RV camping near Lakeview, Oregon provides options in the high desert region at 4,800 feet elevation. Summer temperatures average 80°F during daytime, while winter nights often drop below freezing. Most campgrounds outside the city limits lack cell service, though Oregon Outback RV Park offers Starlink internet for campers needing connectivity.
What to do
Fishing at Junipers Reservoir: Located on a 6,000-acre working cattle ranch, Junipers Reservoir RV Resort provides fishing opportunities at their private lake. "Lots of hiking trails and even a lake with fishing," notes Rich J., who appreciated the recreational options beyond standard campground amenities.
Dark sky viewing: The Lakeview area is part of a Dark Sky sanctuary, offering exceptional stargazing conditions. At Summer Lake Hot Springs, visitors experience prime night sky viewing. "We were there during a Blue moon with no light pollution and it felt like you could grab it out of the sky," reports one camper about the exceptional visibility in this region.
Wildlife watching: Bird enthusiasts can observe numerous species at nearby refuges. "We saw two deer and a ton of quail. Easy to pull in and out. Very peaceful," mentions Michelle H. about her stay at Goose Lake State Recreation Area, where wildlife sightings are common despite the seasonal nature of the lake.
What campers like
Hot springs access: Summer Lake Hot Springs offers natural mineral pools for relaxation. "Clean campground with amazing views from the bathhouse. Full hookups on level pads and cabins if you left your rv at home. Hint. Take a warm, fluffy robe and good sandals for your walk to and from the soaking pools," suggests William J.
Spacious campsites: Many RV parks in the region provide generous site spacing. At Oregon Outback RV Park, guests appreciate the layout. "We loved the big shade trees and green grass at our group's 3 sites. Plenty of room for our big RV's in the easy pull-through sites," shares Melina S.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank highly among visitor priorities. At Wild Goose Meadows RV Park (formerly Base Camp), Jeff K. found "A really fun RV park with good shade. The owners were extremely nice and helpful. We could see Oregon's only geyser erupt from our site!"
What you should know
Seasonal lake fluctuations: Despite the name, Goose Lake is often dry depending on the season. "Confused? This lake must be seasonal because we could not find it while traveling around this campsite. There is a small marshy area and grass as if the lake is there at other times of the year," explains Kelly N.
Fire restrictions: Most campgrounds implement strict fire policies due to high desert conditions. At Junipers Reservoir, personal campfires are prohibited, but alternatives exist. "You can't have a campfire, but they do have a fire pit near the laundry room plus propane grills for guests," notes one reviewer.
Road conditions: Access to many campgrounds involves gravel roads that can become challenging in poor weather. At Lake County Fairgrounds, "The gravel parking lot is very uneven, so prepare accordingly," warns Sheri K., highlighting the need for leveling equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Group activities: Family-friendly campgrounds offer communal recreation options. At Junipers Reservoir, "There is a dog run, horseshoes, and a volleyball set up," which provides entertainment for various age groups.
Pet exercise areas: Many campgrounds accommodate four-legged family members. "They have a great area for exercising your dogs, but beware, it is obvious that a lot of dog owners do not pick up after their dogs," cautions Sheri K. about Lake County Fairgrounds.
Private group camping: For family reunions, consider exclusive bookings. At Oregon Outback RV Park, one family reported, "The owners went above and beyond by reserving the entire park exclusively for our family, creating a private and intimate setting that made our reunion truly special."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal, as not all parks offer this service. "We didn't need to dump, but it wasn't said well on any signage we saw," notes Joseph from Lake County Fairgrounds, where a $5 fee applies for dumping if you haven't paid for full hookups.
Site orientation: Some parks have unusual parking configurations. At Lake County Fairgrounds, "As there were no directions we were unsure how exactly you were supposed to park to be in 'your site'... It seemed like the back of the RV was supposed to be at the power water connection, but we never did find out for sure."
Length restrictions: Assess vehicle compatibility before arrival. At Mile High Trailer and RV Park, "You need to back in though. Only 6 spots here," cautions Steve N., highlighting the limited availability for larger motorhomes.
