Durkee is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Durkee, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Durkee, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"I'm just now getting around to reviewing some places that I've enjoyed and plan to return to. "
"Not the most scenic of campsites, and it is right next to the road so there was some noice at night, as well as lots of coyote howling. but I appreciated the convenient location, that it's free, and right"
"It’s right along the Snake River and borders an established campground to the east. There are two picnic tables/fire rings, one on either side of the boat launch."
$10 - $15 / night
"Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms."
"There is camping around the reservoir and at the near by campground. Up past the reservoir there are roads to ride ATV's. There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer. "
"Bring your own firewood, the forest floor is extremely clean. There’s 4 sites on this road and a restroom at the end. We were car camping but most sites have smaller trailer access."
"Great little dispersed spot with a clean outhouse.
There looks to be 4 sites in the trees, but if you keep driving down it’ll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped."
"Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas."
"There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring."
"No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway."
"This backpacking trip is a very accessible hike."
"Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness."
LegendBoondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas. It earns a good review at the end of the day for being conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it’s the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes.
GuideDirections: About 13 miles from Medical Springs on a gravel road (half hour or so). Take Big Creek Rd to Collins Lane. That turns into USFS 67, then 72. The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher. Probably not a good place for a big nice camp trailer.
Camping is dispersed, mostly on the west side of the reservoir. The east side has a few spots but the road is really rough toward the dam. Fish are stocked. Boats with oars, paddles or electric motors are allowed. There are no improvements. Check fire restrictions. Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September. Cattle graze here. The water level gets pretty low by August.
GuideThere are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.
I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.
GuideAneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton). The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout.
The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day.
RangerThe water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest. Stayed two nights. Elevation is ~8,000 feet. Got altitude sickness on day two.
No fires allowed. No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway.
TravelerVery well maintained area. Bring your own firewood, the forest floor is extremely clean. There’s 4 sites on this road and a restroom at the end. We were car camping but most sites have smaller trailer access.
TravelerGreat place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms. It was completely full on a weekday so we came to the primitive site. Wonderful. Level. Lots of respectful families Boondocking. We parked with our carryall trailer and our two vehicles and slept in our truck. What a gorgeous view and skies to wake up to. There’s a day use area further south that you can stop at on your way out for the restroom. If we go this way again, we will definitely stop here. Follow the directions, not the GPS coordinates. There is two roads to get in more creek and man creek. More creek will make you wish you had a sports bra on and a new suspension for your car when your finally get to pavement...
RangerThis backpacking trip is a very accessible hike.
The road to get to the trailhead is paved and the hike to Ice lake is 9 miles in (18 miles total)
You can add some miles (and a lot of elevation) if you add a day hike to the Matterhorn. Second tallest to Sacajawea. When I say it takes 3 hours to get up and 30 minutes to get down.. I’m not joking. Unless you’re an ultra runner who can handle high intensity at elevation, this will take some time. Well worth it for the views and ice lake will be waiting for you at the bottom.
Photos are from August 2018 and July 2019... notice the snow in July. Couldn’t do the added day hike that time.
GuideGreat little dispersed spot with a clean outhouse.
There looks to be 4 sites in the trees, but if you keep driving down it’ll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped. Wide open, great sunset views! The lake is dammed, so I assume the water levels vary, but when I was there, there was room for a few more vehicles down by the water. Careful going too far, as some tire tracks looked to have maybe gotten stuck in mud by venturing too far out. 😂
Great spot, would definitely return!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Durkee, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene lakeside views to rugged mountain landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Durkee, OR is Swedes Landing with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Durkee, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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