Dispersed camping near North Umpqua River Recreation Area spans across multiple elevations from 2,800 to 5,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically range between 75-90°F during daytime and drop to 45-55°F overnight. Roads to many sites become impassable during winter months due to snow accumulation, with most rustic camping areas accessible only from May through October.
What to do
Nighttime stargazing access: At Mount Thielsen Wilderness, campers report exceptional star viewing opportunities. "It was snowing at the campsite but didn't stick. The stars and trees were stunning and the site was super accessible," notes one visitor who camped in late June.
Fishing opportunities: The small pond at Burma Pond BLM offers decent fishing. "The fish were jumping and the water clear. Overall nice, just wish people would respect public lands more," reports a camper. The pond appears stocked seasonally, with most activity during spring months.
OHV trail riding: Trail networks near Prospect provide extensive riding options for ATVs and dirt bikes. "We absolutely loved camping here. During our off season stay it was fun and with all the ATV trails it was our favorite place to camp," shares a visitor about Prospect OHV Dispersed Camping. The area includes designated loading/unloading zones for off-road vehicles.
What campers like
Reliable availability: When nearby established campgrounds fill up, Thousand Springs Sno-Park provides a backup option. "We drove to Mazama campground only to be told and they had just filled their last spot but that there was free overnight parking 18 minutes in each direction either by thousand springs snopark or Annie's. We chose thousand springs. It is the perfect spot for free overnight parking," reports a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The rustic camping areas provide habitats for diverse wildlife. "The pond at the top was beautiful with tons of bats flying around at night. Super cool!" shares one camper about Burma Pond BLM, while others mention seeing deer, eagles and various bird species throughout the region.
Solitude options: Doolittle Butte provides truly remote camping. "Nice big lot. Beautiful views of stars on a clear night. Very remote. Climb an easy dirt road back a few miles. A few deep potholes but nothing too technical," reports a camper who visited the site.
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: Mosquitoes become problematic from June through August. "Bring your bug spray," warns a visitor to Lemolo Forebay, while others note varying intensity depending on proximity to water sources and elevation.
Limited site availability: Many dispersed sites fill early during peak summer months. "Looked like a great place to camp. Arrived at about 3:30pm and unfortunately all sites were occupied by then," reports a Lemolo Forebay visitor who arrived on a Thursday afternoon in July.
Road conditions: Access to several sites requires careful driving. "The road is narrow with very few turn arounds. The way down I was in 1-2 gear riding the break on some of the hills," notes a Burma Pond visitor. Conditions worsen after rain, with some roads becoming impassable to non-4WD vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Some water features require extra caution. "There is a dangerous low-head dam at the beginning of the lake near the campground, so please keep track of your kids/pets!" warns a Lemolo Forebay camper.
Temperature planning: Nights can get unexpectedly cold even in summer. "It was pretty cold, even though I went in late June! It was snowing at the campsite but didn't stick," reports a Mount Thielsen visitor. Families should pack additional warm clothing and sleeping gear.
Backup locations: Have secondary camping options prepared during busy periods. "This is a huge paved parking lot not far from Crater Lake. They have bathrooms. Can hold lots of RVs. No one there the 3 days we stayed except before dark we had a few people show up," shares a visitor about Thousand Springs Sno-Park.
Tips from RVers
Steep access assessment: Some dispersed sites have challenging approaches. "This was quite a way in on a fairly smooth but steep dirt road. Along the road were random deep pot holes so be aware they sneak up on you when the road is shadowed. The last .3 miles was steep and though we made it in 26ft rig I would not attempt it again," cautions an RV owner about Burma Pond BLM.
Space limitations: Measure site capacity before committing. "The area as a whole is very small though, so if someone else is already there when you arrive it's going to feel very cozy and/or awkward," notes a Burma Pond visitor, emphasizing the limited turning space for larger vehicles.
Emergency preparation: Pack essential supplies due to remote location. "Pulled in with a 29' trailer for a couple nights—solid base to explore Crater Lake. Save a satellite screenshot beforehand; cell service is weak and layout's tricky," advises an RVer who stayed at Mount Thielsen Wilderness.
