        We stayed here one night when we were visiting the Painted Hills. This is a great spot if you’re visiting the area. It’s easy to get to and plenty of room, and an easy drive to the Painted Hills. There were 4 of us camping here the night we stayed (3 other RVs and one van), and everyone cleared out in the morning. 

        It’s not really a place I’d stay at for more than a night. There is a bunch of dumped garbage and an abandoned car at the end of the loop, but there were plenty of spots and room before you get to that spot. There's some rutted parts of the road when you get off the paved road, just watch for that, especially after rains.

        The area is nice and quiet, you hear the creek and lots of birds. You’re near the road so you do hear cars but it wasn’t bothersome. You hear the creek but really you can’t get to it, it’s very marshy and overgrown and no real path to the water. Verizon had zero cell reception (weboost didn’t help) and ATT had one bar LTE. 

        No amenities here, please pack out your trash and human and dog waste.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
        Jul. 4, 2023

        Painted Hills Dispersed

        Amazing campsite, coordinates NOT correct

        We spent a weekend in June celebrating our anniversary in this stunning location. The Painted Hills are so beautiful. The hikes and trails are so well thought out and maintained. The camp spot that’s described in other reviews is the best we found. The coordinates however are not accurate. Pass the last parking area (Red Scar Knoll trail) on the main road, cross a cattle gate, and it’s on your right. If you have higher ground clearance you can go through the main camping area and take a dirt road just a bit further to a single spot that’s flat and shaded. We rented an off-road teardrop so this was super easy. Here are the correct coordinates to that single spot: 44.637881 -120.296011

      • Liesje B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
        Jun. 25, 2023

        Badlands Rock Camping

        Quite and quite beautiful sunsets and sunrises

        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. If you go down the road, there are some more dispersed camping sites. I parked in the one with no neighbors, and it was sagebrush and desert landscape, sagebrush, etc, with some hills and it was quite beautiful. My only complaint was, and this isn’t much of a complaint, the coyotes woke me up sometime in the night when they were very close to my vehicle and howling. Quite the experience.

      • Dani L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Rock Camping
        May. 24, 2023

        Badlands Rock Camping

        Quick, easy, and beautiful stop

        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. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise and fire in the fire ring with wood another camper had left. The perfect pit stop going into the city!

      • Trevor G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
        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
        Camper-submitted photo from Skull Hollow Dispersed
        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.

      • Ann W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Badlands Dispersed
        Jul. 5, 2022

        Oregon Badlands Dispersed

        Amazing sunsets

        Enjoyed exploring the badlands steps from our camp site. Convenient to many trails. Very quiet and relaxing. Views from camp site were beautiful and the sunsets are breathtaking. Definitely will be coming back again.

      • R
        Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
        Jun. 18, 2022

        Painted Hills Dispersed

        Stream access

        This site is just off of the main road to the Painted Hills area. There are no restrooms or facilities of any type. We had the furthest most spot from the entrance off of the road and had great access to a small stream that we could sit in and cool off.


      Guide to Central Oregon

      Dispersed camping near Central Oregon offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of activities, these spots are perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and beauty.

      Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Central Oregon

      Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

      • The Painted Hills, accessible from Painted Hills Dispersed, offer well-maintained trails and stunning vistas that are perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
      • For those looking to float and relax, the Lower Crooked River provides a refreshing escape with opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
      • The Priest Hole Recreation Area is a great spot for fishing and enjoying the tranquility of the John Day River, making it a favorite among anglers.

      Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Features

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Central Oregon?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Central Oregon is Painted Hills Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Central Oregon?

        TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Central Oregon, with real photos and reviews from campers.