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Best Dispersed Camping near Gold Hill, OR

49 Reviews

Several dispersed camping opportunities exist within 30 minutes of Gold Hill, Oregon on Bureau of Land Management lands. Burma Pond BLM offers free camping with basic amenities including vault toilets and trash collection. The pond attracts anglers and swimmers, though access requires navigating a somewhat challenging dirt road with potholes. According to one visitor, "The road getting up to it wasn't too bad. Some bigger potholes that we're easy enough to avoid." Sites are limited and close together along the water's edge.

The Rogue River corridor provides additional off-grid campsites, including Rocky Riffle and Argo Bar, both offering free riverside camping with varying levels of amenities. Argo Bar includes trash collection and toilets while Rocky Riffle is completely primitive. Both enforce the standard 14-day stay limit. National Forest lands west of Gold Hill feature more remote backcountry camping opportunities along Forest Road 25 and nearby fire roads, with sites typically consisting of simple pull-offs that accommodate smaller vehicles. One camper noted these spots are "tiny pullout spots just enough for a van to park, would not recommend for an RV or trailer."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gold Hill, Oregon (24)

    1. Elderberry Flats Campground

    4 Reviews
    Trail, OR
    16 miles
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "FIRSTLY, do NOT take Sykes Creek Road or May Creek Road to access this campground. Google Maps will try to take you on the shortest (mileage) route."

    "Free camping with a pit toilet winner winner chicken dinner! A bit of a drive out but a very nice campsite. The actual campground has 11 sites with picnic tables and fire pits."

    2. Burma Pond BLM

    10 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    21 miles
    +1 (541) 471-6500

    "This was quite a way in on a fairly smooth but steep dirt road. Along the road were random deep pot holes so be aware they sneak up on you when the road is shadowed."

    "I navigated using Google Maps due to other reviews saying Apple made it confusing. This led us right to the pond/camp sites."

    3. Ennis Riffle

    2 Reviews
    Merlin, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 474-5285

    $15 / night

    "Ennis Riffle camping area is nice and large and open, with easy access to the water.  The ground is rocky dirt.  There isn't much in terms of flat level areas for an RV, nor is there much shade.  "

    "Also close to the river. It gets very busy on holiday weekends. Also beware of camping here during the rainy season. The water covers the entire campground."

    4. Rocky Riffle

    3 Reviews
    Merlin, OR
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 479-3735

    "This BLM area is a quick turn off the main road.  Take a right or left to start the loop and you’ll find various spots for dispersed camping."

    5. Suncrest Southbound Rest Area I-5

    Be the first to review!
    Talent, OR
    19 miles

    6. Argo Bar

    2 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "We couldn't really find a flat place to park, and so ended up parking just along the bathroom, which was rhe flattest spot here."

    "It wasn't until we left the spot and looked back on it from the higher road that we saw that the camp area extended a bit past the bathrooms into more camp friendly spots, with some shade and greenery."

    7. Beautiful Dispersed View off Fire Rd

    2 Reviews
    Selma, OR
    30 miles
    Website

    "You can fit a small pull behind, truck, and/or van. The 6.5 mile road (FS-25) is paved so the accessibility of the site is a plus."

    8. Forest Road 25

    1 Review
    Selma, OR
    29 miles

    "Beautiful view The road down past it would be amazing for Jeep/truck/suv tent camping. This area is so peaceful"

    9. Lookout Gap

    1 Review
    Selma, OR
    30 miles

    10. Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    12 Reviews
    Crater Lake, OR
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 842-3292

    "We drove to Mazama campground only to be told and they had just filled their last spot but that there was free overnight parking 18 minutes in each direction either by thousand springs snopark or Annie"

    "There are bathrooms and a warming shelter that has a wood stove. The park is close to Crater Lake National Park anout 10ish miles down hwy 62. Nice pretty spot that is easy to get to."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gold Hill, OR

28 Photos of 24 Gold Hill Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gold Hill, OR

49 Reviews of 24 Gold Hill Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2021

    Burma Pond BLM

    Remote and Quiet

    This was quite a way in on a fairly smooth but steep dirt road. Along the road were random deep pot holes so be aware they sneak up on you when the road is shadowed. The last .3 miles was steep and though we made it in 26ft rig I would not attempt it again. I could see major problem if rain was expected. 

    The pond was peaceful and so beautiful with a couple of level options to set up. The area as a whole is very small though, so if someone else is already there when you arrive it’s going to feel very cozy and/or awkward. 

    There was a handicap accessible bathroom with pit toilets that someone shot up the lock (boooo) so at the moment is open despite the "closed for covid" sign. There was a pile of garbage near the garbage cans. Bullet casings littered the ground as well.

     The fish were jumping and the water clear. Overall nice, just wish people would respect public lands more and not trash these areas so much. The road is narrow with very few turn arounds. The way down I was in 1-2 gear riding the break on some of the hills. Good place to let the dogs run and swim. If we had a smaller rig we would come here again. Very weak / unusable Verizon service, no service with TMobile or ATT.

  • Cass G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Burma Pond BLM

    Off the grid just enough

    We needed a place to set up for a quick sleep on our way down to Yosemite from Washington. I navigated using Google Maps due to other reviews saying Apple made it confusing. This led us right to the pond/camp sites. The road is a little rough with potholes but it’s not terrible if you just drive slow over the holes. There is a few split offs/2-way roads along this dirt road, the last one being a tree with a smiley face and an arrow leading you where to go. Didn’t get lost at all and it was already dark when we got there. No one was there, it was peaceful, clean and quiet. There is a pit toilet/bathroom with toilet paper. No trash cans so you’ll have to pack out your trash. I recommend this spot for anyone willing to drive 10-15 minutes off the freeway for some dispersed camping.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Rocky Riffle

    Hot, Dusty and Nice (and Free!)

    This BLM area is a quick turn off the main road.  Take a right or left to start the loop and you’ll find various spots for dispersed camping. The road is mostly ok with some areas of high rocks but we made it in our 26ft Class C with only one ding on the steps. Larger vehicles might have problems along the lower half of the loop, but the upper half was doable.  There are some spots close to the river and others up above it more with nice views as well as shade.

    There are a few “long term residents" here.  One was right on the water with a big mirror and a homemade sign warning of “thieves among us." The sheriff and ranger came by the next day and left citation on his camp. Nothing scary nor anything that made us feel unsafe at all. 

    This is a dry camp with no amenities. Tent/car campers welcome but must have port-a-potties. You must pack out your waste and trash. We found several trash piles which we cleaned up. There are NO fires allowed at this time. Also be aware that there is a lot of poison oak around. 

    Also there were unleashed dogs, one in particular that wandered into our camp site every morning. A lot of rafters and kayakers, especially on weekends, but they stay mostly on the water but can become quite loud at times. River access in this area is available in a only few spots that you have to walk to. There is no real shoreline to hang out in unless someone is not camped right in those areas. 

    Zero cell reception from ATT, verizon and TMobile in this whole area.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2021

    Hyatt Reservoir BLM Dispersed

    Loud and Poopy

    Not far from Ashland and right past the Hyatt Lake Resort are some dispersed spots on BLM land near the lake. The lake level is very low so at this time you could drive quite close to it but it gets really muddy so watch out because it looks grassy and deceivingly dry. 

    There is road noise but quiets down at night. 

    Also there is a large flock of geese that honk all day and night and there is goose poop everywhere! 

    The site we stayed at had a stone fire pit and not very level but we made it work. It is a good spot for a night or 2 and we would stay here again if passing through. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and out all trash. The resort nearby has a restaurant and small store. No service from ATT and TMobile but Verizon had 1-2 bars of LTE roaming.

  • Amanda K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    Great reliable lot

    We drove to Mazama campground only to be told and they had just filled their last spot but that there was free overnight parking 18 minutes in each direction either by thousand springs snopark or Annie’s. We chose thousand springs. It is the perfect spot for free overnight parking as it is a large and reliable lot that I assume is rarely filled. It is only 30 minutes from watchman peak trailhead which is where we were headed. There were only a couple other vans when we stayed a weekday in July. There is a pit toilet as well. Note that free overnight parking without a sno-park parking permit is only permitted between May 1 and November 14. Next to the road so there is a bit of noise, but there are not too many cars that drive by at night. Be aware that there is a lot of wildlife in the area. There is no cell service.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2022

    Argo Bar

    Good and Free

    I'll add another review since we did go back there this summer and stay there for a night. But I'd check on the effects of the Rum Fire if you're planning to go to this area. Not sure what the river area looks like now. :(

    We couldn't really find a flat place to park, and so ended up parking just along the bathroom, which was rhe flattest spot here. It was a nice and peaceful stay, quiet, watching boaters and rafting companies coming and going all day. Nobody else was there at night.

    The area is beautiful but there's not much to do unless you have a boat or a car. No nearby hikes within walking distance.

    Still zero cell service. 14 day stay limit. Garbage bins and recycling and bathrooms on site. Free!

  • Brittney G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    Spacious quiet spot

    This snowpark has a big parking area with plenty of room for trailers/vehicles. There are bathrooms and a warming shelter that has a wood stove. The park is close to Crater Lake National Park anout 10ish miles down hwy 62. Nice pretty spot that is easy to get to. No hookups and no water available do be sure to bring it.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Prospect OHV Dispersed Camping

    Perfect place for OHV riding

    We absolutely loved camping here. During our off season stay it was fun and with all the ATV trails it was our favorite place to camp.

    Our neighbor campers decided they could ride the trails without helmets and found out the hard way that is is a no no. They were brought back to the camp without their bikes and in the back of a National Forest Service Enforcement vehicle. After being spoken to about the importance of following the rules of the trails, they were left at camp and had to find their own way back to their motorcycles.

    Fortunately we did not have the same experience. It can get very dusty so just be prepared for that. The trails are absolutely great and access to the Rogue River is just icing on the cake.

    It was so nice to have areas provided for unloading bikes and ATV's so folks could safely load and unload their toys.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2021

    USFS Rogue River Dispersed

    Beautiful But Be Aware

    Take the River Bridge turn off from Highway 62 and follow the road which turns to gravel, potholed and some washboarded road. Stay on the main road until you pass the actual campground and go over the bridge. 

    We did drive through the River Bridge campground which was $15/night but opted for the free version across the river. There are multiple spots to camp for free just past the River Bridge Campground across the one lane bridge. You can take a right or left after the bridge to find a spot. We took a right and found multiple sites to pull into right off the main forest service road. Accessibility is dependent on your rig but we found several spots easily accessed by our 26ft class c.  The road itself is gravel with pot holes but otherwise doable in most rigs. There appears to be some long term somewhat sketchy residents here so be aware. We stayed twice in 2 different spots but did not feel unsafe at all. The sites are fairly level with mix of sun and shade and stone fire pits and a short walk to the river. Its a nice place to let the dogs run free but there can be quite a lot of cars driving up and down the 62 road and and an occasional dirt bike. Very quiet at night and lots of roads to hike on or if you’re into fishing the Rogue River is very close.

     No amenities, pack in and pack out, no bathrooms; and for the love of god please bury your TP waste! 

    There is zero cell reception from ATT, T-Mobile or Verizon in this entire area.

Guide to Gold Hill

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gold Hill, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of setting up camp in stunning locations that offer a variety of outdoor activities.

Scenic Spots for Fishing and Relaxation

  • The Ennis Riffle area provides easy access to the Rogue River, making it a great choice for fishing enthusiasts looking to catch salmon or simply enjoy the serene waters.
  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Burma Pond BLM offers a beautiful pond surrounded by nature, perfect for unwinding and watching bats at dusk.
  • If you’re into off-roading, Elderberry Flats Campground features unpaved paths that are accessible for OHVs, allowing you to explore the surrounding forest while enjoying a refreshing swim in nearby swimming holes.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Gold Hill, Oregon

  • When heading to Rocky Riffle, be prepared for a dry camping experience with no amenities; it's essential to pack out all your trash and waste.
  • If you're navigating to Beautiful Dispersed View off Fire Rd, stick to Google Maps for accurate directions, as other navigation apps may lead you astray.
  • Always check for local regulations regarding campfires; for instance, fires are currently not allowed at Argo Bar, so plan your cooking accordingly.

Wildlife Watching and Nature Exploration for Dispersed Campers

  • The Suncrest Southbound Rest Area I-5 is a convenient stop for spotting local wildlife, making it an ideal place for a quick break during your travels.
  • At Applegate River, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while keeping an eye out for various bird species and other wildlife along the riverbanks.
  • For a unique experience, visit Forest Road 25, where you can hike through lush forests and potentially encounter deer and other forest creatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit for dispersed camping at Gold Hill?

Most dispersed camping areas around Gold Hill don't require specific permits for overnight stays. At Elderberry Flats Campground, you can camp without permits, though it's important to follow the access route via Evans Creek Road rather than attempting shortcuts. Similarly, Thousand Springs Sno-Park offers free overnight parking without permits. While formal permits aren't typically needed, always follow posted regulations, respect fire restrictions during dry seasons, and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Where is dispersed camping allowed in Gold Hill?

Dispersed camping near Gold Hill is available at several BLM and forest service areas. Rocky Riffle offers dispersed camping options with a convenient loop road just off the main highway. For those willing to venture a bit further, Burma Pond BLM provides dispersed camping accessible via a steep dirt road about 0.3 miles in. Both areas have varying terrain and accessibility, so vehicle capability should be considered when choosing a site. Always remember that dispersed camping typically follows the 14-day stay limit common on public lands.

What amenities are available at Gold Hill dispersed camping sites?

Amenities at Gold Hill area dispersed camping sites vary significantly. Skull Creek Campground offers more developed features including picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, and bear-proof trash cans, though there's no running water or significant shade. In contrast, sites like Dispersed camping off $8 mountain Rd provide no amenities whatsoever, requiring a complete pack-in, pack-out approach. Most dispersed sites in the region are primitive with minimal or no facilities, so campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies including water, waste disposal bags, and proper fire containment equipment when fires are permitted.

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