Primitive camping near Foster Lake offers several dispersed options beyond the main recreation corridors. The region sits where the Cascades meet the Willamette Valley, creating varied terrain from 800-2000 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with cooler nights, while winter camping requires preparation for possible snow and freezing conditions.
What to do
Water activities on alternative lakes: Several smaller lakes and reservoirs near Foster Lake provide quieter paddling experiences. At Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping, campers report "nice lake and a vault toilet with a dumpster in the day use section" making it convenient for short stays.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Hult Pond, campers mention the "9pm daily goose choir" as part of the experience, with one visitor noting "there is plenty to explore if you aren't worried about a little elevation in your hike."
Fishing access points: Fishing spots can be found throughout the region's waterways. In the Blue River area, one camper mentioned "fishing (last time I was there) has been great. It is great for fly fishing and for plunk and wait fishing."
What campers like
River access: Multiple sites offer water proximity with varying terrain. At Britenbush River Dispersed, one camper described an "awesome little cliff jumping swimming spot to teach the kids how to swim."
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate privacy away from more developed areas. One visitor to Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite described it as a "classic Oregon Cascades mountain meadow location that is only 10-15 minutes off highway 20 and makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere to rest and rejuvenate!"
Dark skies: The minimal light pollution creates opportunities for stargazing. A camper at Ray Benson Sno-Park noted "good stargazing" conditions, despite some daytime noise from off-road vehicles that typically stops by 10pm.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are strictly enforced throughout the region. One camper at Quartzville Recreation Corridor emphasized the importance of preparedness: "Be prepare for fire danger, have axe, shovel and 5-gal of water, you will be the first to stop it and report it."
Cell service limitations: Communication is limited in most primitive camping areas. At Hult Pond, a visitor warned "we lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there," recommending campers "plan accordingly."
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires navigation of unpaved roads. One camper at Blue River Reservoir advised "free dispersed roadside camping beside the reservoir. There's some nice sites off blue river reservoir road and across the dam."
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Most sites have no trash facilities. A visitor to Hult Pond emphasized "there are no trash cans or dumpsters… this is a pack in, pack out area, so be prepared to take your trash with you!"
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly activities: Some areas cater well to children learning outdoor skills. At Britenbush River Dispersed, one camper described it as an "awesome little cliff jumping swimming spot to teach the kids how to swim."
Wildlife education opportunities: The diverse ecosystems provide natural learning experiences. A camper at Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping shared "you are surrounded by peaks in every direction and can easily access multiple different points of interest depending on the adventure you want."
Safety considerations: Prepare for typical wilderness hazards. One Hult Pond visitor warned about finding "quite a bit of trash around and even some needles (be careful) down in a spot we chose not to use," recommending careful site selection.
Tips from RVers
Turning radius challenges: Many forest roads have limited turnaround areas. One RVer at Hult Pond warned "we have a 38 foot rv. We got stuck in a ditch. Rv almost tipped over trying to u turn… if you go down the main lower path you will find a area big enough to u turn! Dont do it until then!"
Satellite communications: For those needing connectivity while primitive camping, strategic site selection matters. A camper at Whiskey Jack noted "we picked the spot with fewer trees as we were testing out a Starlink satellite dish on our RV to see if we could get internet access deep in the woods."
Leveling considerations: Many dispersed sites require careful positioning. A visitor to Ray Benson Sno-Park described the area as "noisy big clean level asphalt," noting it serves well "as a quick place to crash for the night."
