Looking for the best campgrounds near Oxbow, OR? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Oxbow. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Oxbow, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"Some friends and I were roadtripping around eastern Oregon and hells canyon was part of the route."
"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."
"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."
"Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness."
"No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway."
"This backpacking trip is a very accessible hike."
"I'm just now getting around to reviewing some places that I've enjoyed and plan to return to. "
"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."
"This is a great overlook on Hell Canyon and awesome dispersed overland camp spot."
GuideThis 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 :)
GuideDirections: 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.
GuideAneroid 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.
TravelerMy 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.
LegendDirt 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
TravelerOnce 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.
RangerThe 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.
ScoutTons 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.
TravelerGreat 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...
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Oxbow, Oregon, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
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.
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