The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Oxbow, OR

39 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Oxbow, Oregon with notable options near Hells Canyon. Dispersed sites near Hells Canyon Overlook provide spacious areas for multiple tents with drive-in access and fishing opportunities in a nearby pond. A two-minute walk leads to Stargate viewpoint overlooking the canyon for sunrise views. Fire rings are available, but no drinking water or facilities beyond basic toilets. According to one visitor, "Plenty of space for multiple tents on multiple sites. Drivable trails around the pond where you can go fishing."

The surrounding backcountry offers additional options for hikers willing to trek further from roads. Aneroid Lake provides high-alpine dispersed camping approximately 9 miles by trail into Eagle Cap Wilderness, with sites located on the north side of the lake. Ice Lake, at roughly 8,000 feet elevation, requires a similar 9-mile hike. Both destinations feature cold, clear water and pristine surroundings. Fires are prohibited at Ice Lake, and visitors should practice proper waste management as no facilities exist. Forest Service regulations typically allow camping for up to 14 days in most dispersed areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Oxbow, OregonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Oxbow, Oregon (31)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Oxbow Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Oxbow, OR

30 Photos of 31 Oxbow Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Oxbow, OR

39 Reviews of 31 Oxbow Campgrounds

  • Arielle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Echo Lake Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous and remote. Be prepared to CLIMB!

    This is not an official campground. There is a lot of space for campers, though, and it is not heavily trafficked. The trek to Echo Lake is about 8 miles (one-way) from the start of the Hurricane Creek Trail. When you arrive at Echo Lake, beauty awaits you! This location is a remote and peaceful retreat. The lake is so clear and serene. The views of the mountainside are breathtaking. This is a great site for groups and there is enough space to spread out. The stars are vivid and you can see the movement of the stars and moon along the mountains.  The trek to the lake is SO WORTH IT! This is probably one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to. It gave me the wilderness escape that I needed. It is a hidden gem! Whenever you visit, leave your stressors behind you and enjoy the preserved beauty. The lake is very cold, but I definitely enjoyed the shock after the hike in! 

    The hike into Echo Lake is an intense incline! We tracked about 3,500 feet of elevation gain in about 5 hours during our hike in. The way back only took us about 3.5 hours and is mostly downhill. I would not recommend this hike for a beginner hiker/backpacker. I carried 60 lbs on my back up and down this trek and it was A LOT for me as a relatively new backpacker (with endurance conditioning). It is a hike that one should work towards, for sure! This trek is would be great crosstraining for an endurance athlete (like me!). At times, the incline felt like a 10-15% grade, but I do not know this for sure. It is pretty steep and challenging if you are carrying a lot of weight. I recommend going as minimalist as possible to avoid extra weight, if possible. I brought my bull mastiff dog along with me and she had a blast! I would recommend conditioning your dog for a trek like this. It can be pretty gnarly and steep at times! My dog wouldn't have made it if she had not done treks like this before. There are creeks along the route to the lake and I would bring extra water to hydrate your dog in between water sources. As always, leave no trace and keep this spot pristine and clean :)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Boondocking

    Directions:  About 13 miles from Medical Springs on a gravel road (half hour or so). Take Big Creek Rd to Collins Lane.  That turns into USFS 67, then 72.  The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher.  Probably not a good place for a big nice camp trailer.  

    Camping is dispersed, mostly on the west side of the reservoir. The east side has a few spots but the road is really rough toward the dam. Fish are stocked. Boats with oars, paddles or electric motors are allowed. There are no improvements.  Check fire restrictions.  Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September.  Cattle graze here.  The water level gets pretty low by August.

  • Nick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Great Backcountry High Alpine Lake

    Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton). The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout.

    The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day.

  • Marley F.
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Fiddle Creek Recreation Site

    Nice Spot

    My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway. We loved that it was right on the river, too. Pretty easy access, but if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight.

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)

    Dispersed Near McCall at Little Payette Lake

    Dirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road.  4-5 pullouts for cars/RVs.  A few hundred years from the lake, but there is not really lake access.  Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early august.  No fires were allowed due to wildfire restrictions.

    All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID.  Good alternative to when the state park fills up

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful Sunsets on a mountain lake.

    Once you turn off Hywy 95 on to Lost Valley Reservoir Road (about 16 miles North of Council), you will reach a Y in the well kept gravel road. If you turn left, you will come to Cold Spring Campground. There are RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small daily fee. There are campfire sites, hiking trails, toilets and water from a hand pump. You will need to pack out your own garbage as there are no dumpsters. Not a bad place but you are still about 1/2 mile away from the Lost Valley Reservoir.

    If you return to the Lost Valley Reservoir road, you can continue on to the Reservoir. After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water. Along this side of the lake there is also a boat launch area, but I believe this is a 'No Wake Lake'. Check local burn bans, and pack your garbage out.

    The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts in them, and I personally wouldn't risk driving them without a vehicle that has plenty of clearance.

    The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge. There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep. We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night.

    Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water, and several families had ATV's. Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August. Very relaxing. Enjoy.

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2021

    Ice Lake

    Nine-Mile Hike

    The water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest. Stayed two nights. Elevation is ~8,000 feet. Got altitude sickness on day two.

    No fires allowed. No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway.

  • Amanda P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    A wonderful escape

    Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle. Other than a forest service vehicle and maybe 2 others it was just us up there! We came by way of Imanha.

  • Christine
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Mann Creek Recreation Area

    Gorgeous, safe and quiet

    Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms. It was completely full on a weekday so we came to the primitive site. Wonderful. Level. Lots of respectful families Boondocking. We parked with our carryall trailer and our two vehicles and slept in our truck. What a gorgeous view and skies to wake up to. There’s a day use area further south that you can stop at on your way out for the restroom. If we go this way again, we will definitely stop here. Follow the directions, not the GPS coordinates. There is two roads to get in more creek and man creek. More creek will make you wish you had a sports bra on and a new suspension for your car when your finally get to pavement...

Guide to Oxbow

Dispersed camping options near Oxbow, Oregon extend beyond Hells Canyon to several other locations in the surrounding Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Most sites permit stays up to 14 days within a 30-day period. Accessible from May through October, many areas close during winter months when heavy snow makes forest roads impassable. Water sources at these remote locations require filtration for drinking purposes.

What to do

Explore high alpine lakes: Backpack approximately 9 miles to Ice Lake, where the elevation reaches around 8,000 feet. "The water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest. Stayed two nights. Elevation is ~8,000 feet. Got altitude sickness on day two," reports Michael.

Fishing opportunities: Several dispersed camping areas provide access to stocked fishing waters. At Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, visitors find "great fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails," according to Kiwi S.

Off-road exploration: The rugged terrain surrounding many dispersed sites offers extensive trail networks. Amanda P. notes at Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek that there are "tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle."

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Free camping areas near Oxbow typically offer space away from crowds. At Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite, Nick J. notes, "Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property."

Water access: Many sites provide direct access to lakes or rivers. Larry J. appreciates Lost Valley Reservoir, stating, "Just came back from my second week long trip in 3 weeks there. Camped right on the water! Very very scenic."

Seasonal considerations: Timing affects experiences significantly. Sarah W. notes about Ice Lake, "Photos are from August 2018 and July 2019... notice the snow in July. Couldn't do the added day hike that time."

What you should know

Facilities limitations: Most dispersed sites lack services. At Ice Lake, Michael advises, "No fires allowed. No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway."

Road conditions: Forest roads to many sites require vehicles with adequate clearance. At Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek, Amanda P. warns the "drive is not for the faint of heart."

Water availability: Drinking water requires planning. At Lost Valley Reservoir, Easton S. notes, "Water for drinking is available just a short walk or really short drive," though most dispersed sites require visitors to filter natural sources.

Tips for camping with families

Site accessibility: Some locations accommodate various camping styles. Will M. describes Lost Valley Reservoir as "Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied."

Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between locations. Denise L. reports at Lost Valley Reservoir, "A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water," which requires appropriate planning for families.

Environmental education: Bring field guides for wildlife and plant identification. At Swedes Landing, free camping opportunities include riverside locations with opportunities for nature observation and short hiking trails accessible to various ages.

Tips from RVers

Clearance requirements: Access roads may limit larger vehicles. Will M. advises about Lost Valley Reservoir, "The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in."

Site selection: Look for established pull-offs with level areas. At Wallowa Falls Campground, Phil&Melinda O. note, "Good spacing between sites. We were here during the off season. It was quiet and wide open."

Seasonal timing: RV travelers should consider weather patterns. Denise L. suggests about Lost Valley Reservoir, "I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Oxbow dispersed camping located?

Oxbow dispersed camping is typically located in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in northeastern Oregon. The area offers primitive camping opportunities similar to Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site, which is accessible via forest service roads. The Oxbow area is characterized by its proximity to the Snake River and the dramatic terrain of Hells Canyon. Access usually requires navigating gravel roads that wind through changing elevations, providing spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.

What amenities are available at Oxbow dispersed camping?

Oxbow dispersed camping offers minimal to no amenities, similar to other dispersed sites in the region. Like Ice Lake and Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite, there are typically no developed facilities such as toilets, running water, or designated fire rings. Campers should be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. This true wilderness experience means you'll need to bring your own water or have filtration methods for natural water sources. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so it's important to check current regulations before your trip.

Can RVs access Oxbow dispersed camping areas?

RV access to Oxbow dispersed camping can be challenging. Similar to Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, the access roads are often gravel or dirt with narrow passages that may not accommodate larger RVs or trailers. As noted at Fiddle Creek Recreation Site, sites right off highways might work for last-minute camping with smaller RVs, but longer trailers could face difficulties. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and many of the more remote dispersed sites are better suited for tent camping or small campervans.

Is a permit required for Oxbow dispersed camping?

Most dispersed camping in national forests, including Oxbow areas, doesn't require specific camping permits but may have stay limits (typically 14 days). Similar to Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, general rules apply rather than formal permits. However, you may need a Northwest Forest Pass for parking at certain trailheads. Always check with the local Wallowa-Whitman National Forest office before your trip, as requirements can change seasonally, especially during fire season when additional restrictions may be in place.

Keep Exploring

  3. View all Oregon cities for camping