Searching for the best camping near Lowell, OR? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lowell is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Lowell, OR. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"The coordinates take you to right by the reservoir with one or two spots but if you keep going down the road into the National Forest/Recreation area, (not in towards the reservoir— that road is rough,"
"The marker on the map is where the information kiosk is. If you follow the road to the right of the reservoir there are some developed campsites/boat launches with a fee (and composting toilets)."
"There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others."
"Nice pond to camp near, several campsites to choose from and trails to explore"
"It's best if you have four wheel drive or all wheel drive. Wouldn't recommend going in the winter months or rainy season. It is a very fun drive though taxing and it is slow going."
"Got into Eugene super late and started the drive down to Crater lake. Wife and I decided the safe thing was to post up for the night and continue on in the morning."
"Nice pull off dispersed place to camp. Some sketchy people around but availability to get away from people up the road"
"Good camp location, easy to find. Paved most of the way up."
"Such as August most times there are NO Camp Fires! Be prepare for fire danger, have axe, shovel and 5-gal of water, you will be the first to stop it and report it."
"I love the dispersed camping. The sites are open, so good for solar, but do get windy.
I have camped at the quarry a few times with my friends that have a camp trailer."
"Snow was pushed back and the lot is a circle around the toilets. 1 other car there but no one was in it so they may have been camping in the forest."
"Pavement turns to dirt road to get to the sites. Each site has a fire ring and a table. The vault toilet has a trash can and was stocked with TP when we were there but we bring our own."
"There are only about 6 little sites here and a boat ramp for the little lake. There is one long-drop toilet (no TP) and many sites had picnic tables. I'm not sure if all did, but ours did."
GuidePavement turns to dirt road to get to the sites. Each site has a fire ring and a table. The vault toilet has a trash can and was stocked with TP when we were there but we bring our own.
The trails down to the river are loose dirt and steep but we drove to the other side of the river to lounge in the sun.
Lots of skeeters! Bring your bug spray
GuideFree dispersed roadside camping beside the reservoir. There’s some nice sites off blue river reservoir road and across the dam. Nice lake and a vault toilet with a dumpster in the day use section. Nice basic free spot!
TravelerBeautiful recitation area... Mostly roadside limited facilities and or services but beautiful area.. large mountain lake tucked into beautiful mountain valleys ...windy narrow road a couple state campgrounds and day use areas... limited places to turn around... But well worth the adventure!
TravelerOur weekend at Hult Pond was unforgettable. I know because I have tried.
Disbursed camp sights sprawl along this man made log pond and nightmarish horror movie set along a footpath seamingly designed to dump its evening travelers into the muck that is Hult Pond. Jagged old logs poke out of the stagnant water as a reminder that someone used to get paid to spend the day here.
If this doesn’t sound like the most picturesque of settings I would direct you to the strange log loading equipment rusting just on the forbidden side of a gated barbed wire fence. Upon closer inspection you see what must be tetanus’s way of luring barefoot boys and girls into a summer of drooling lockjaw.
The access road is a still functioning rock quarry road that hosts a never ending parade of old rattling dump trucks and loaders. Nothing says ,”getting away from the hustle and bustle” quite like a convoy barrelling down a narrow road spilling basketball sized boulders before returning bouncing back up empty and clearly attempting to meet a quota.
The whole thing gave me an uneasy sense of nostalgia. Reminding me of the days we would gather by the dozens with red solo cups full of Hams. We would drink ourselves into a vomiting delirium in a parking lot off some old logging road. We would wake up with profanities drawn on our faces as punishment for succumbing to alcohol poisoning sooner than at least one of our classmates.
In fact I believe that’s exactly what the 58 kids in the campsite right next to ours we’re doing each night of our trip.
The girls learned all sorts of colorful language and I believed, based on the way my ten year old son was drooling that the tetanus had succeeded. I was not relieved to discover on our final morning, him wreaking of cheap beer and cigarettes and moaning how horrible he felt while proffering his undying love to a high school girl named Tiffany.
Not recommended.
GuideThe coordinates take you to right by the reservoir with one or two spots but if you keep going down the road into the National Forest/Recreation area, (not in towards the reservoir— that road is rough,) there are plenty of spots off the road to camp at. We found a spot to put our tent (right off the road) but still a safe distance away from it and was able to watch and hear this clear blue river while we fell asleep.
TravelerGreat spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.
TravelerThe marker on the map is where the information kiosk is. If you follow the road to the right of the reservoir there are some developed campsites/boat launches with a fee (and composting toilets). Keep driving. This area is freshly burned, but there are still very treed dispersed sites past the more developed ones. Pass the sign for Mona campground but before the bridge and signs that warn about falling rocks. On the left side there are five dispersed sites along the river. There is a small marker "180" at the entry to the turnoff. Beautiful and quiet. Minimal trash that we cleaned up, steep routes to the river. We were there early March, no snow.
TravelerNice pond to camp near, several campsites to choose from and trails to explore
TravelerIf you don’t mind not having service this place is great to just get away from it all. Only a few good spots and they go fast so definitely get there early to get a good spot. Beautiful area and very peaceful. They have a bathroom which is a plus but no trash cans so please whatever you pack in make sure to pack it out. Seeing trash in beautiful places always ruin it a little
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lowell, Oregon, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of scenic spots, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Lowell dispersed camping areas?
Hult Pond offers basic amenities including a bathroom, several flat spots suitable for tents, and a few areas that can accommodate RVs. There are trails to explore around the pond and peaceful surroundings, though no hookups are available. At Lemolo Forebay, each site comes equipped with a fire ring and table. There's also a vault toilet stocked with toilet paper and a trash can. Most dispersed areas in the region typically provide fire rings but lack water, electricity, and shower facilities, so come prepared to be self-sufficient.
Where can I find dispersed camping in Lowell, Oregon?
Several dispersed camping options exist near Lowell. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping offers free sites along the reservoir, with additional spots if you continue down the road into the National Forest. For a different experience, check out Quartzville Recreation Corridor, which features beautiful mountain scenery and lake views, though the road can be narrow and winding. Both areas provide basic dispersed camping with various pull-offs from the main roads, allowing you to find secluded spots in nature.
Is a permit required for dispersed camping near Lowell?
Permits are generally not required for dispersed camping in the Lowell area, but regulations may vary by specific location and season. Many areas like Salt Creek Hideout and Forest Road 5875 follow standard National Forest dispersed camping rules: free camping with a typical 14-day stay limit. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as seasonal bans are common, especially in summer months. While most sites are free, some developed areas near dispersed zones might charge fees. Contact the local ranger district office before your trip to verify current regulations.
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