Want to go dispersed camping near Mapleton? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Mapleton, including photos, reviews, and tips. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Mapleton's most popular destinations.
This site, sometimes referred to as Horton Lake, Hult Marsh, Hult Reservoir, or Mill Pond, was developed in the early 1900s for logging operations. The reservoir and surrounding wetland is about 40 acres and supports a rich diversity of wildlife, fish, and plant species. This recreation site is popular for activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. "Dispersed camping" is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. Dispersed camping usually means no toilet facilities or treated water, no fire grates, and no picnic tables or other amenities are provided.
There are extra responsibilities and skills needed for dispersed camping. By applying Leave No Trace practices, you will ensure a safe, clean and positive experience for your family and the environment.
The sites listed below are some popular, well used dispersed camping areas. For other more out of the way places, please check the Motor Vehicle Use Map for permissible locations.
The Forest also has dispersed OHV Sand Camping sites. Sand camping is allowed in areas at Sand Lake Recreation Area and at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Each area has different regulations as to where you can camp.
Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds, state parks, national forests, and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Some private landowners also offer camping opportunities through platforms like Hipcamp. It is important to follow local regulations and respect private property when camping in Oregon.
Scout
My husband and I decided we wanted to camp at the coast this weekend and every other camp site and state park was full, so we stumbled upon this place! It was easy to find following the directions on this site. Like other reviews mentioned, there are cars that drive by since it is a forest road, but we didn’t notice too much of a disturbance from them. It was pretty secluded. We stayed at the intersection campsite, and it was great! There was trash from previous campers, but we cleaned it up before we left!
ScoutThis area was easy to get to with Apple Maps which was great, however there was only one open site - after settling in it became clear that the other sites were more permanent setups….. there were cars coming and going all night, one in the dark going easily 50mph almost hit us. Would not recommend in its current state for people looking for calm camping.
Traveler
Nice pull off dispersed place to camp. Some sketchy people around but availability to get away from people up the road
Traveler
My husband and I were looking for a place to camp close to the coast during 4th of July weekend when every other campground was full. It was a nice drive, saw maybe 2 other cars the whole night. Our site backed right up to a little creek. The only downfall was the flys and bugs were killer - there were huge horseflies everywhere
GuideLooks like there are 2 pull off spots here. One was taken by another camper, and I was grateful to snag the second one. Stayed here for 2 nights. It is off a gravel road, but it's not that busy. Pretty view and relatively secluded. Would stay again. The 2ish mile drive up the gravel road to get here was easy enough.
GPS: 44.512881, -123.984589
Guide
Pretty busy spot - even early on a weekday. I found a pretty pulloff area, but quickly realized it's no good if you rely on cell service, solar and/or starlink due to the tree coverage. Ended up staying for one night. I would recommend if you're looking for somewhere to come and disconnect from the world. Just not over holidays or weekends.
GPS: 44.248357, -123.495729
ScoutStayed here on a Sunday night in June, there’s two campsites. One at the fork in the road and one slightly further down. I stayed in the first with my camper Subaru. Only had maybe 4 cars pass from 6pm to 10pm. Tiny bit of trash around but as always leave it better than you found it!
GuideI probably wouldn't do this if I had a trailer or an rv, but my toyota Corolla did just fine. The marked coordinates are a little overgrown, but there's a good tent spot a couple hundred feet beforehand. Pretty chilly evening, but it was definitely secluded and peaceful
ScoutWe have a 38 foot rv. We got stuck in a ditch. Rv almost tipped over trying to u turn… if you go down the main lower path you will find a area big enough to u turn! Dont do it until then! Other wise a wonderful time. So many many many bugs though at the area we stayed ar
ScoutAbout 15 minutes off the 101, with the last 3 mi being unpaved gravel road (well groomed). Campsite is isolated and quiet. Some scattered trash in the area.
ScoutAbout an 1 hour from Corvallis but worth it if you can go at a good time! No service but great from a seclusion! So remember all games and firewood you need!!
Traveler
had to stop but I don't think and gi to see if I 5
ScoutThe Elliott State Forest has more than 550 miles of roads and trails, but only a primary network has been maintained over the past 10 years since the 90,000 acre area was shut down with environmental lawsuits. Many of these roads lead to excellent camping sites, including old lookouts, fishing holes, secluded springs, and an undeveloped campground favored by local mudrunners. Met organization has worked with the local Community College the past seven years regarding recreational research on the Elliott, with our most recent (and likely final) focus being on historic trails and primitive campsites. The pandemic caused much of this work to be documented on student-level videos, indexed on YouTube: http://www.orww.org/Elliott\_Forest/Recreation/index.html and https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1JyKCHg2GmHjLtQzXXDks4Rb-LE9HoJ-
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.
TravelerThis was beautiful but the only options were on the side of the gravel road. There were a few of these pull outs along the road but the road did have a few other cars driving by.
ScoutNeeded a last minute to car camp that was close to the coast, found these dispersed sites online and figured it try it out. There was surprisingly multiple spots that I had cell service (AT&T) so I was able to navigate myself around through a satellite map. Lots of nice spots with good views, just takes a bit of driving around to find the perfect one. Didn’t see anyone up there and I was there from Tuesday to Wednesday. Hope to return at some point! Just beware some of the side roads are a bit overgrown and can scratch up your car.
Traveler
It’s a small road through the forest with a few pull off spots along the way. Nothing particularly interesting here, just trees. Can be difficult to find a spot without having to drive pretty far into the forest.
ScoutDecent spots with Fire Pits off the lake. Bathrooms not too far of a drive/walk if needed. Lots of people earlier in the day. All the good ones were taken, later around 6pm a perfect one opened up and we jumped on it.
TravelerThe way Google took us go thus spot was terrible. Instead of keeping us on the gravel road, it had us drive through an overgrown dirt path. Thank got we didn't get stuck!
If you are going, stay on the clearly marked gravel road! It's long and winding, but it does have a fee pull outs to park in! It was very quiet, peaceful, and no wildlife bothered us!
ScoutSuper large campsite! I think only one other car passed by the whole night/morning. Ground was relatively level and decently cleared.
ScoutNice, cleared spots, not too many other people.
ScoutI drove back in a few miles and camped along the road, in some old growth forest. It was dark, and I mean truly dark in there when you shut off your lights off, and silent as a tomb. Huge uncut trees, bad ass country! My Cane Corso bully dog made it much less spooky at night, not many things would want a piece of him.
ScoutCampsite: was lovely
Location: about 20 feet from the road where we parked, right along the pond.
Things people may want to be aware of: there were a few logging trucks and such using the road by the campsite, the bathrooms were not super close to the site, and campfires are not permitted.
LegendWe stayed all day but decided not to stay a night. Our day stay was due to the road being too steep for my 1993 truck camper. It got too hot and blew the transmission, made a nice long trail in the steep road.
We made it to the 6 mile marker, where a nice couple of people stopped and went into town for us to get what we needed to not be stranded.
If we could have drove further up I’m sure our experience would have been different.
GuideI love heading out that way. I have seen reviews of the place talking about tweaker the place but I have not had any encounters with anyone like that. And I love that it is dispersed camping all around there. I travel a little bit up the creek past the pond. Beautiful area a good fishing.
GuideWe got there a little after noon and the hood spots were taken that are on the lake. However I drove further up and camped at H5. It was a lot more private, and we had the creek to ourselves.
TravelerThe sites are sling the right side of the of the road, the road that leads along the left (west side) of the lake. There are several sites, we stayed in H2, which is painted on the road. It's a short 30 feet walk to the site from the parking spot. We had a lakefront site which was private and spacious. There was easy access to the lake, which us full of jumping fish. We had a great time, people were friendly and it was relatively quiet. We are glad to have made the trip to "Horton Lake". Definitely recommended.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mapleton, Oregon, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without designated sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mapleton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mapleton, OR is Hult Pond with a 4-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mapleton, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Mapleton, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
