2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Lakeview area in southeastern Oregon provides multiple camping options across several developed campgrounds and public lands. Established sites like Junipers Reservoir RV Resort and Mud Creek Campground offer amenities for both tent and RV campers, while the surrounding Fremont National Forest contains primitive camping areas accessible via forest roads. Most campgrounds near Lakeview operate seasonally, with the majority open from June through October when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor recreation in this high desert region.
Seasonal considerations play a major role in camping near Lakeview, as winter snow can make forest roads impassable and many campgrounds close completely during colder months. Summer brings warm days but cool nights at higher elevations. Developed campgrounds like Goose Lake State Recreation Area provide amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, while more remote forest service sites typically offer vault toilets and fire rings with no hookups. Cell service becomes limited or nonexistent in many camping areas outside town. A visitor noted: "The surrounding land is not for public use. You will know you're good to go and at the end-point when you see the sign and camp site."
Campers frequently mention the stark beauty of the Oregon Outback landscape surrounding Lakeview, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and stargazing. Reviews highlight the region's remoteness as both an attraction and logistical challenge. Several visitors commented on the importance of bringing adequate supplies, as services are limited once leaving town. Campgrounds near water sources like Goose Lake and Drews Creek receive higher ratings, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. The Fremont National Forest camping areas provide more seclusion and typically fewer amenities than RV parks closer to town. According to one camper: "Peaceful and beautiful RV park about 8 miles west of Lakeview Oregon. All pull-thru level sites. Clean bathrooms/showers/laundry. Large grassy area with volleyball, horseshoes, and cornhole."
"Peaceful and beautiful RV park about 8 miles west of Lakeview Oregon. All pull-thru level sites. Clean bathrooms/showers/laundry. Large grassy area with volleyball, horseshoes, and cornhole."
"Beautiful spot, quiet, west of Lakeview approximately 11 miles. Easy to access, sites close together, bathrooms with showers very clean. Friendly accommodating staff."
"We could see Oregon’s only geyser erupt from our site!"
"After a long day of driving in various weather conditions, we found this gem of a spot. Called ahead and the host had everything waiting for us in the afternoon-hours check-in spot."
from $2 - $25 / night
"Near Hwy 140 but was quiet."
"A good place to camp for the night, without having to drive up up steep windy road to more established campgrounds."
"Close to Hart Mtn Antelope Refuge. Would camp here again."
"Creek right next to camp, however, very murky. Overall, we felt very safe camping here and were able to take our dog on walks in the surrounding area."
"A small quiet campground near, but not on Drews creek. Only space for about 4 maybe 5 RVs. All sites great for tents. There are no services - no water, no electric, no dump. "
"Another typical, beautiful Oregon State Park. Well maintained, lots of trees. Nice little hiking path around the park could use a little maintenance."
"The site was adjacent to maintained lawn, a plus or minus depending on what you seek. Mostly well maintained tho bathrooms are older, only at the far end, and the men’s has one shower only."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $28 / night
"We were driving through and didn't make it to our next destination due to weather. Making a reservation on the road was easy online. Got our spot number and just pulled in and plugged into the power."
from $45 / night
"It has 7 back in camping spots, and there is fishing nearby. I would suggest smaller trailers and Rvs or tent camping. If you need phone or internet service this site is not for you."
RangerBeautiful, peaceful, quiet, free. Drive is 13 miles past Camp Hart but so worth it. 3 hot springs are available fir a great soak. Binoculars recommended for the wildlife viewing. DO NOT GO ON UNGRAVELED ROADS WITHOUT HIGH CLEARANCE VEHICLE.
RangerBig pull off and you can also go below gravel piles closer to lake and farther from road. Traffic quiets at night. There are lots of birds to watch and had a beautiful sunset across lake. Not a go to destination but good for a night or two.
ScoutExcellent spot for peace and quiet with excellent stargazing! Highly recommend! Look forward to returning!
LegendSpent one night here. The scenery in the area is very beautiful and at night it’s very dark where you can see millions of stars. There are only six spaces that have electric and water and a couple other spaces for dry camping. Emily, the owner, greeted us as we drove in and was super friendly. They have goats and a couple kitties that run around as well. The showers are dated, but also clean. There also is a laundromat as well. No sewer hook ups, but there is a dump station. Site was relatively level. Spaces one and two have the best shade.
TravelerCampground was beautiful with about 24 nicely spaced sites. The drive up the forest roads about 9 miles was doable in our 24’ Class C but tight. The road is paved but bumpy and very narrow, we are sure glad we didn’t meet anyone going in the other direction. Plan on a minimum of 20 minutes off the highway.
ScoutIt was a stop on a motorcycle trip. I like peace and quiet when I'm on the bike and this place delivered. Only 1 other site was occupied. The road in is 3 miles of gravel but not bad, the campground itself required a bit more caution. No site numbers, just pick a firepit and camp. The only negative is it's hard to find anything level which can make crawling in or out of a small tent in the dark a bit interesting. Over all a nice place.
ScoutCame from Bend. Beautiful drive. CG is free. They’ve potable water/pit toilets. No privacy at all between sites. Starlink/solar positive. Was too windy to use tent. Drive up to Visitor Center is gravel (about 20 mins from CG). Beautiful views.
TravelerI have been here a few times and really enjoyed my time due to the price for the most part. There's a really cool museum of sorts right at the RV park that displays some neat equipment and buildings. Tons of room to let a dog run around. The road noise is not bad at all. The taco truck that used to be near Napa is now right across the street which is awesome. They do charge $10 to dump/fresh water. The prices to stay are not bad at all. In 2026 it's$30 for full hookups, $25 for water and electric and $15 for dry camping. I have to assume the dry camping includes the dump station, but I don't know. For a 1 or 2-day stopover it is a decent place to stop.
GuideFrom the hiway 45 minute drive time is about right. Have a map some turns arnt posted. Portions of Corn Lake Rd are slow rocky or washboard. Wet weather can make roads impassable. We didn’t do any digging just enjoyed all the glittery stones on the surface.
Dispersed camping near Lakeview, Oregon centers around the Fremont National Forest, which spans over 1.2 million acres with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 9,800 feet. This high desert region features stark temperature variations, with summer nights dropping into the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 90s. Many forest service roads become impassable in winter months due to snow accumulation at higher elevations.
Fishing at multiple sites: Both Drews Creek and Junipers Reservoir offer fishing opportunities within a short drive from Lakeview. At Drews Creek Campground, you'll find a "small quiet campground near, but not on Drews creek" with space for "about 4 maybe 5 RVs" according to Bill T., though cell service is nonexistent.
Wildlife viewing: The region surrounding Lakeview provides excellent opportunities for spotting local wildlife. A camper at Goose Lake State Recreation Area noted they "saw two deer and a ton of quail" during their stay, making it a good spot for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Hiking nearby trails: Several campgrounds offer access to hiking trails. The Fremont National Forest Mud Creek Forest Camp area has "many hiking trails and peace and quiet if that is what you are searching for," according to Kelly N., who also mentions "a trailhead a mile up the road with parking."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost sites in the area. Forest T. described Drews Creek as a "Clean no frills FREE campground," while Ariel & John W. noted that Mud Creek Campground has "large private sites with fire rings and ginormous picnic tables plus vault toilets."
Dark sky stargazing: The minimal light pollution makes this region excellent for astronomy enthusiasts. Matt S. described his stay at Oregon Outback RV Park as having an "Amazing night sky" and mentioned the "scenery was awesome."
Clean facilities: Many campers mention the well-maintained facilities at established campgrounds. Michelle H. noted Goose Lake State Recreation Area has "Clean bathrooms, lots of shade" and is "Very peaceful," while Durango H. found the "bathrooms with showers very clean" at Junipers Reservoir RV Resort.
Seasonal water levels: Many water features in the area fluctuate dramatically or dry up completely. Kelly N. was confused about Goose Lake State Recreation Area, asking "Where is the lake?" and noting "This lake must be seasonal because we could not find it while traveling around this campsite." Michelle H. confirmed "The lake is completely dried up."
Mosquitoes can be intense: Insect activity varies by location and season but can be severe. Mike W. warned about Mud Creek Campground, saying "plan to stay inside the entire time" because "if you dare to go outside you'll be eaten alive spray or not I tried."
Limited services: The remote nature means facilities are often basic. At Lake County Fairgrounds, Sheri K. noted "There really isn't anything here besides the fairgrounds" and warned about the "very uneven" gravel parking lot, adding that while there's "a great area for exercising your dogs," many owners "do not pick up after their dogs."
Spacious group areas: Some campgrounds offer ample space for family gatherings. Nancy M. had a "FANTASTIC place to camp with Family in RV or tent" experience at Oregon Outback RV Park, where "the owners went above and beyond by reserving the entire park exclusively for our family."
Recreation amenities: Look for campgrounds with built-in activities. Rich J. described Junipers Reservoir RV Resort as having a "Large grassy area with volleyball, horseshoes, and cornhole" and "Lots of hiking trails."
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe wildlife safely. Michelle H. noted Goose Lake State Recreation Area is a place where families can see deer and "a ton of quail," making it educational for children interested in nature.
Access considerations: RV drivers should be aware of tight clearances on forest roads. Mike W. warned about Mud Creek Campground: "I'm towing a 30 foot TT and my roof was touching the tree branches on the way in" and later "noticed tears on my rubber roof," adding "I would not recommend a 5th wheel or anything longer."
Overnight convenience spots: Several locations serve well as quick stopovers. Christine G. described Camas Sno-Park as "Just a big paved area" that's "Not bad for what it is," making it suitable for car camping with "A small outhouse" and noting it's "Right off of the 140 so will hear the traffic."
Hookup availability: RV sites with utilities vary widely across the area. Steve N. found Mile High Trailer and RV Park an "Easy stop" where "you get power, water, sewer and trash" though "you need to back in" and there are "Only 6 spots here."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Lakeview, Oregon campgrounds?
Lakeview area campgrounds offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Summer Lake Hot Springs provides a unique experience with natural hot springs, dry camping areas with ample space, and a handful of hookup sites for RVs. Fish Lake Resort features clean bathrooms with showers, a café, and lakeside views. Many public campgrounds like Goose Lake State Recreation Area and Marster Spring include basic amenities such as pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. For RV campers, Junipers Reservoir RV Resort offers full hookups, laundry facilities, clean restrooms, and recreational activities including volleyball, horseshoes, and cornhole. Most campgrounds have access to water, though hookups are primarily available at private RV parks.
When is the best season for camping in Lakeview, Oregon?
The prime camping season in Lakeview runs from late spring through early fall (May-September). Summer offers warm days perfect for enjoying water activities at Cave Lake Campground, where crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and fishing. However, be prepared for variable weather - campers have reported snow as late as June at Stough Reservoir Campground. Fall brings beautiful colors and fewer crowds, while spring offers wildflowers but potentially muddy conditions. Winter camping is possible at some locations but requires proper cold-weather gear and preparation. The high desert climate means warm days and cool nights even in summer, so pack layers regardless of when you visit.
Where are the best campgrounds in Lakeview, Oregon?
Lakeview offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Junipers Reservoir RV Resort stands out with its peaceful setting about 8 miles west of Lakeview, featuring pull-through level sites, clean facilities, hiking trails, and a lake for fishing. For a more rustic experience, Marster Spring Campground provides intimate camping along Sage Hen Creek with well-spaced sites, fire rings, and picnic tables. Other notable options include Goose Lake State Recreation Area, Cave Lake Campground with stunning mountain views, and Fish Lake Resort which accommodates both small vans and larger RVs. The region also offers unique experiences at Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area where you can hunt for Oregon's state gemstone while camping.
Keep Exploring
