Dispersed camping areas near Foster, Oregon offer primitive camping experiences throughout the Willamette National Forest and BLM lands. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-85°F. Fire restrictions vary by season, with complete bans common during peak wildfire months from mid-July through September, requiring campers to plan alternative cooking methods.
What to do
Gold panning opportunities: Quartzville Recreation Corridor provides access to streams where visitors can try recreational gold panning. A camper noted, "If you like to ruff it this is perfect area. Lots of forest roads to explore, and great hunting area too. A little bit of luck head to the stream and find some gold."
Fishing in multiple locations: Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping offers year-round fishing opportunities. One visitor reported, "I stayed at almost every spot there just to check out the different areas of the river." Trout and bass fishing are popular activities throughout the area's waterways.
Wildlife viewing and stargazing: Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite provides excellent opportunities for both activities. A camper shared, "Lots of ponderosa pines, manzanita bushes, and chirping birds in warm weather days and cool nights." The minimal light pollution makes this area ideal for night sky observation.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Several rustic camping spots near Foster offer swimming opportunities. At Britenbush River Dispersed, one visitor mentioned, "Awesome little cliff jumping swimming spot to teach the kids how to swim."
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas provide good separation between camping spots. At Mini Enclave Dispersed, a camper appreciated that "Right off the road... but a quite one. You can't see the vehicles. Wonderful trees for the hammocks."
Water proximity: Several sites allow camping close to rivers or reservoirs. One Blue River Reservoir camper shared, "If you drive past all the campsites and go over the bridge take a right, there are so many spots available on that road and all have their own access to the river."
What you should know
Limited facilities mean preparation: Most rustic camping near Foster requires self-sufficiency. At Quartzville Recreation Corridor, a camper advised, "Bring it in Pack it out, be kind to others and take your trash. Nobody should pick up after messy campers who can camp FREE."
Cell service limitations: Hult Pond and surrounding areas have very limited connectivity. A camper warned, "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there." Plan accordingly if you need to stay in touch.
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. At Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite, a reviewer noted, "It is just off of paved roads on a smooth gravel road that our RV easily handled," but other areas may require high-clearance vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Bring activities for kids: With limited amenities, pack games and exploration tools. At Hult Pond, one visitor suggested, "No service but great for seclusion! So remember all games and firewood you need!!"
Choose sites with natural features: Water access provides entertainment for children. A Blue River camper described, "Absolutely a beautiful spot tucked away! Off the main road with a few dispersed spots spaced out very nicely. Not the easiest access to the river but if able easy enough."
Prepare for insects: Bug protection is essential in forested areas. One family camping at Hult Pond mentioned, "Otherwise a wonderful time. So many many many bugs though at the area we stayed at."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most rustic camping areas near Foster can't accommodate large RVs. At Mini Enclave Dispersed, a camper observed, "Not a lot of space for cars, but the ground is pretty level."
Solar considerations: Tree cover affects solar panel efficiency. One RVer at Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite explained, "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."
Turn-around challenges: Some roads lack adequate space for RV maneuvering. A Hult Pond camper 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!"
