Best Dispersed Camping near Malheur National Forest

Across the vast wilderness of Malheur National Forest, dispersed camping spots give you a real backcountry feel without organized campgrounds. Most sites in this area sit far from crowds, though you'll need to bring everything you need since these locations have no facilities. All campers should follow Leave No Trace guidelines and take out whatever they bring in. The forest rules say you must camp at least 200 feet from any water or roads. You can stay up to 14 days at one spot before needing to move. Many of the best dispersed areas require trucks or SUVs with good clearance since forest roads can get rough, especially after rain. The forest often has fire bans during dry months, so check with rangers about current rules before planning to have a campfire. Camping here means going without bathrooms, running water, or any other comforts you'd find at developed campgrounds.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Malheur National Forest (7)

    1. Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    John Day, OR
    13 miles

    "It had plenty of fairly flat ground for our 26” skoolie. There was a fire ring, but we didn’t use. It got very cold at night."

    "Good little tucked away site with spring water, fire pits and lots of empty space for my truck. Make sure to stop at the sign, we went about 2-3 extra miles looking before we came back lol"

    2. Lunch Creek

    1 Review
    Prairie City, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 575-3000

    "We walked along the path to check it out before attempting it in our 26ft class c and I’m glad we did. The path was too narrow for us, and the road rose up a bit too high along the middle."

    3. Social Security Point Trailhead

    5 Reviews
    Sumpter, OR
    44 miles

    "Bring your own firewood, the forest floor is extremely clean. There’s 4 sites on this road and a restroom at the end. We were car camping but most sites have smaller trailer access."

    "Great little dispersed spot with a clean outhouse.

    There looks to be 4 sites in the trees, but if you keep driving down it’ll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped."

    4. Juntura Hot Springs Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Harper, OR
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 473-3144

    "Passed it at first, and then was greeted by a pretty rough road (doable in AWD RAV4). HOWEVER it is very worth it for the beautiful views of the hills and river."

    "Getting there from the coordinates on this app was easy, although maps said I would have to walk I was easily able to drive a small trailer in all the way back."

    6. Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area

    1 Review
    Sumpter, OR
    46 miles
    Website

    "Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas."

    7. Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

    1 Review
    Sumpter, OR
    47 miles

    "There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Malheur National Forest

3 Photos of 7 Malheur National Forest Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Malheur National Forest

13 Reviews of 7 Malheur National Forest Campgrounds


  • allison W.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area

    Huge and diverse area

    Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas. It earns a good review at the end of the day for being conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it’s the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes.

  • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

    Good spot for a few nights

    There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.

    I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.

  • H
    May. 23, 2023

    Juntura Hot Springs Dispersed

    Rough Road Beautiful Views

    Passed it at first, and then was greeted by a pretty rough road (doable in AWD RAV4). HOWEVER it is very worth it for the beautiful views of the hills and river.

    No amenities, but a couple of makeshift fire pits. Plenty of space, should have no problem finding a spot.

    Part of the road was flooded by the river but there was still plenty of room!

    Never found any “hot springs” lol

  • d
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping

    Not a campground

    This place is on private property and has gates all around the area. Maybe it was once a campground but surely not anymore.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Social Security Point Trailhead

    Great basic spot

    Very well maintained area. Bring your own firewood, the forest floor is extremely clean. There’s 4 sites on this road and a restroom at the end. We were car camping but most sites have smaller trailer access.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Lunch Creek

    For Cars and Tiny Rigs

    Sweet little spot for smaller vehicles. We walked along the path to check it out before attempting it in our 26ft class c and I’m glad we did. The path was too narrow for us, and the road rose up a bit too high along the middle. A smaller vehicle shouldn’t have a problem. There’s a nice little clearing at the end of the path right along the little creek. Very peaceful and green when we came here in July. 

    At the main road there IS a spot large enough for our RV (that’s where we parked when we got out to walk to the creek spot) but we decided not to stay the night there. It wasn’t flat at all and a little too noisy and close to the main road. But it would definitely do in a pinch- very easy to get to- just off the main road to the right. There’s a fire pit marking the spot. 

    Zero cell reception in this entire area for verizon and ATT. No amenities here, this is a FS dispersed camping spot so please keep the area clean and pack out your waste.

  • Daniel M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Juntura Hot Springs Dispersed

    Easy and peaceful spot

    Getting there from the coordinates on this app was easy, although maps said I would have to walk I was easily able to drive a small trailer in all the way back. Nice open spot with lots of places to park, was a bit worried how open it was but there were a few other campers all spread out so it just felt homey.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Stinking Water Pass

    Okay place for a night

    I don't know about the pass but took to turn off and proceeded down the road to the first set of trees off the road. Ther e are driveways among the trees that will allow small to medium vehicles. There's an open field (with plenty of rocks and boulders-not for driving on) that affords a view to the northeast. It is hot here now, 90s to 100.

  • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Social Security Point Trailhead

    Amazing spot with treed in sites or lake-front

    Great little dispersed spot with a clean outhouse.

    There looks to be 4 sites in the trees, but if you keep driving down it’ll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped. Wide open, great sunset views! The lake is dammed, so I assume the water levels vary, but when I was there, there was room for a few more vehicles down by the water. Careful going too far, as some tire tracks looked to have maybe gotten stuck in mud by venturing too far out. 😂

    Great spot, would definitely return!


Guide to Malheur National Forest

Dispersed camping near Malheur National Forest in Oregon offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the serenity of the outdoors while taking advantage of the freedom that comes with dispersed camping.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Malheur National Forest in Oregon

  • Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping provides a tucked-away experience with ample space for vehicles and the convenience of spring water and fire pits.
  • At Juntura Hot Springs Dispersed, you can find a peaceful spot with plenty of room for parking, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry offers several spurs off the main road, perfect for boondocking, though a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for access.

Enjoying nature while free camping near Malheur National Forest

  • Lunch Creek is a sweet little spot for smaller vehicles, featuring a serene creek and lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • Stinking Water Pass provides an open field with stunning views, making it a great place to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the area.
  • Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area allows for easy boondocking with a mix of privacy and tranquility, ideal for those who enjoy a more secluded experience.

Top attractions for dispersed campers

  • The scenic views at Juntura Hot Springs Dispersed are worth the rough road, offering beautiful vistas of hills and rivers for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
  • Social Security Point Trailhead features a clean outhouse and options for both treed-in sites and lakefront camping, providing a versatile experience for campers.
  • The area around Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is perfect for walking and exploring, with diverse landscapes that cater to various outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Malheur National Forest?

Malheur National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping locations. Social Security Point Trailhead features four well-maintained sites in the trees and additional camping near the lake with spectacular sunset views. Juntura Hot Springs Dispersed provides beautiful views of hills and river, with plenty of space for camping despite requiring navigation on a somewhat rough road (accessible with AWD vehicles). Other noteworthy spots include Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry with good boondocking options off NF-6510, Stinking Water Pass with driveways among trees for small to medium vehicles, and Lunch Creek which works well for smaller vehicles. Throughout the forest, look for established fire rings which often indicate suitable camping areas.

What amenities are available for dispersed camping in Malheur National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Malheur National Forest is primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Lunch Creek is a basic site with no facilities but offers a peaceful clearing. Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area provides hassle-free boondocking without developed amenities. Most dispersed sites feature makeshift fire rings but little else. At some locations like Stinking Water Pass and Baboon Creek Quarry, you'll find established stone fire rings. One exception is Social Security Point Trailhead, which offers a clean outhouse. Bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal equipment. The forest floor in many areas is kept clean, so you should pack in firewood rather than collecting it. Cell service is limited throughout the forest, so plan accordingly.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Malheur National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Malheur National Forest is Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Malheur National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Malheur National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.