Best Dispersed Camping near Oxbow, OR

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Oxbow? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Oxbow, OR (26)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    1. Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    32 Photos
    167 Saves
    New Meadows, Idaho

    Numerous dispersed campsites are located around the Lost Valley Reservoir. __No amenities available.

    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area

    4. Mann Creek Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    22 Photos
    19 Saves
    Weiser, Idaho

    Overview

    Mann Creek Campground is located near the Mann Creek Reservoir in the foothills of the West Central Mountains in western Idaho near the Payette National Forest. The reservoir is a popular boating and fishing destination. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

    Recreation

    The reservoir offers 283 surface-acres of water and five miles of shoreline, although the water level fluctuates seasonally. Visitors enjoy boating, canoeing, swimming and trout fishing.

    Natural Features

    Mann Creek Reservoir lies in the rolling and arid foothills of the Hitt Mountains. At an elevation of 3,300 feet, the area is hot and dry in the summer months. Large shade trees help block some of the intense sun, but shade is limited.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (208) 549-4200.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa Falls Campground

    5. Wallowa Falls Campground

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    4 Saves
    Joseph, Oregon

    Note: Directions listed here are to the park entrance. Please call 800-551-6949 for detailed directions. The walk-in, tent only campground is nestled at the base of the Wallowa Mountains and surrounded by cliffs, tall pine trees, and wildlife. Relax to the sound of the Wallowa River and a small brook that runs through the campground. Take a hike on nearby trails that lead into the Eagle Cap Wilderness or picnic at the Little Alps Day-use Area. Wallowa Lake State Park is north of the campground.

    Seasonal Camping

    10 walk-in sites are first-come, first-served. Potable water available from spigots in the campground. Park overnight at the Little Alps Day-use Area. $10 per night. Pay at the self-pay station. Cash, check, and credit cards welcome. Firewood is available for $5/bundle. Two vault toilets located in the campground and a full restroom located just north of the campground in the Little Alps Day-use Area.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    6. Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    14 Saves
    Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon

    Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.

    It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.

    There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.

    Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents. To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    7. Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    49 Saves
    Imnaha, Oregon

    Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.

    It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.

    There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.

    Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents. To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.

    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      8. Dispersed Sites Near Hells Canyon Overlook

      Be the first to review!
      12 Saves
      Oxbow, Oregon

      Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.

      It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.

      There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.

      Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents. To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.

      • Dispersed
      • No image available

        9. Hells Canyon - Oregon/Wallowa Valley

        Be the first to review!
        11 Saves
        Oxbow, Oregon

        The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) straddles both sides of the Snake River in both Oregon and Idaho. The recreation sites and trails in this section are all found away from the Wild and Scenic Snake River in the Oregon uplands, and in other forest lands near the Wallowa Valley. All other upland sites and all trails in the Hells Canyon NRA - Snake River, or Hells Canyon NRA - Idahoare found in those recreation area sections. Popular recreation areas include the Hells Canyon Wilderness (Oregon), Hat Point, Hells Canyon Overlook, Imnaha Wild and Scenic River and adjacent campgrounds, and Lord Flat. Local Oregon communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are Enterprise, Joseph, Imnaha, Halfway, and Pine Creek. These communities are within one hour of the recreation area.

        • Reservable
        • Dispersed
        • Picnic Table
        • Alcohol
        • No image available

          10. NF 3980 Road - Dispersed Site

          Be the first to review!
          8 Saves
          Oxbow, Oregon

          Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.

          It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.

          There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.

          • Dispersed
        Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews in Oxbow

        30 Reviews of 26 Oxbow Campgrounds


        • Nick J.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
          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.

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
          Oct. 8, 2024

          Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area

          Amazing, peaceful location!

          We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in October. There were many spots available along the road leading up to this site. But they were close to the road and we wanted to be off the road. We ended up at the last spot on the road right before the interpretive trail at the end. This spot was tucked into the trees. And once we got our camper backed in, we didn’t even know the road was there. And the VIEW! Wow!! Looking across the lake with the most beautiful sunsets. We stayed for 3 nights. We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection.

        • Kaye S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)
          Aug. 7, 2024

          Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)

          Free, easy access and Close to McCall

          Two other RVs already here so we backed into the shaded nook just as you pull off Lick Creek Rd. Views of the lake but log jams and swampy shore mean no access.

          No bugs during the day but Dawn/dusk mosquitoes.

        • christian L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed
          Jul. 27, 2024

          Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed

          Stopped for the night

          This is a little pullout off route 95. Has about 10-15 feet of separation from main road, which gives privacy and protection from cars. The surface is a gravel and can fit a fairly decent amount of vehicles. The sign says you can camp up to 10 days consecutive, we only stayed for the night and continued on. This is also right on little salmon river.

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Short's Bar Recreation Area
          May. 1, 2024

          Short's Bar Recreation Area

          Busy

          This camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available

        • KThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area
          Aug. 13, 2023

          Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area

          Great secluded spot

          The fir trees stand tall and still. I can’t figure out if they are waiting for something to happen or if they simply don’t care.

          If you’re looking for sone sort of gorgeous panorama, this might not be the place for you. It’s really just a small meadow in the mountains that the BLM put a vault toilet and a couple of fire rings in. That being said, this place is beautiful.

          You can’t see rapid creek from the campground but you can hear it. And that’s really just as good. The white noise from the creek matched with the occasional bird or other nature sound is one of the most relaxing things on the planet.

          It’s high enough in elevation that this place gets nippy at night. I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night.

          The campground is well maintained and the vault toilet was reasonably clean when I arrived. It became Kevin clean shortly after I set up camp.

          There are trails from both sites near the vault toilet that lead down to Rapid Creek.

          I never saw any bear scat but signs on the property warn of them so be smart with your food.

          All in all, Rapid Creek dispersed camping is excellent if you just want a quiet place where no one is around. It’s amazing but not for the reasons people usually like in my opinion. ◦

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
          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.

        • Will M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area
          Jun. 12, 2022

          Mann Creek Recreation Area

          Not a bad place

          Nice oasis. Clean bathrooms and good sized sites. Even sites have the table and pit on the back side of your trailer. Lots of skeeters to take your spray. We also ran into a couple bull snakes.

        • Fishin' R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
          Feb. 9, 2022

          Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

          Very Quiet

          until the late 1980s my family and I camped here with our RVs all the time but a chipmunk they have been trying to save since( they are everywhere...) has resulted in the campgrounds being closed for vehicle use. great place to take a tent and a six pack! little store 3 miles down the road.

        • Christine
          Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area
          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...

        • Will M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
          Sep. 9, 2021

          Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

          Great campgrounds tucked away

          Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. 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.

        • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)
          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

        • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
          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.

        • Larry J.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
          Jun. 26, 2021

          Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

          Great dispersed camping

          Just came back from my second week long trip in 3 weeks there. Camped right on the water! I usually go up on Monday stay till Saturday, one of the benefits of being retired! Definitely going to go one more time, maybe two this summer. Very very scenic.

        • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area
          Apr. 4, 2021

          Mann Creek Recreation Area

          Awesome spot!

          This is a great campground near the reservoir.  Lots of shade trees, almost a park like setting.  Plenty of room to roam from this base camp.  It does get pretty hot in the summer.

        • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Mann Creek Recreation Area
          Apr. 4, 2021

          Mann Creek Recreation Area

          Beautiful Reservoir

          This is a great area.  There is camping around the reservoir and at the near by campground.  Up past the reservoir there are roads to ride ATV's.  There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer.  Spring and fall are really nice times of year here.

        • Arielle W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
          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 :)

        • Sarah W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
          Aug. 31, 2020

          Ice Lake

          Can’t say enough, come here

          This backpacking trip is a very accessible hike.

          The road to get to the trailhead is paved and the hike to Ice lake is 9 miles in (18 miles total)

          You can add some miles (and a lot of elevation) if you add a day hike to the Matterhorn. Second tallest to Sacajawea. When I say it takes 3 hours to get up and 30 minutes to get down.. I’m not joking. Unless you’re an ultra runner who can handle high intensity at elevation, this will take some time. Well worth it for the views and ice lake will be waiting for you at the bottom.

          Photos are from August 2018 and July 2019... notice the snow in July. Couldn’t do the added day hike that time.

        • Cheyenne P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
          Jul. 30, 2020

          Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area

          Beautiful Spot!

          There are some seriously beautiful spots to camp here. Another review says that it’s $10 to camp, but that is in the actual campground. Instead of turning right to get into the campground, keep driving straight and you will find the dispersed camping. Perfectly secluded and beautiful views of the water.

        • Cody H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
          Jul. 20, 2020

          Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area

          If you want beauty and seclusion, skip McCall and head to Upper Payette!

          One of the few dispersed areas I’ve visited with multiple bathrooms.

          Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you’ll want to be on the water! Lots of local fishing, hiking, and MTB trails.

          A really beautiful area amazing views.

        • Spencer L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louie Dispersed Backcountry Camping
          Jul. 8, 2020

          Lake Louie Dispersed Backcountry Camping

          Beautiful

          Challenging hike in with packs but very doable. Once you reach the lake it is stunning. We did this hike in July in the evening time. There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze that made it enjoyable. Be aware of the temperature before tackling this hike. There are a number of campable areas surrounding the lake. Hammocking is ideal due to the close clumping of trees all around the lake.

        • Easton S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
          Sep. 17, 2019

          Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

          Second annual

          Liked it enough to come back. Had a huge group and multiple dogs in the group site. Very clean camp area. Extremely reasonable prices. Bathrooms are really dirty. Water for drinking is available just a short walk or really short drive. Nice fire pits. Close to water for playing in. There are some towns nearby. Would recommend just use the woods whenever possible.

        • Easton S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
          Jul. 24, 2019

          Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

          Lots of trees

          There is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous. Good drinking water. A fairly dirty pit bathroom. I’m pretty sure it’s pet friendly. You can walk to the reservoir. The beach is very rocky.



        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Oxbow, OR?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Oxbow, OR is Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Oxbow, OR?

          TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Oxbow, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.