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Best Dispersed Camping near Foster Lake

49 Reviews

Quartzville Recreation Corridor provides the primary free camping option near Foster Lake, Oregon, with dispersed sites spanning 12 miles along Quartzville Road past mile marker 17.2. Sites are primitive with only fire rings marking designated camping areas. Most spots accommodate tents with limited options for larger vehicles. A recent review noted, "There are a couple forks in the road but I kept right through the first two until I made it to a gravel road with pull-outs." Pack out all trash and prepare for no cell service beyond mile marker 12.

Blue River Reservoir offers additional dispersed camping alternatives with roadside pull-outs on both paved and gravel sections. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the more secluded sites. These areas follow standard 14-day camping limits for public lands. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, with complete bans during high fire danger periods. "Make sure to bring spray and you'll be fine," one camper wrote regarding mosquitos, which are prevalent at dusk near the water. Water access varies by location, with steep rocky drops limiting river entry in some areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Foster Lake (17)

    1. Quartzville Recreation Corridor

    6 Reviews
    Cascadia, OR
    13 miles
    Website

    "Such as August most times there are NO Camp Fires! Be prepare for fire danger, have axe, shovel and 5-gal of water, you will be the first to stop it and report it."

    "I love the dispersed camping. The sites are open, so good for solar, but do get windy. I have camped at the quarry a few times with my friends that have a camp trailer."

    2. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Blue River, OR
    24 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)."

    3. Quartzville Road Dispersed Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Cascadia, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 897-2406

    4. Hult Pond

    20 Reviews
    Blachly, OR
    44 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. Britenbush River Dispersed2

    1 Review
    Detroit, OR
    38 miles

    6. Britenbush River Dispersed

    1 Review
    Detroit, OR
    38 miles

    7. Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 549-7700

    "We were looking for a dispersed camping site on Forest Service land outside of cell range so we used The Dyrt PRO maps to help us find this spot."

    "Nice little spot just off the road, there appears to be a very narrow double track road that goes a little deeper in, but driving back there would have come at the cost of the landscape and the paint on"

    8. Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Deschutes National Forest, OR
    50 miles
    Website

    "No amenities, and a 2 mile straight uphill hike to get here. Theres a map of the campsites, but they are hard to find. None are near te lake so fill upwater in bulk! Stunning sunsets and sunrises."

    "Wonderful backcountry camping accessed by a mostly uphill 2 mile hike."

    9. Ray Benson Sno-Park

    1 Review
    Camp Sherman, OR
    39 miles

    10. beyond lava lake sno park

    Be the first to review!
    Camp Sherman, OR
    31 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Foster Lake

47 Photos of 17 Foster Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Foster Lake

49 Reviews of 17 Foster Lake Campgrounds

  • Mark F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful site at base of Cascade mountains

    We were looking for a dispersed camping site on Forest Service land outside of cell range so we used The Dyrt PRO maps to help us find this spot. It is just off of paved roads on a smooth gravel road that our RV easily handled - it is a pull off from Whiskey Jack road and has room for 1 RV or several tents on flat land with some soft ground cover from grass and pine needles. There are no services so this is dry camping and you’ll need to be self sufficient. There is a fire pit circle but with recent fires we wouldn’t use it and it may be prohibited. I am sure this road could be snowed in in winter months but was dry and clear in June. 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. Lots of ponderosa pines, manzanita bushes, and chirping birds in warm weather days and cool nights. There is some traffic passing the site during the day but there is a road that a 4 wheel drive could travel if you wanted to get away from the road for some extra privacy and quiet. Overall 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!

  • Erin P.
    Aug. 7, 2017

    Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great South Sister base camp

    Hiked up on Friday night and got the last spot. No amenities, and a 2 mile straight uphill hike to get here. Theres a map of the campsites, but they are hard to find. None are near te lake so fill upwater in bulk! Stunning sunsets and sunrises. Made for a nice striking point to the summit. Gets busy. Have bug spray handy!

  • 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!

  • L
    Dec. 31, 2018

    Quartzville Recreation Corridor

    Rugged boondocking

    Beautiful recitation area... Mostly roadside limited facilities and or services but beautiful area.. large mountain lake tucked into beautiful mountain valleys ...windy narrow road a couple state campgrounds and day use areas... limited places to turn around... But well worth the adventure!

  • 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.

  • Heather C.
    Sep. 7, 2017

    Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views of Broken Top and South Sister

    Wonderful backcountry camping accessed by a mostly uphill 2 mile hike. You are surrounded by the peaks of South Sister and Broken Top and are welcomed each morning and night with the gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. These camping sites make for a perfect spot to catch some rest before making the hike up to the summit of South Sister. The lake sits below the Lewis glacier and, like many alpine lakes, the lake stays frozen for several months out of the year and the trail can be packed with snow as late as August.

    Campsites are located above the lake on two sides and are under tree cover for those rainy nights. To reach the sites you will need to take a right at 1.5 miles in on the trail. There is no potable water nearby. Pack in and out all waste and everything you will need for the night. Make sure to bring bug spray as the mosquitoes love that chilly lake.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Hult Pond

    Decent for an Overnight Stay

    We found a great spot here for an overnight stay. Such a nice view to wake up to! There is no water available here. There are bathrooms available, but we didn’t need to utilize them. No fires allowed. There are no trash cans or dumpsters… this is a pack in, pack out area, so be prepared to take your trash with you! There was quite a bit of trash around and even some needles (be careful) down in a spot we chose not to use… and I did walk around our area and pick up a bunch of trash left by others. We did hear some vehicles driving by throughout the night, and around 4:30 AM someone was walking out around our truck and camper shining a light, causing our dog to bark, which I’m assuming scared them off, because when we got up and went out, we didn’t see anyone.. not sure what that was all about, but I’m glad I wasn’t alone!

  • 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.

Guide to Foster Lake

Dispersed camping near Foster Lake in Oregon offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of scenic spots available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect place to unwind.

Dispersed campers should check out Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

  • This spot allows for both drive-in and walk-in access, making it convenient for all types of campers. The Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping area is known for its beautiful surroundings and clear waters, ideal for swimming and fishing.
  • While enjoying your stay, be mindful of the mosquitos, especially at dusk; bringing insect repellent is highly recommended for a more comfortable experience.
  • The site is popular on weekends, so if you prefer seclusion, consider venturing into the dispersed areas outside the improved sites for a quieter experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Foster Lake in Oregon

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the natural beauty intact, especially at places like the Quartzville Recreation Corridor, where some campers have noted littering issues.
  • Be prepared for limited facilities; many dispersed sites, including those at Quartzville, do not have restrooms or trash disposal, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
  • Check local fire regulations before your trip, as fire restrictions can change based on weather conditions, particularly in areas like the Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite where fires may not be allowed.

Enjoy fishing and swimming while free camping near Foster Lake

  • The Britenbush River Dispersed area is a fantastic spot for fishing, with opportunities for cliff jumping and swimming, making it a fun destination for families.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, the secluded sites near the creek at Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping provide a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxing by the water.
  • For those interested in fishing, the Quartzville Recreation Corridor offers year-round fishing opportunities, making it a well-reviewed choice for anglers looking to cast a line in a beautiful setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season for dispersed camping at Foster Lake?

The best season for dispersed camping at Foster Lake is late spring through early fall (May to September). During summer months, Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping areas offer gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, though sites fill quickly on weekends. Popular areas like Quartzville Road Dispersed Campsite are most accessible after snow melt. Be aware that fire restrictions are common in late summer, with some locations prohibiting fires and barbecues while still allowing propane stoves. Weather can change rapidly in shoulder seasons, so come prepared for variable conditions including unexpected cold snaps or afternoon thunderstorms.

Where are the dispersed camping areas at Foster Lake?

Dispersed camping areas at Foster Lake can be found in several locations. Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite offers sites just off paved roads on a smooth gravel road, with pull-offs that can accommodate RVs. For water views, Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping provides free dispersed sites along the reservoir. There are nice spots off Blue River Reservoir Road and across the dam. If you continue driving down the road into the National Forest/Recreation area (avoiding the rough reservoir access road), you'll find additional camping spots off the main road.

What amenities are available for dispersed camping at Foster Lake?

Dispersed camping at Foster Lake is primitive with minimal amenities. Hult Pond offers basic facilities including vault toilets, but no trash cans, so pack-out what you bring in. There's no potable water or electrical hookups. At Quartzville Recreation Corridor, you'll find limited facilities despite the beautiful mountain lake setting. Some areas may have day-use sections with vault toilets and dumpsters, but most dispersed sites are truly primitive. Come prepared with all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. Cell service is typically unavailable in these areas, making them ideal for disconnecting.

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