23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Diamond, Oregon range from established campgrounds with RV hookups to primitive desert sites, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Mann Lake Recreation Site offers basic tent and RV camping near Diamond with vault toilets but no drinking water. Within a 30-mile radius, additional options include Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort with cabin accommodations, Alvord Hot Springs with glamping options, and dispersed camping on the Alvord Desert playa. The region includes several campgrounds that support both traditional tent camping and larger recreational vehicles.
The high desert climate demands careful preparation, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F and winter nights dropping well below freezing. Access to many sites requires traveling unpaved roads that can become impassable during wet weather. As one visitor noted, "Be very careful about the weather. In my case, it rained in another part of the desert and because it is so flat, the water actually blew much closer to my camping location than I thought possible." Seasonal conditions significantly impact camping experiences, with most campgrounds operating from June through November. The Alvord Desert playa, while offering unique camping opportunities, becomes dangerous when wet, as clay silt can immobilize vehicles. Cell service remains limited throughout the region, making advance planning essential.
The dramatic landscapes surrounding Diamond draw campers seeking solitude and unique natural features. Star viewing receives consistent praise in reviews, with one camper describing the Alvord Desert as a "bowl of stars" offering "quietude, endless stars and a hot spring." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, especially for birders visiting during spring migrations near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views of Steens Mountain. While amenities are limited at most sites, several campgrounds feature hot springs access, which provides welcome relief after desert exploration. Visitors consistently recommend fall as the optimal season for comfortable temperatures and clear night skies in this remote corner of southeastern Oregon.
"We had 4 families with kids and all managed to find great sites adjacent to one another. We could walk a short distance and fish or hike and the kids safely cruised around on their bikes."
"If you are in Eastern Oregon, exploring the Steens, Hart Mountain, or the dessert, Page Springs is the perfect place to land for day trips."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"This private campground is more in line with an Oregon State Park than most private campgrounds. Pull through spots for RV/trailers, green grass for tents, and cabins."
"Nice, well maintained location with the normal amenities you'd expect from a fairly remote RV resort location. "
"The gravel lot is very close to both the camp kitchen and pond where you can soak. Saw people camping in a tent in the lot as well. There are also fire rings in the gravel lot and trash cans."
"We’ve driven through the vast remoteness of SE Oregon dozens of times, but always on the way somewhere else. We stayed for two nights and finally understand the compelling beauty of wide open spaces."
"Overall, if you like to hangout next to a small lake and stay up high, it’s a nice spot."
"Close to kiger gorge. Clean bathrooms. Wasnt full at 7pm on a saturday. Nice views of the lake. Bees in site 2-avoid"
"Went in the begin of May, (during COVID) several RV parked around. Very easy to keep social distance."
"I was happy to be able to break up the drive on the dirt road with a stay at this campground. I was the only one there for most of the time and it was very peaceful."
"Steens Mountain Loop Rd closed at the campground entrance."
"No campfires are allowed in the fall but what we do to stay warm outside is we have a small wood stove that works great to cook on as well."
"General: To say there are not many choices to camp around here would be an understatement! Fortunately, our stay turned out to be decent."
"Way too hot outside. Checked in on a day they were closed so the only signs of life we saw were the people who live here full time. Most sites are 30 amp."
"Close to steens mtn and wildhorse lake hike. Clean bathroom, 6 sites. Only negative was hunting season and all of the atv's zooming around."
"And this got us access to the hot springs... no brained. It was also super nice to have a heater.. while this is a dessert, the winters are so cold."
"He gave us some info on the nearby Pikes Creek trail and we were off. We came back after a 6 mile hike and soaked in the springs."
from $50 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Visiting the Alvord Desert Campground is a must in Eastern Oregon. "
"In my case, it rained in another part of the desert and because it is so flat, the water actually blew much closer to my camping location than I thought possible."
from $5 / night
Check Availability
GuideDrive out and camp miles from anybody on this 80 sq/mi dry lakebed. The surface is hard, very little dust and you can camp miles from anybody if you choose. When. Drive out on the lake, resist pulling up short and keep driving. You’ll be fine.
GuideGreat little place to stop for the night.
TravelerQuiet, out of the way campground. Spaces are close, but adequate. Mgr is very pleasant and helpful. Restaurant was closed while we were there. Laundry is small with 2 washers and 2 dryers. Lots of birds around! Very enjoyable!
GuideI can't begin to describe the beauty of this place. A dry lakebed desert with the Steens Mountain rising thousands of feet straight up from it, where the peaks were still capped with snow. I drove from the Frog Springs public entrance 2.5 miles in which put me only halfway across. The illusions are wild. I did a run and also a bunch of fun ebiking and when you get away from your vehicle far enough you can both lose sight of it, and also still see it from miles away. The heat mirage is super cool as well.
I went alone and have never been in such silence. No people around. There was one or two other campers in the whole thing and they were miles away. No bird sounds or tree sounds or signs of life through sound. Wild.
I went in April which is risky because you don't go out there if it rains. Everything was dry and no rain in the forecast. On one of my bike rides I went up to the hot springs area and it was still wet up there and yes, the mud stopped my bike in its tracks.
GuideOverall great clean RV and camoing with friendly staff. The hot springs pond is very well setup - large with a waterfall and benches all the way around. Very nice facility. The campground itself was fine - nothing special like large parking lots. A bit overpriced and the one shower I took at 11am was not hot. Otherwise all good. Comment in description about the road there is wrong. All roads were smoothly paved and flat. I had a great bike ride from the campground.
TravelerLimited pull through for large trailers. Many sites will require some leveling. Good water. No power. Beautiful setting. Mosquitos just started hatching yesterday and become ferocious soon, I hear.
GuideHad an amazing overnight at crane hot springs. We parked in the gravel overflow lot, because it was the cheapest option for two people and a dog. $38, which includes admission to the springs and use of kitchen, common area, showers, bathrooms, and off leash dog area. The gravel lot is very close to both the camp kitchen and pond where you can soak. Saw people camping in a tent in the lot as well. There are also fire rings in the gravel lot and trash cans. The entrance to the nature trail is at the end of the lot. The spring itself is amazing, and you can use it after dark. New facility recently built with heated floors for the bathroom and shower. There is a variety of lodging options including RV hookups, but the lot was perfect for us to have access to the springs, shower, and kitchen as we passed through the area.
GuideWe called the number (owner’s personal cell) to make an overnight reservation on our way East. When we arrive Cathi personally greeted us, was incredibly nice, and gave us the run-down. The sites were pretty close to each other for us, but they were pull-thru and it was fine for an overnight. The grounds were pretty with lawns and flowers. The flush bathrooms/showers were clean. Each site had a nice picnic table. There were no fires allowed but not sure if that was seasonal or not. Also in walking distance to a little store and an easy drive to a grocery store. Would definitely stay here again for an overnight! Cathi is doing a great job with this place :)
ScoutDefinitely worth the stop for the hot springs alone. The spots to park up are simple, all next to each other, but nicer than a lot of similar stop offs we’ve stayed at, and spaces are pull through which is nice. I wouldn’t consider it a destination, as everyone is parked up right next to each other, but as a stop over the hot springs were amazing, and the staff was very friendly. We’ll stay again next time we drive this route.
Primitive campsites near Diamond, Oregon range from 4,100 to 8,000 feet elevation across high desert terrain. The region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations with summer highs above 90°F and winter lows well below freezing. Most camping areas remain open from late spring through fall, with many roads becoming impassable during winter months due to snow at higher elevations and mud at lower elevations.
Hiking nearby gorges: South Steens Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the dramatic canyons. "We headed to South Steens as a basecamp for some of the longer hikes. We hiked the trail behind the campsites through a beautiful canyon. We saw snakes and fly fishers doing their things," notes one camper at Page Springs Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the region, especially at lower elevations. "This is one of our favorite campgrounds. The location is near the refuge and Steen Mountain recreation area," shares a visitor at Page Springs Campground. Another camper reports: "We spent time at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and saw more birds than I can count. We even saw a beaver."
Hot springs soaking: Several developed hot springs provide welcome relief from desert exploration. At Crane Hot Springs, visitors appreciate the accessibility: "The hot springs are open 24/7 which is nice. There is a nice changing room/restroom." The facilities offer both natural pools and private soaking options.
Night sky viewing: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing conditions. "The skies were clear and I was able to get a glimpse of the meteor shower. I've never seen stars like that it was really nice," shares a visitor at South Steens Campground. The minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. "The sites are spacious and far apart for privacy. Most sites have trees usually willow for shade," notes a camper at Page Springs. Another adds: "The sites we big and each one unique. It felt like each had its own lawn where you had plenty of room to throw a football around."
Solitude and quiet: Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere. "Very quiet campground. Enjoyed the tranquility and small creek running near our site," reports a visitor at Page Springs Campground. The remote location ensures minimal crowds even during peak season.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. "Only marked it down a star because the road in is very washboarded," notes one camper at Page Springs. At Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort, visitors face similar challenges: "You will want to go slow. I recommend entering through the Alvord Hot Springs. Their entrance is much better than the Frog Spring entrance, which is very rough and not well maintained."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme, even within a single day. "Camped late Early October nights dipped into 20s, pretty crisp for tent camping, but days were in 60s," reports a Page Springs visitor. Strong winds can also impact camping experiences: "Be aware of the wind! Our first night in our teardrop was pretty rocky. Almost lost our awning because the gusts were at or above 60mph."
Limited services: Most campgrounds offer minimal facilities. "Pit toilets are clean and there are a few places to get water but other than that there are no hookups," notes a Page Springs reviewer. Plan to bring all necessary supplies as stores are limited and often distant.
Shoulder season visits: For families with children, early fall provides more comfortable temperatures. "We were on a spring break road trip and camped here to break up the day. We had 4 families with kids and all managed to find great sites adjacent to one another," shares a camper at Page Springs Campground. They add: "We could walk a short distance and fish or hike and the kids safely cruised around on their bikes."
Wildlife safety: Deer and other wildlife frequently enter campgrounds. "Deer can be pests as they wander the campground at will," notes one Page Springs visitor. Keep food secured and teach children about maintaining safe distances from all wildlife.
Insect protection: Mosquitoes can be abundant, particularly near water sources. "Bring bug spray, now $16 a night. Great little spot at the start of the Steens Mountain loop. Plenty of mosquitoes so bring your spray," advises a Page Springs camper.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites remain limited throughout the region. "Electric, water, sewer at all RV sites. All sites are pull thru....some are not totally level and/or rocky," reports a visitor to Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort. Many RV parks only offer partial hookups or dry camping.
Site selection: For RVers concerned about wind, proper orientation matters. "We talked to the staff and they said to orient the trailer front towards the mountains. It seriously helped a lot," reports a camper at Alvord Hot Springs. Positioning your RV to minimize wind exposure can significantly improve comfort.
Size restrictions: Many forest service and BLM campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. "Sites are large enough for the bigger RVs," notes a Page Springs visitor, but adds that access roads can be challenging. Most primitive sites have length limitations under 30 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Diamond, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Diamond, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 23 campgrounds and RV parks near Diamond, OR and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Diamond, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Diamond, OR is Page Springs Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Diamond, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Diamond, OR.
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