Tent camping opportunities around Gilchrist, Oregon provide access to the Deschutes National Forest at elevations ranging from 4,200-5,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from June through September, with many forest roads becoming inaccessible after October snowfall. Pine forest dominates the landscape with volcanic features and small lakes scattered throughout the region.
What to do
Fishing at Davis Lake: Located near Lava Flow Campground, Davis Lake offers excellent fly fishing opportunities year-round. "Lava Flow is a small six site campground that is very popular with Fly fishermen year round. The area will often see early morning fishermen showing up for the morning bite filling the parking area," notes Oregon C.
Paddling on Summit Lake: Summit Lake provides calm waters ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The lake features several small islands accessible by water craft. "The lake was so pretty and it had lots of little islands you could paddle out to and explore. There was even a lady camping on one of the islands as she left her truck at the campground," reports Jenny R. from Summit Lake Campground.
Biking on forest roads: Some dispersed camping areas offer natural terrain for cycling. At Dispersed Wikiup Camping, Daniel H. found "somebody had built a little bike track around the perimeter of the campsite, great for kids. Very close to boat launches and water access."
What campers like
Peaceful isolation: Campsites in the area tend to remain uncrowded even during peak season. "If you want a primitive spot in a beautiful and isolated location this is the spot!" writes Jenny about Summit Lake Campground. "If you are here during the week, it is highly likely to have the entire lake to yourself," adds another Summit Lake visitor.
Simplicity of basic sites: The primitive nature of many campgrounds appeals to those seeking minimal development. Regarding Corral Springs Campground, Brittney G. says, "This campground is easy to get to and well maintained. Corral Springs campground is pretty small with only a handful of camping spaces. The campground was nice, clean, and peaceful."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost sites. Chuck W. notes about Boundary Springs Campground: "This is a free campground. It has about 7 sites, not paved. I loved it! It is one step above dispersed camping as there is a clean pit toilet."
What you should know
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, especially near water sources. At Summit Lake, one camper reported, "We stayed there in mid-July so the mosquitoes were horrible!! They were waiting outside our tent by 6 am." Another visitor in July 2023 shared: "The only complaint we had was the mosquitos. We used an entire bottle of bug spray and I still walked away with dozens of welts."
Limited facilities maintenance: Some forest service toilets may be closed or unmaintained. "The toilet was closed! I am not sure if this was just a random closure or what but I was really bummed when I went to use a real toilet and wasn't able to," reports a Summit Lake visitor. At Corral Springs, Alex P. found "pit toilets that were not being maintained and a sign that cautioned against using, but one of us did use and we saw others that were going in as well, it was just almost overflowing."
Ground conditions: Forest soil can be hard-packed and rocky in some camping areas. A camper at Summit Lake noted it "has all the basic amenities you need for a primitive spot--table, fire pit, flat ground for your tent (although the ground was pretty hard and there were a fair amount of rocks)."
Tips for camping with families
Site spacing considerations: At Lava Flow North Campground, Justin L. describes "well groomed, park like sites, with a backdrop of this epic lava flow, and Davis lake water." The open layout provides good visibility for keeping track of children.
Dust management: Some dispersed sites can be extremely dusty. One camper at Dispersed Wikiup describes "super fine dust, everything will be dirty," so families should bring tarps for tent floors and store food in sealed containers.
Road access assessment: Forest roads vary in condition. For Corral Springs, Alex P. notes, "Small campground, it's just a little loop with a few spots, about 2ish miles in on a dirt road. The drive was pretty easy on a 2wd van."
Tips from RVers
Solar and satellite considerations: Tree cover affects power generation options. Justin L. advises about Lava Flow North: "If you get the right spot at edge of campground, there is ample sky exposure for solar and starlink." However, at Dispersed Wikiup he found "tall trees so no good vantage point for starlink or solar."
Clearance requirements: Forest roads often require higher clearance vehicles. One camper at Summit Lake advised: "Would definitely recommend using a higher clearance vehicle to get there."
Parking distance from campsites: At some dispersed sites, vehicles must park away from the actual camping spot. Debra G. notes about Dispersed Wikiup: "Parked 20 ft from tent on road. Easy slope to flat river side camp."
