Best Tent Camping near Maupin, OR

Public lands surrounding Maupin, Oregon offer diverse tent camping options along the Deschutes River corridor and nearby forested areas. Oak Springs Campground provides tent-only sites with river access and marked spots along BLM roads, complete with fire rings and picnic tables. Bonney Crossing Campground, located in Tygh Valley, sits at the transition between forested Mount Hood National Forest and the drier eastern Oregon landscape, offering walk-in tent sites from May to October. Keeps Mill Campground in Maupin and Barlow Crossing provide additional tent camping options with seasonal availability from June to October.

Most tent campsites in the Maupin area feature basic amenities on natural surfaces with minimal development. Sites at Oak Springs are situated on level ground with established fire rings, though campers should bring their own water as most locations lack potable sources. Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, but primitive tent camping areas may require packing out all waste. Access roads to many tent sites can be rough and may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. Seasonal considerations include high winds in canyon areas and potential fire restrictions during summer months, with some campgrounds charging fees between $8-12 depending on the day of week.

Tent campers visiting Lower Deschutes State Recreation Area report exceptional stargazing opportunities and peaceful settings. According to one visitor at Oak Springs Campground, the sites are "clean spots with fire rings and picnic tables" with "easy access to the river for fishing." Backcountry tent camping along the Deschutes offers greater seclusion, with campsites spaced approximately every five miles along the river. Areas farther from main access points typically provide more privacy and less crowding, even during peak summer weekends. The transition zone between forest and high desert creates diverse camping environments, with riverside tent sites offering water sounds that mask occasional road noise. Walk-in tent sites generally provide more isolation than drive-up options, with several campgrounds featuring paths to nearby hiking trails.

Best Tent Sites Near Maupin, Oregon (61)

    1. Oak Springs Campground

    1 Review
    Maupin, OR
    3 miles
    Website

    "Awesome spot on the river, clean spots, with fire rings and picnic tables. Spots are located all along the BLM road and are marked. Easy access to the river for fishing."

    2. Bonney Crossing

    5 Reviews
    Tygh Valley, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    $16 / night

    "Campground Review An open, relatively unused campground next to a sleep-calling stream right in between the last forested part of Mt."

    "The campsites are all well spaced out parallel to a nice clean looking river. We stayed in the off-season, so that is probably why it was empty."

    3. Macks Canyon Recreation Site

    4 Reviews
    Moro, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    $8 - $35 / night

    "We went during weather transition from rain to clear. The result, high winds in the canyon. This only lasted the one night. Fantastic weather the rest of the time. A slight bit of small trash around."

    "We were so glad we kept driving down this road until the very end."

    4. Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Moro, OR
    21 miles
    Website

    "We stayed in the big open field next to it. I don’t think this is technically an “official” campsite but it has a lovely composting toilet that smells like fresh cedar."

    "Bike-packing Campground Review: The lower Deschutes River from Pelton Dam to the Columbia River, goes about 100 river miles along the water and was designated an Oregon Scenic Waterway in 1970."

    5. Little Badger Campground

    1 Review
    Tygh Valley, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    $10 / night

    6. Carbon Farm Yard

    1 Review
    Dufur, OR
    17 miles
    Website

    $55 / night

    "Carbon Farm is private camping on a farm a few miles outside of Dufur on the east side of Mt Hood National Forest."

    7. Keeps Mill Campground

    3 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    "Google will tell you to drive in from North - this won't get you to the CG. You gotta approach from the South.  You MUST have a high-clearance 4x4."

    "This is a super secluded campsite that is very difficult to drive to. Amazing place to stay. Beautiful stars and an incredible spot to play in the river."

    8. Badger Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    $10 / night

    "This is a fairly easy trail to backpack on with lots of great sites to camp. If you’re hiking up to the lake you might want to make it a two day trip to really enjoy it."

    "The drive up the the lake is not super peaceful but once you get there it's pretty great."

    9. Pebble Ford Campground

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    "Not too far from Meadows and Parkdale ... and even not to far for an overnight or weekend away from Portland. The first come sites are just off of Forest Road 44 >> Dufur Valley Road."

    "Very quiet and even has a few dispersed camp spots outside the main area. Had some deer walk right through our camp spot while we sat by the fire."

    10. Barlow Crossing

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 352-6002

    "Decent, well stocked vault toilet. Thumbs up all around, I will definitely return to this gem."

    "Super easy to drive in, with lots of options for spots we parked at the top of the hill and walked about 5 min down to our spot right on the creek, however there were many spots that you could drive right"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Maupin, OR

1105 Reviews of 61 Maupin Campgrounds


  • Alyson M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Camp Creek

    Perfect Spot

    Camped here for the second year in a row, and it did not disappoint. We got lucky with a nice spot on the creek this year, which I would recommend for the best experience. The sites are spacious and most are pretty private which is great. It is primitive, no showers and just one vault toilet. I will say that the site did have a fair amount of trash on it which was disappointing, but we cleaned it up before heading out. Remember to leave no trace!!

  • T
    Aug. 5, 2020

    Lone Tree Campground — Cottonwood Canyon State Park

    Hot, dusty, dry and windy

    This campground in along the John Day River with access to the river from the campground but no water views.  Most sites have a pergola over the picnic table for shade and a sturdy wooden fence, I assume for wind protection.  The sites are nicely spaced but the wind, blowing dust and heat made it pretty uncomfortable to be outside. The river here is broad and shallow so not deep enough for watercraft.  The water was pretty warm.  There are several hiking trails along the river.

  • CJ S.
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Meditation Point Campground

    Beautiful, Private, Remote

    Stayed just one night in site 1, which was the only one available. It’s very private being far from the trail and has good access to the shore but is very shady at all times, although also sheltered from the wind. There was a fire ring (although no fires allowed) and a table. Several viable tent spots on the site. The toilets were closed and, unfortunately, previous campers weren’t so great at “leave no trace” because we found a bunch of dog and human feces around.

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2020

    Bear Hollow County Park

    Meh

    We were the only ones camping here for a night in October 2020. Sites are OK, some pull-throughs, some tent sites, too. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table. Pit toilets were dirty. Good location outside Fossil but kind of expensive at $20 for no hookups and dirty toilets, plus it’s right next to road so there’s some road noise.

  • C. W.
    May. 30, 2021

    Mount Hood National Forest Lost Creek Campground

    Clean dispersed camping

    Read up on this location with some good info. Flat paved sites for dry camping.

    Lost Creek Campground has 10 single-family campsites and is located on one of the largest pyroclastic volcanic mudflows from Mt. Hood’s “Old Maid” eruption in the 1700s. Fortunately all of the mudflows have cooled. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Two yurts are also available. Campground amenities include a picnic area, drinking water and vault toilets. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.

    Lost Creek / Mt. Hood Area Recreation

    Outdoor recreation includes fishing. Visitors also enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.  The Wild and Scenic Sandy River is also not far from the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead. Mt. Hood is just southeast of the campground offers visitors the opportunity for a nice a day trip.

    AMENITIES

    BBQ Grills

    Campsite Tables

    Comfort Station

    Drinking Water

    Fire Pit

    Fire Rings

    Firewood Available

    Golden Age & Access Passports accepted

    Grills

    Pets OK

    Picnic Tables

    Restrooms (Vault Toilets)

    ACTIVITIES

    Biking

    Bird Watching

    Creek

    Fishing

    Hiking

    Mountain Biking

    Nature Trails

    Photography

    Picnicking

    River

    Walking Trails

    Wildlife Viewing

  • Angela  A.
    Jul. 8, 2019

    Memaloose State Park Campground

    A nice place to rest off the freeway.

    Connected to a rest area. $19 camping no hookups. Water, pad, picnic table, and fire ring in site. Free showers. Clean bathrooms. Freeway noise not bad.

  • D
    Apr. 2, 2021

    Giles French Park Primitive Camping

    Great Views, Few Amenities, Good Fishing

    Giles French Park  (GFP) is one of two adjacent free camping / bookdocking sites owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) along the Columbia River near the town of Rufus, Oregon.  I was there on opening day, 2021.  I didn't see any tents.  I also didn't see any signs saying tents aren't permitted.  I saw several motorhomes and travel trailers parked far apart.  I think the Native American fishermen dropped off some of the trailers to stay in when the spring salmon run begins.  There's a 7-day stay limit.  No open fires (campfires) are permitted.  I assume this is is because of the frequently gusty wind conditions.  I used a butane camp stove.  There's no television reception unless you have a satellite dish.  Cell service is good on both Verizon and AT&T.  The water is unsafe to drink unless it is boiled first for five minutes.  (I have no idea why.  Don't the dam employees have potable water?). There's exactly one flush toilet (for men anyway.) It's in the restrooms nearest to the dam.  This restroom is in poor condition.  The stall door lock is broken.  The urinal is out of service.  The lavatory drain is clogged.  (You get the picture.  If not, look at my pictures.)  All the other restrooms have vault toilets and no running water.  The restrooms are spaced very far apart.  The only trash dumpster is near the vault toilet that serves the boat ramp parking lot.  No camping is permitted near the restrooms.  Keep all this in mind when you select your site.  There are only a few picnic tables.  Most are situated where there's not much of a view.  The best views are in the third parking lot away from the dam, where the Native Americans have several closely spaced fishing scaffolds.  That was where I parked.  I had one neighbor on April 1-2, 2021.  A couple of non-Native American anglers showed up at the crack of dawn.  They didn't have any success as far as I could tell.  But, the spring salmon run had not started yet.  Similar to an island if you didn't bring it, it isn't at GFP.  There are no amenities other than the mentioned restrooms and non-potable water.  The views are spectacular, especially at sunset.  GFP sits in a canyon with sheer basalt cliffs on either side.  The play of sunlight on the Oregon side at sunset is colorful.  The dam is lit up with red, white and blue lights at night.  Barges sometimes pass through the lock at the north end of the dam.  Trains run along both sides of the Columbia River, BNSF on the Washington side and UP on the Oregon side.  These are noticeable but not particularly noisy since there are no crossings nearby.  I-84 creates more noise than the trains do.  Since the site is free and the amenities are few, it's good for a night or two in my opinion, but not much more.  I rated it low because of the poor condition of the restrooms.  Apparently the Army Corps of Engineers cannot open a stopped drain.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 17, 2023

    Justesen Ranches - Lower Twin Lakes

    Camping in a High Desert Oasis!

    Ashley here with The Dyrt! We want to welcome this property owner to our platform. "Camp beside a private spring fed lake. You’ll have this high desert oasis all to yourselves. This is a leave no trace camp site, pack it in pack it out. Fishing is NOT included in your stay. You can inquire about fly fishing rates." Book your stay today and leave them some love!

  • Thomas B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Deschutes River Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Handy Stopping Point

    We kind of stumbled into this free spot while heading to a more formal campground near Pelton Dam. As the daylight faded I spotted a pullout/turnaround area which then led to a rather private loop with a great view of the Deschutes River and Lake Simtustus. I had to confirm with the Dyrt BLM map overlay, but I was glad to find myself on public land. It’s not really a place I’d choose to spend more than one night, since it doesn’t really connect to any trails or walking areas, but it was a handy en-route overnight spot, complete with a nice view and bright sunset. It’s only a few miles off Rt. 26, following signs to Pelton Dam. There was plenty of room to turn around my 26’ skoolie. However, I didn’t really see a good place for a tent, but I didn’t look very hard. There were signs of previous users, including a fire ring (which I didn’t use). Since it was the eve of Earth Day, I did collect a bagful of empty cans and trash. Leave no trace, people!


Guide to Maupin

Tent camping near Maupin, Oregon centers on the transition zone where forested mountains meet high desert terrain. The area sits at elevations between 850 to 2,100 feet, experiencing temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night during summer months. Seasonal restrictions apply to most camping areas, with the majority of tent sites closing between late October and early May due to weather conditions and resource protection.

What to do

Hiking access from camp: Several campgrounds connect directly to trail systems. At Bonney Crossing, you can access the Badger Creek Trail about 100 feet from your campsite. According to Bjorn S., it's "a versatile, climate-variety hike that sports a good stopping point at Pine Creek about 6 miles in, then to Badger Lake another 6 miles beyond that."

Railroad line exploration: From Macks Canyon Recreation Site, access a unique hiking experience along an old railway line. Sarah S. notes, "From the end of the Lower Deschutes Access Road just above the campground, you can hike along the old railway line. Again, amazing views of the Deschutes and the canyon. We did about 5 miles road trip but you could go further."

Mountain biking trails: The eastern Mt. Hood wilderness near Pebble Ford Campground offers excellent mountain biking terrain. Bjorn S. recommends, "Near some nice trails and gorgeous mountain views... Bring your mountain bike." The area provides both technical sections and easier routes suitable for intermediate riders.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Despite having just seven established sites, Bonney Crossing provides substantial space between campsites. Scott B. describes it as "a quiet relaxing two nights of camping" where "kids loved spending time exploring the creek and cooling off in it."

Night sky viewing: The Maupin area's low light pollution makes for exceptional stargazing. According to Greg L., Bonney Crossing offers "off-season perfection" where "we were there for 2 nights and didn't see any other people." Similarly, tent campers appreciate the isolation at Badger Lake Campground where Michael P. notes, "I preferred camping away from the lake since I had the whole place to myself."

Established fire rings: Most campsites feature permanent fire rings, important for safely containing fires in this fire-prone region. Greg L. mentions that at Bonney Crossing, "All the campsites had fire rings and there was plenty of scrap wood to be found." Remember that seasonal fire restrictions often apply during summer months.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many camping areas require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. At Keeps Mill Campground, Tristan T. warns, "You MUST have a high-clearance 4x4. The worst stretch of road is narrow with steep wall on one side and steep drop on the other. You will not be able to turn around."

Wind conditions: Canyon areas around Maupin regularly experience strong, sudden winds. At Macks Canyon, James W. notes, "We went during weather transition from rain to clear. The result, high winds in the canyon. This only lasted the one night." Sarah S. adds, "The only negative is that it can get super windy. At one point we were frantically trying to get our awning down from the Cricket and things were flying everywhere."

Water availability: Most tent sites near Maupin lack potable water. Scott B. describes Bonney Crossing as "primitive" so "you must bring your own potable water." This applies to nearly all camping areas, even established campgrounds with other amenities.

Tips for camping with families

Creek exploration: Children particularly enjoy the accessible water features. At Barlow Crossing, Kelly K. mentions, "We have a favorite dispersed campsite that is right on the creek. Quiet and serene. We always have deer come visit us." These creekside locations provide natural entertainment and cooling options during hot days.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campsites offer chances to see wildlife up close. Nik P. from Pebble Ford Campground shares, "Had some deer walk right through our camp spot while we sat by the fire." Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Bathroom facilities: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. Parents appreciate locations with maintained facilities like Pebble Ford, which Stephanie Z. describes as having "a toilet/outhouse, but no running water." When camping with children, prioritize sites with established toilet facilities to avoid teaching leave-no-trace bathroom skills.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing considerations: RVers appreciate the generous sizing at certain campgrounds. At Pebble Ford Campground, Bjorn S. exclaims, "Small… we're talkin' 3-4 sites… but each site is HUGE! Refreshing to see, and how cool to get here and take over all three with a party."

Road condition updates: Access roads deteriorate throughout the season. James W. notes about Macks Canyon, "I go off-road a lot. I have never experienced a washboard road as bad as this was for 6-7 miles. I thought the doors were going to blow off the truck. Not an exaggeration."

Campsite selection strategy: Arrive on weekdays for better site selection. Dawn O. shares her experience at Barlow Crossing: "We went on a Monday in early August, to this lovely 4 site campground. We were able to camp at (in my opinion) the best site, which was right on Barlow Creek. We had the campground all to ourselves for the first 3 nights."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Maupin, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Maupin, OR is Oak Springs Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Maupin, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 61 tent camping locations near Maupin, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.