The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Fremont-Winema National Forest

32 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping options exist throughout Fremont-Winema National Forest, with sites ranging from secluded spots along Paradise Creek to accessible pull-offs on forest service roads. The Gearhart Mountain Trail Northern Trailhead area offers primitive camping with vault toilets and is popular with hikers. NF-9730 provides easy dispersed camping opportunities with several pull-offs containing established fire rings. As one camper noted, "The road is gravel but very new and flat. Cell service is great."

Road conditions vary significantly across the forest. Most forest service roads are navigable by standard vehicles in dry conditions, though some areas like Paradise Creek have "rough roads getting in." Duncan Reservoir Campground, though technically designated, functions as a free dispersed area with minimal facilities and waterfront sites. According to a visitor, "The campground was clean next to the water with table, fire-pit and pit toilets nearby." Be aware that recent wildfire activity has affected some areas, particularly along NF-9730 where "the forest burned recently so it isn't as pretty as it once was."

Map showing campgrounds near Fremont-Winema National Forest, OregonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fremont-Winema National Forest (19)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Fremont-Winema National Forest Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fremont-Winema National Forest

44 Photos of 19 Fremont-Winema National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fremont-Winema National Forest

32 Reviews of 19 Fremont-Winema National Forest Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Auger Creek Dispersed

    Down a Canyon - Not good for RV Travel

    This campsite is dry camping.  Silver Creek may be dry, as it has been since 2021.  No facilities other than a picnic table.  No Cell, No WiFi, etc.  If you like totally 'being away from it all,' this is your place, if you can get there.

  • Trevor F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2020

    Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

    Great Camp Ground!

    Usually don't stay at campground with numbered sites but this place was gorgeous. The spring is stunning and the ground was soft and flat. Plenty of firewood around to start a cooking fire. Bugs were bad around sunset, but bug spray helped. Would recommend this site to anyone looking for a low key lace to cam near Crater Lake

  • Ian Y.
    Jun. 24, 2016

    Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

    Hidden gem just a little off the beaten path

    I know the pictures are hard to believe, but yes, it's really that pretty! The campground is situated right next to a beautifully clear blue river and wooded hillsides—perfect for early morning serenity. Most of the sites are very near to each other without dividers, which could make it feel a little crowded if the campground gets full. But if you show up on a non-peak day and get lucky, you might just have the whole thing to yourself! If you do come on a busy time, look for the site past a big log at the very far end of the loop. It's all by itself which would provide some nice separation if you need it, plus it's invisible from the road so it might not be claimed yet!

    There's no potable water, but the river is clear enough that you could easily boil or purify as much as you need. The vault toilets were nice and clean and pleasant. They didn't seem to have any firewood available at the campground, so you might want to plan ahead on that. There were a few bugs when we were there in late May, but nothing terrible.

    Easily worth a visit! This is camping the way it's supposed to be—quiet, pretty, and just a little rough.

  • G
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

    Awesome and Spacious Campsite

    This campsite was great! All the spots were very spread out and offered a lot of space. One thing… TONS of mosquitos. Absolutely swarmed. Bring bug spray like crazy. Otherwise it was a perfect place to stay! Stayed on 6/22

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Topsy Grade Road

    Easy access relatively flat camping spot

    Approximately 40x40 circular camping spot cattle guard access to Klamath River. On a dirt road only a little traffic nice picnic spot down below at the river

  • Arlon H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Dispersed Site - just a great place off the highway

    Many places to stay.

    Dirt road leads too many places to camp. Most vehicles should have no problem getting to a site. Some places can be difficult turning around for larger campers. My Crosstrek loved it.

  • Amber D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

    Wanted to love it

    Pristine water! It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I love how primitive and small the campground is, and it would have been perfect but we set up camp and then noticed a massive, fresh bear scat about 15 feet away from our tent. Ok, not the end of the world. Then other campers came by to warn us there was an active bear who destroyed their food and gear the previous night. Ok, not great. We decided to stick it until said bear showed up at dinner time and had ZERO fear of us. He was willing to get way too close after several attempts to chase him off. He wasn't afraid of anything. Not our car horn, not banging pots and pans, not me aggressively yelling and clapping at him. We tried for close too an hour to chase him out of camp but to no avail. We had a toddler and weren't willing to stick around to see how much more friendly he could be. My problem with this campground is the lack of proper bear boxes and trash cans. Clearly, the bears realize it's easy pickings here and all they have to do is rummage through people's gear to find an easy food source. It's not good for the bears. I'm an avid camper and have had bear experiences before but this bear was entirely too comfortable with humans. I hope this park makes it safer for the bears and campers by providing proper food and garbage storage units. I plan on coming back though. The water was so amazing. And pack the bug spray. The mosquitos were more aggressive than the bear.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2020

    Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

    BEAUTIFUL

    Gorgeous primitive campground nestled among the tall pines. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, but no electric, water or sewer onsite. There’s no potable water so make sure you bring what you need. There are two vault toilets. Campsites will fit a variety of needs, including longer campers, though only a couple of sites would fit the “big guys”. Sites are first come, first served. Note we had zero cell service on both Verizon and AT&T. Very pretty, clear river runs through the campground and is a popular spot for kayakers/paddle larders and fishing.

  • Dylan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2025

    Dispersed Site - just a great place off the highway

    Sketchy spot

    Seems like it would’ve been a cool spot to stay out there, but there were some serious red flags.

    First off, there was a rusted out old truck on one of the dirt roads by the spots. Next to that was a makeshift beat up tin shed and a pickup truck leaning on it. I went close to it, but didn’t feel great about truly investigating without a gun.

    Second, there was trash everywhere. And not like camping trash. In addition to the beer cans and bottles were bags of who knows what in them. The few wrappers I saw were for frozen burritos.

    Lastly was the furniture around one of the campsites as well as some rope tied around the tree and on the ground. Almost looked like someone got tied to a tree and freed themselves.

    I didn’t take pics of everything but there was enough there to trust my gut and leave.

    I’m an athletic man and confident I could defend myself, but something felt wrong about everything back there.

    Maybe someone else is braver than I and will go investigate the trash and the trucks, but I’d advise you just to go closer to the park and even suck it up and pay a fee to avoid whatever is going on back there.

Guide to Fremont-Winema National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fremont-Winema National Forest in Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Enjoy Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Fremont-Winema National Forest

  • Quartz Mountain Sno-Park provides a serene environment with no permit required, making it an ideal spot for spontaneous getaways.
  • The Gearhart Mountain Trail Northern Trailhead Dispersed offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature, though it lacks drinking water and electric hookups.
  • For a unique experience, visit the Dispersed Site - just a great place off the highway, where you can find multiple camping spots along a dirt road, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of exploration.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Auger Creek Dispersed

  • Auger Creek Dispersed is a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, featuring a picnic table and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • This location is known for its remote feel, allowing campers to truly disconnect, though it’s important to note that there are no facilities available.
  • The area is pet-friendly, making it a suitable option for those traveling with furry companions.

Picture Rock Pass for Dispersed Campers

  • Picture Rock Pass is accessible by drive-in, providing a convenient option for those who want to set up camp quickly and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
  • This area is perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of nature, as no permits are required for camping.
  • With its picturesque landscape, Picture Rock Pass offers a great backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available for dispersed camping in Fremont-Winema National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Fremont-Winema National Forest typically offers minimal amenities. Auger Creek Dispersed exemplifies true dry camping with only picnic tables, no water, facilities, cell service or WiFi – perfect for those wanting to disconnect completely. Some areas like Kla-Mo-Ya Casino and Travel Center provide nearby amenities (restaurant, store, gas, propane) but still offer dry camping with no hookups for a fee. A few dispersed sites feature basic facilities – pit toilets can be found at select locations like Frog Camp BLM and Duncan Reservoir. Most sites include fire rings or pits, but you'll need to bring your own water, pack out all trash, and be prepared for no electricity, showers, or dump stations. Cell service is typically non-existent throughout the forest.

Where are the best dispersed camping areas in Fremont-Winema National Forest?

Fremont-Winema offers several outstanding dispersed camping areas. Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site stands out with its pristine blue water and wooded hillsides, making it perfect for serenity seekers despite occasional mosquito issues. For lakeside camping, Duncan Reservoir Campground provides a sparkling oasis with waterfront sites accessible via a 5-mile gravel road. Other excellent options include Paradise Creek where the creek meets Sycan River (limited to 3 spots), and Frog Camp BLM with its reservoir views. For those seeking true isolation, BLM areas near Highway 31 offer more remote experiences with beautiful vistas.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fremont-Winema National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fremont-Winema National Forest is Paradise Creek with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fremont-Winema National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Fremont-Winema National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring