Best Dispersed Camping near Dorena Lake

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Dorena Lake. Dorena Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Dorena Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dorena Lake (18)

    1. Doolittle Butte

    1 Review
    Cottage Grove, OR
    14 miles

    3. Saddle Camp

    1 Review
    Dorena, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 957-3200

    "It's best if you have four wheel drive or all wheel drive. Wouldn't recommend going in the winter months or rainy season. It is a very fun drive though taxing and it is slow going."

    5. Hult Pond

    18 Reviews
    Blachly, OR
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 683-6600

    "There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others."

    "Nice pond to camp near, several campsites to choose from and trails to explore"

    6. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Blue River, OR
    42 miles

    "The coordinates take you to right by the reservoir with one or two spots but if you keep going down the road into the National Forest/Recreation area, (not in towards the reservoir— that road is rough,"

    "The marker on the map is where the information kiosk is. If you follow the road to the right of the reservoir there are some developed campsites/boat launches with a fee (and composting toilets)."

    7. Forest Road 5875

    1 Review
    Oakridge, OR
    32 miles

    "Got into Eugene super late and started the drive down to Crater lake. Wife and I decided the safe thing was to post up for the night and continue on in the morning."

    8. BLM Kentucky Falls Road

    4 Reviews
    Walton, OR
    40 miles

    "Nice pull off dispersed place to camp. Some sketchy people around but availability to get away from people up the road"

    "Good camp location, easy to find. Paved most of the way up."

    9. Lemolo Forebay

    3 Reviews
    Clearwater, OR
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 957-3200

    "Pavement turns to dirt road to get to the sites. Each site has a fire ring and a table. The vault toilet has a trash can and was stocked with TP when we were there but we bring our own."

    "There are only about 6 little sites here and a boat ramp for the little lake. There is one long-drop toilet (no TP) and many sites had picnic tables. I'm not sure if all did, but ours did."

    10. Wright Creek Trailhead

    1 Review
    Idleyld Park, OR
    32 miles
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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dorena Lake

39 Reviews of 18 Dorena Lake Campgrounds


  • Jordie G.
    May. 30, 2023

    Lemolo Forebay

    Beautiful but bring bug spray

    Pavement turns to dirt road to get to the sites. Each site has a fire ring and a table. The vault toilet has a trash can and was stocked with TP when we were there but we bring our own.

    The trails down to the river are loose dirt and steep but we drove to the other side of the river to lounge in the sun.

    Lots of skeeters! Bring your bug spray

  • Hannah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2019

    Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    Free camping beside the reservoir

    Free dispersed roadside camping beside the reservoir. There’s some nice sites off blue river reservoir road and across the dam. Nice lake and a vault toilet with a dumpster in the day use section. Nice basic free spot!

  • j
    Apr. 29, 2021

    Hult Pond

    The wrong sort of nostalgia

    Our weekend at Hult Pond was unforgettable. I know because I have tried.

    Disbursed camp sights sprawl along this man made log pond and nightmarish horror movie set along a footpath seamingly designed to dump its evening travelers into the muck that is Hult Pond. Jagged old logs poke out of the stagnant water as a reminder that someone used to get paid to spend the day here.

     If this doesn’t sound like the most picturesque of settings I would direct you to the strange log loading equipment rusting just on the forbidden side of a gated barbed wire fence. Upon closer inspection you see what must be tetanus’s way of luring barefoot boys and girls into a summer of drooling lockjaw.

    The access road is a still functioning rock quarry road that hosts a never ending parade of old rattling dump trucks and loaders. Nothing says ,”getting away from the hustle and bustle”  quite like a convoy barrelling down a narrow road spilling basketball sized boulders before returning bouncing back up  empty and clearly attempting to meet a quota.

    The whole thing gave me an uneasy sense of nostalgia. Reminding me of the days we would gather by the dozens with red solo cups full of Hams. We would drink ourselves into a vomiting delirium in a parking lot off some old logging road. We would wake up with profanities drawn on our faces as punishment for succumbing to alcohol poisoning sooner than at least one of our classmates. 

    In fact I believe that’s exactly what the 58 kids in the campsite right next to ours we’re doing each night of our trip.

    The girls  learned all sorts of colorful language and I believed, based on the way my ten year old son  was drooling that the tetanus had succeeded. I was not relieved to discover on our final morning, him wreaking of cheap beer and cigarettes and moaning how horrible he felt while proffering his undying love to a high school girl named Tiffany. 

    Not recommended.

  • lauren C.
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    Magic River, Magic Forest

    The coordinates take you to right by the reservoir with one or two spots but if you keep going down the road into the National Forest/Recreation area, (not in towards the reservoir— that road is rough,) there are plenty of spots off the road to camp at. We found a spot to put our tent (right off the road) but still a safe distance away from it and was able to watch and hear this clear blue river while we fell asleep.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Hult Pond

    Secluded Pond Great for a Quick stay

    Great spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.

  • Michelle H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2025

    Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    Dispersed camp sites in NF

    The marker on the map is where the information kiosk is. If you follow the road to the right of the reservoir there are some developed campsites/boat launches with a fee (and composting toilets). Keep driving. This area is freshly burned, but there are still very treed dispersed sites past the more developed ones. Pass the sign for Mona campground but before the bridge and signs that warn about falling rocks. On the left side there are five dispersed sites along the river. There is a small marker "180" at the entry to the turnoff. Beautiful and quiet. Minimal trash that we cleaned up, steep routes to the river. We were there early March, no snow.

  • James S.
    Feb. 21, 2025

    Near Fawn Creek Campground (BLM)

    A Peaceful Escape Near Fawn Creek Campground

    My visit near Fawn Creek Campground in Oregon was a refreshing experience, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. The campground offers a quiet retreat with well-maintained facilities, making it a great spot for nature lovers. With temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer, it’s a beautiful destination year-round. Nearby attractions like Siuslaw National Forest and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area provide plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploration. For families with kids, keeping them entertained is easy whether it’s exploring the outdoors or enjoying Toca Boca games, a fun and creative way for kids to play and imagine. Overall, this area is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a great choice for a weekend getaway!

  • Aaron The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Hult Pond

    Nice pond

    Nice pond to camp near, several campsites to choose from and trails to explore

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Hult Pond

    Great getaway

    If you don’t mind not having service this place is great to just get away from it all. Only a few good spots and they go fast so definitely get there early to get a good spot. Beautiful area and very peaceful. They have a bathroom which is a plus but no trash cans so please whatever you pack in make sure to pack it out. Seeing trash in beautiful places always ruin it a little


Guide to Dorena Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dorena Lake in Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can find solitude and adventure in the great outdoors. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the freedom of camping away from crowded sites.

Dispersed campers should check out Saddle Camp

  • Saddle Camp offers a serene escape with complete quiet and solitude, making it perfect for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
  • Accessing this spot requires a vehicle with four-wheel drive, especially during the winter months, ensuring a thrilling drive through the scenic landscape.
  • Be sure to bring all necessary supplies, as there are no amenities available, including drinking water or firewood.

Top activities while free camping near Dorena Lake

  • At Hult Pond, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for water lovers.
  • The area is known for its beautiful scenery and seclusion, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
  • Keep in mind that the site can get busy, especially on weekends, so planning your visit during the week can enhance your experience.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The BLM Kentucky Falls Road provides a picturesque setting for camping, with opportunities to explore nearby trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • Campers can find nice pull-off spots that allow for a peaceful retreat, although some may encounter a few sketchy characters, so staying vigilant is advised.
  • This location is great for those who want to experience the tranquility of the outdoors while still being close to stunning natural attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dorena Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dorena Lake is Doolittle Butte with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dorena Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Dorena Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.