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Best Dispersed Camping near Dorena, OR

45 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Dorena, Oregon, with several primitive sites available on public lands. Saddle Camp offers secluded forest camping with drive-in access but no amenities. Mineral Camp Campground and Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping provide additional free options for self-sufficient campers. According to reviews, Blue River Reservoir sites are particularly popular, with one camper noting, "Free dispersed roadside camping beside the reservoir. There's some nice sites off blue river reservoir road and across the dam."

Most dispersed sites in this region require complete self-sufficiency. No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities exist at Saddle Camp or Mineral Camp. Vault toilets can be found at Hult Pond and Lemolo Forebay, though toilet paper is not guaranteed. Campers report significant mosquito activity during summer months. "Lots of skeeters! Bring your bug spray," warns one Lemolo Forebay visitor. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent throughout the area, making advance planning essential.

Road conditions vary significantly by location and season. Many access roads transition from pavement to dirt or gravel. Saddle Camp requires four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles, especially during wet conditions. Several sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though large rigs may have difficulty navigating narrow forest roads. Fire regulations change seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. When permitted, fires must remain within established fire rings. The Forest Service and BLM strictly enforce these regulations to prevent wildfires.

Weekends typically see higher visitation, particularly at water-adjacent sites like Blue River Reservoir and Hult Pond. For greater solitude, visit midweek or explore more remote options like Wright Creek Trailhead or Forest Road 5875. Pack out all trash and prepare for primitive conditions with appropriate gear and supplies.

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Detours Nearby

Royal Heart Hill

Royal Heart Hill

41 min away

Musick Guard Station

Musick Guard Station

1 hr 13 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Dorena, Oregon (18)

    1. Saddle Camp

    1 Review
    Dorena, OR
    15 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."

    2. Doolittle Butte

    1 Review
    Cottage Grove, OR
    15 miles

    3. Mineral Camp Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Dorena, OR
    12 miles

    4. Hult Pond

    18 Reviews
    Blachly, OR
    48 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"

    5. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Blue River, OR
    43 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)."

    6. Forest Road 5875

    1 Review
    Oakridge, OR
    29 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."

    7. Wright Creek Trailhead

    1 Review
    Idleyld Park, OR
    28 miles

    8. Lemolo Forebay

    3 Reviews
    Clearwater, OR
    37 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."

    9. BLM Kentucky Falls Road

    4 Reviews
    Walton, OR
    44 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."

    10. Salt Creek Sno-Park

    1 Review
    Oakridge, OR
    38 miles

    "Snow was pushed back and the lot is a circle around the toilets. 1 other car there but no one was in it so they may have been camping in the forest."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dorena, OR

45 Photos of 18 Dorena Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dorena, OR

45 Reviews of 18 Dorena 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.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    NF 2612 Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for self-contained campers and trailers

    Beautiful location near several Lakes and large fields with plenty of level camping and fire pits although fires are not currently allowed. There are no facilities here but there is a garbage can that someone placed but I would be hesitant to put food in it because of Wildlife. Very peaceful and quiet location full of birds.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2023

    NF 2612 Dispersed Camping

    Good open area dispersed camping

    We picked this dispersed camping near Lemolo Lake since it was an open area that we could run our Starlink. There was also some cell service. Lemolo lake also has several Campgrounds to choose from if you want to pay. In the area we visited Lemolo Falls and Warm Spring Falls. We weren't disappointed. The area does have mosquitoes to contend with. Where we camped there was a picnic table and rock fire ring. Be mindful of the no fire season.

  • Juliana R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Millsite Forest Dispersed Camping

    Open, empty, very quiet

    This was a lovely place to camp for the night. There were probably 10-15 campsites, and I was the only one there when I showed up. Campsites have picnic tables and fire pits and there is a pit toilet. Many trees which provide shade. Some mosquitos but not too bad. Very easy to find with the directions and it was also on GAIA GPS.

  • 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.

Guide to Dorena

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dorena, Oregon, where nature lovers can find solitude and adventure in the great outdoors. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the Umpqua National Forest and surrounding areas.

Dispersed campers should check out Saddle Camp

  • Saddle Camp offers a remote experience with complete quiet and solitude, making it perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Accessing this spot may require a four-wheel drive, especially during the winter months, so be prepared for a fun yet challenging drive.
  • Stock up on supplies before heading out, as there are no amenities available at Saddle Camp.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Dorena, Oregon

  • When visiting Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping, be aware that mosquitoes can be quite bothersome at dusk, so bringing bug spray is essential.
  • This area is popular on weekends, so if you prefer seclusion, consider exploring dispersed camping options outside improved areas for a more peaceful experience.
  • Fires are allowed, but be cautious of fire restrictions that may be in place due to recent fire activity in the region.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • For those seeking beautiful views and a chance to enjoy water activities, Lemolo Forebay provides a picturesque setting with access to a small lake and trails leading down to the water.
  • The sites here are well-spaced, allowing for a more private camping experience, and many come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
  • Keep an eye out for the low-head dam near the campground, as it can be dangerous for children and pets, ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dorena Lake located in Oregon?

Dorena Lake is located in Lane County, Oregon, approximately 30 miles southeast of Eugene in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The lake sits near the town of Cottage Grove and is part of the Row River watershed. The scenic area is surrounded by forested hills, similar to what visitors experience at Near Fawn Creek Campground (BLM) with its dense forests and rolling hills. The lake is accessible via Row River Road, which follows the lake's northern shore, making it easily reachable for day trips and camping adventures.

Is fishing allowed at Dorena Lake and what species can be caught?

Yes, fishing is allowed at Dorena Lake with an Oregon fishing license. The lake is stocked regularly and offers excellent opportunities for catching rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch. Similar to Hult Pond, which attracts anglers to its waters, Dorena Lake provides both shoreline fishing and boat access. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for trout fishing, while bass fishing improves in the warmer months. The lake has several boat ramps and fishing docks to facilitate access for anglers of all experience levels.

What dispersed camping options are available near Dorena Lake?

Dispersed camping options near Dorena Lake can be found in the surrounding Umpqua National Forest areas. Similar to Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping, you'll find free roadside sites with minimal amenities. For a more established dispersed experience, consider Millsite Forest Dispersed Camping which offers picnic tables and fire pits at designated sites. Most dispersed areas around Dorena Lake require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles, stay within 150 feet of forest roads, and limit stays to 14 days. Be prepared for no services like water or toilets, and always check current fire restrictions before your trip.

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