Fremont-Winema National Forest spans over 2.3 million acres in south-central Oregon, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet. The forest transitions between the Cascade Mountains and the Basin and Range Province, creating diverse ecosystems from dense pine forests to open sagebrush flats. Summer temperatures typically reach 80°F during the day but can drop below 40°F at night even in July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Williamson River Campground offers excellent fishing access with a trail connecting to nearby Collier State Park. A camper noted, "We saw some incredible purple flowers. There hiking, fishing, and possibly climbing here although i couldn't find any info. The rock along the river looked very climbable although i didn't see any bolts."
Hot springs soaking: Summer Lake Hot Springs features natural hot mineral waters in both indoor and outdoor pools. "The hot springs were WONDERFUL, with both indoor (bathhouse) and outdoor pools. If I recall, clothing optional after 9pm," explains one visitor who enjoyed the facility.
Wildlife viewing: BLM Gerber Reservoir Campground offers chances to spot diverse birds and animals. "Interestingly we saw pelicans in the morning," reports a camper who stayed at nearby Gerber Reservoir. Many campsites around the reservoir provide excellent wildlife viewing.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The Summer Lake area provides exceptional night viewing. A camper shared, "This is a Dark Sky sanctuary - so many stars. Caveats: bring food and water, as there are limited (and expensive) groceries in nearby Paisley."
Uncrowded camping: Williamson River Campground offers spacious sites with privacy. "Very nice uncrowded site with access to the more famous Collier State park nearby via hike or drive. Super cheap National Forest service land ($10 per night)," mentioned one camper who appreciated the value and space.
Clean facilities: Waterwheel RV Park maintains high standards for their bathrooms. "The bathrooms/showers are immaculate and are accessed via a keypad. There is also a very nice laundry room, playground (a bit dated), boat ramp, small beach (tents can set up here) and fire pit, and a dump station," noted a visitor who stayed there.
What you should know
Variable water availability: Some campgrounds have seasonal water shutoffs. At Williamson River Campground, a visitor reported, "Water was not yet turned on. The campground host said May 1 he hoped there'd be water."
Road conditions: Many forest roads require careful driving. "Road is a little rough getting in," commented a visitor to Paradise Creek, a small dispersed camping area where Paradise Creek meets the Sycan River.
Wind considerations: The Summer Lake area experiences frequent high winds. "It can get very windy here. A totally calm day is rare," advised a camper who found the natural beauty worth the occasional weather challenges.
Limited services: Most remote camping areas have minimal facilities. "The changing rooms had no glass window panes in them so the large 'window' let in all the wind. Which I was there during a high wind storm with freezing temps."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Paradise Creek offers natural water play areas. "Great little swimming area for the kids and plenty of crawdads," mentioned a family who enjoyed this small, primitive campground with just three spots.
Playground access: Some developed campgrounds include play structures. At Waterwheel RV Park, "The kids loved playing in the water and the playground. The bathrooms were extremely clean," reported a family who found the camp hosts very accommodating.
Educational opportunities: Horseglade Trailhead Campground connects to the Oregon Outback trail system. "I stayed here on the first night of the Oregon Outback. It is a very small simple designated camping area with a very clean pit toilet and a few picnic tables but nothing else," shared a visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Wildlife education: The diverse ecosystems provide wildlife viewing for children. "Listened to birds and coyotes and enjoyed being under the canopy of stars. Great little spot."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: At Waterwheel RV Park, "The spaces were very close together however. We could not use the BBQ because the RV next to us had a slide that came out over the BBQ," cautioned an RV camper who otherwise found it a clean, cute campground.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require equipment to level RVs. "Some sites, including ours had a fair bit of slope front to back," noted an RVer at Waterwheel RV Park.
Hookup options: For those needing full hookups, "Sites 12-20 are full hookup; the others have water and electricity. Sites 1-11 have Williamson River front views. The full hookup sites are in the center and have no privacy between them."
Road access considerations: When approaching Fish Lake Resort, RVers should know, "We are traveling in a 20' van. We are at lake view. Big rigs around us, but we don't feel crowded. Trails around. Fishing and just relaxing."
