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Best Dispersed Camping near Mckenzie Bridge, OR

156 Reviews

Dispersed camping near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon provides several free options for self-sufficient campers. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping offers accessible sites with basic amenities. According to campers, "There are some nice sites off blue river reservoir road and across the dam," with a vault toilet and dumpster available in the day use section. Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping requires a 2-mile uphill hike but rewards with mountain views. Craig Lake offers more remote experiences for tent campers willing to navigate forest service roads.

Standard dispersed camping regulations apply throughout the area. No drinking water is available at these sites, so campers must pack in all necessary water. Fire restrictions vary seasonally and are strictly enforced; always check current fire regulations before your trip. Most sites operate on a 14-day stay limit for recreational camping only. Cell service is surprisingly good in some areas, with reviewers noting "2-3 bars LTE on AT&T and Verizon" at certain locations.

Road conditions to these sites vary considerably. Many access roads are unpaved, dusty, and may have washboard sections or potholes. Several campers noted that "the road is really dusty and not the smoothest," though most passenger vehicles can navigate with care. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote sites. During winter months, snow may block access to higher elevation camping areas. All sites follow pack-in, pack-out principles with no trash service. Prepare for variable weather conditions, especially at higher elevations where temperatures can drop significantly at night.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mckenzie Bridge, Oregon (52)

    1. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Blue River, OR
    6 miles

    "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)."

    2. Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Deschutes National Forest, OR
    21 miles
    Website

    "No amenities, and a 2 mile straight uphill hike to get here. Theres a map of the campsites, but they are hard to find. None are near te lake so fill upwater in bulk! Stunning sunsets and sunrises."

    "Wonderful backcountry camping accessed by a mostly uphill 2 mile hike."

    3. Sparks Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    24 miles

    "Access to water. Gorgeous sunsets. Not far from toilet if you're up for a walk, or have wheels. Firepits. This site has it all.

    Room to back in 15' trailer to camp or of."

    "There are several spots off of the road to the Spark Lake Day Use area. The road is very rough, but taken slow does not require a 4wd."

    4. Craig Lake

    2 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    17 miles

    5. Sisters, Oregon - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    32 miles
    Website

    "Love this dispersed camping area just south of Sisters, OR. We've camped here a few times over the years and there are never many campers around."

    "Maybe 15min outside bend, a little hard to see the turn off in the dark, but once we did it was easy to find a spot and set up camp! We only stayed one night and were car camping so it was perfect!"

    6. Ray Benson Sno-Park

    1 Review
    Camp Sherman, OR
    22 miles

    7. Black Pine Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    27 miles

    "We drove around looking for a place to boondock near Sisters for what felt like forever, but all the remote sites we planned on were taken."

    "One of the best dispersed camps we’ve been to all year!"

    8. Quartzville Recreation Corridor

    6 Reviews
    Cascadia, OR
    29 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. FS Rd 1514 Dispersed camping

    3 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    27 miles

    "We spent some time driving around the Sisters area looking for a spot with a view.  Found a beauty!  The area is large enough for several rigs, including large ones. "

    "Great view of the mountains with access to other view points. Only issue is the provided GPS coordinate isn't correct. It send me close by but down a long awful gravel road."

    10. Mini Enclave Dispersed

    1 Review
    Camp Sherman, OR
    26 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mckenzie Bridge, OR

66 Photos of 52 Mckenzie Bridge Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mckenzie Bridge, OR

156 Reviews of 52 Mckenzie Bridge Campgrounds

  • Aaron M.
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

    Fine dispersed camping close to town

    Just a forest service road. The area close to the road is closed to camping entirely. I showed up at 1am and missed that part since I'm so used to seeing no campFIRES and was hassled by a local for making their scenic walk less pretty. But if you look at the map posted you just need to be further in from the road - you'll see new signs for 14-day limits. Lots of mountain bikers riding past since there are a ton of trails out here. They also seem to be grumpy about seeing a vehicle parked out here, but oh well. 

    I don't know who is marking this area for services and water and toilets and RV hookups.... it's just a dirt road. However I do get 2-3 bars LTE on AT&T and Verizon even further in where you can camp.

  • Mark F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful site at base of Cascade mountains

    We were looking for a dispersed camping site on Forest Service land outside of cell range so we used The Dyrt PRO maps to help us find this spot. It is just off of paved roads on a smooth gravel road that our RV easily handled - it is a pull off from Whiskey Jack road and has room for 1 RV or several tents on flat land with some soft ground cover from grass and pine needles. There are no services so this is dry camping and you’ll need to be self sufficient. There is a fire pit circle but with recent fires we wouldn’t use it and it may be prohibited. I am sure this road could be snowed in in winter months but was dry and clear in June. We picked the spot with fewer trees as we were testing out a Starlink satellite dish on our RV to see if we could get internet access deep in the woods. Lots of ponderosa pines, manzanita bushes, and chirping birds in warm weather days and cool nights. There is some traffic passing the site during the day but there is a road that a 4 wheel drive could travel if you wanted to get away from the road for some extra privacy and quiet. Overall a classic Oregon Cascades mountain meadow location that is only 10-15 minutes off highway 20 and makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere to rest and rejuvenate!

  • Erin P.
    Aug. 7, 2017

    Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great South Sister base camp

    Hiked up on Friday night and got the last spot. No amenities, and a 2 mile straight uphill hike to get here. Theres a map of the campsites, but they are hard to find. None are near te lake so fill upwater in bulk! Stunning sunsets and sunrises. Made for a nice striking point to the summit. Gets busy. Have bug spray handy!

  • Sarah R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2021

    Black Pine Dispersed Camping

    Spacious and remote

    We drove around looking for a place to boondock near Sisters for what felt like forever, but all the remote sites we planned on were taken. When we arrived at the Black Pine dispersed area, it was surprisingly empty for how busy the rest of the area was. 

    The sites were huge with enormous fire rings and would be ideal for groups. We just had one small van, but there was one other large party with multiple vehicles and a large camper van, and they fit comfortably in one site. 

    The actual sites are not very forested or private, but it still felt secluded since only two of probably 10 sites were taken. Definitely recommend this area, especially for groups!

  • Adrianne D.
    Jul. 3, 2021

    Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground

    HOT and scenic

    So so beautiful and scenic! Also very hot and dry, as to be expected in the high desert. The scent of Mock orange hung heavy in the evenings air and the waterfalls area had a pool nearby you could hang out in. TONS of desert wildflowers too, along with several hundred year old juniper trees and sagebrush lizards all over bathing on rocks in the morning sun. It was during bitterly breeding season too, it’s a breeding ground for monarchs! No fires due to fire restrictions and the GPS coordinates on here took us an hour past the destination.. we found it eventually after good going though.

  • Braden M.
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground

    Favorite type of terrain to camp in

    Beautiful trip. Breathtaking drives and not hard to find with given coordinates. Dirt roads are not too hard to drive but during the dry months it is extremely dusty. The campground on the trailhead is nice but a little too close for dispersed camping. Trail is not too long to a waterfall. You can fish and jump off the rocks into the water. We stayed one night at the designated camp site but ended driving about 10 minutes down a dirt road next the the campground entrance that is actual dispersed camping. Really enjoyed that spot with a trail down to the river and 2 drive in spots and multiple walk in campsites along the cliffs. 

  • Hannah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2019

    Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    Free camping beside the reservoir

    Free 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!

Guide to Mckenzie Bridge

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of scenic spots, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities while soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Scenic Drives and Water Activities for Dispersed Campers

  • The Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping offers a picturesque drive along the McKenzie River, perfect for those looking to enjoy the scenic views while camping.
  • This area is ideal for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, with crystal-clear waters that invite you to dive in and explore.
  • Be prepared for some pesky mosquitoes at dusk; bringing insect repellent is a must for a comfortable experience.

Peaceful Retreats for Nature Lovers

  • For a serene escape, check out Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping, where you can find secluded sites surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
  • The area is known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, making it a perfect spot for photography and quiet reflection.
  • Keep in mind that this location has no amenities, so pack in everything you need and enjoy the solitude of nature.

Adventure Awaits at Quartzville Recreation Corridor

  • The Quartzville Recreation Corridor is a rugged area that offers excellent opportunities for fishing and exploring the outdoors.
  • With multiple pull-out spots available, this area is great for groups looking to set up camp and enjoy a bonfire under the stars.
  • Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, as the area is known for its natural beauty and should be preserved for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the dispersed camping spots along the McKenzie River?

The McKenzie River area offers several dispersed camping options. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping provides free sites beside the reservoir with some nice spots off Blue River Reservoir Road and across the dam. The reservoir has vault toilets and a dumpster in the day use section. Another option is the Quartzville Recreation Corridor, which features beautiful roadside camping with limited facilities in a mountain valley setting. Be aware that most dispersed sites in the area have a 14-day stay limit, no amenities, and require pack-in/pack-out practices. Look for established pull-offs along forest service roads, but always check for posted restrictions as some areas close to roads may be off-limits to camping.

How do I find the Whiskey Jack dispersed campsite near McKenzie Bridge?

Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite is accessible via a smooth gravel road just off paved roads, making it suitable for RVs. The site is a pull-off from Whiskey Jack Road with enough space for one RV or several tents. When cell service is unavailable, offline maps like those offered by The Dyrt PRO can help locate this spot. For alternatives in the general area, Black Pine Dispersed Camping offers large sites with fire rings. Both locations provide good options for boondocking, though popularity varies seasonally. Look for established pull-offs and always follow posted regulations regarding campfires and stay limits.

What hiking opportunities are available near the McKenzie River Trail for dispersed campers?

The McKenzie River area offers excellent hiking opportunities for dispersed campers. Near Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground, you'll find a beautiful trail leading to a waterfall with swimming opportunities in nearby pools. The trail isn't too long, making it perfect for day hikes from your camp. For more challenging terrain, Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping provides access to high-elevation trails with stunning sunrises and sunsets, serving as an excellent base for summit attempts. The area features abundant wildflowers and scenic vistas. Most trails near dispersed sites connect to the larger McKenzie River Trail system, offering options ranging from easy walks to challenging all-day hikes through diverse landscapes of forests, lava fields, and waterfalls.

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