Camping near Diamond, Oregon, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With stunning landscapes and various campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape into nature.
What to do
- Soak in hot springs: Visit Crane Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. One camper mentioned, "The hot spring is incredible. 24/7 access to the spring and no extra fee (comes with your camping fee)."
- Explore the desert: The Alvord Desert is perfect for stargazing and enjoying the vast open space. A visitor shared, "I've never seen stars so clear. Fall is the best time to visit, but anytime is good if you ask me."
- Hiking adventures: Check out South Steens Campground for access to amazing hiking trails. One reviewer noted, "Basic campsites, but some are very private. Either sides of camp offer amazing longer hikes to gorges coming off the Steens mountain range."
What campers like
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A review for Page Springs Campground states, "Very quiet campground. Enjoyed the tranquility and small creek running near our site. Sites are fairly spaced out but most offer little visual separation from your neighbor."
- Scenic views: Many enjoy the beautiful landscapes. One camper at Alvord Hot Springs said, "Overall the scenery is majestic and is worth the drive out there. 10/10."
- Wildlife sightings: Campers often spot wildlife. A visitor at South Steens Campground mentioned, "We especially enjoyed seeing herds of wild horses, the fall foliage on the quaking aspen, and the hiking trails."
What you should know
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: If you're camping in the summer, be prepared. A camper at Page Springs Campground warned, "Plenty of mosquitoes so bring your spray."
- Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fish Lake Campground, have basic facilities. A review noted, "Clean campsite. Still moderately far from the Steens but not so far."
- Road conditions: Be cautious of the roads leading to some campgrounds. One camper at Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort mentioned, "The 3-mile road coming in is washboard."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A review for Mann Lake Recreation Site mentioned, "I was the only one there for most of the time and it was very peaceful."
- Plan for activities: Bring bikes or games for kids. A family camping at Crane Hot Springs enjoyed, "We could walk a short distance and fish or hike and the kids safely cruised around on their bikes."
- Pack snacks: Some campgrounds, like Alvord Hot Springs, have limited food options. A camper advised, "No food nearby so bring food."
Tips from RVers
- Check for hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Burns RV Park noted, "Spots are gravel, level and easy to access."
- Be mindful of wind: Campers at Alvord Hot Springs warned about strong winds. One said, "Be aware of the wind! Our first night in our teardrop was pretty rocky."
- Plan for early arrivals: Some campgrounds may charge extra for early check-ins. A camper at Crane Hot Springs mentioned, "A few up charges to watch for: $10 per person early arrival charge."
Camping near Diamond, Oregon, offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. With various campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.