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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
