Top Free Dispersed Camping near Oxbow, OR

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Oxbow? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Oxbow, OR (25)

    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

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

    4. Wallowa Falls Campground

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    4 Saves

    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

    5. Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    14 Saves

    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

    6. Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    49 Saves

    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
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      7. Dispersed Sites Near Hells Canyon Overlook

      Be the first to review!
      12 Saves

      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

        8. Hells Canyon - Oregon/Wallowa Valley

        Be the first to review!
        11 Saves

        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

          9. NF 3980 Road - Dispersed Site

          Be the first to review!
          8 Saves

          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.

            • No image available
            Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

            Recent Dispersed Reviews In Oxbow

            23 Reviews of 25 Oxbow Campgrounds


            • Nick J.
              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.
              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.

            • SThe Dyrt PRO User
              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.

            • Fishin' R.
              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.

            • 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.
              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.

            • Arielle W.
              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 :)

            • 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.
              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.
              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.

            • D
              Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
              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.



            Guide to Oxbow

            Camping near Oxbow, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

            What to do:

            • Hiking: There are great trails nearby. One camper mentioned, "We hiked up to Chief Joseph trail and did a loop back down to the campsite," highlighting the beautiful scenery around the area.
            • Water Activities: Kayaking is popular at Wallowa Lake State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "We kayaked on the lake and went up Mount Howard on the tram where the views of the Eagle Cap wilderness were breathtaking."
            • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers and lakes, making fishing a favorite pastime. One reviewer noted, "Clean campsite right on the river which has access for boat put in/wade access. Perfect for fishing the St. Joe."

            What campers like:

            • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A visitor at Park At The River said, "Bathrooms are clean and the staff were so amazing."
            • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. One camper at Last Chance Campground mentioned, "Friendly camp host. Clean vault toilets."
            • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A reviewer at Hurricane Creek Campground said, "Tons of beautiful campsites right next to a LOUD rushing creek."

            What you should know:

            • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Huckleberry Campground, lack services like electric hookups and showers. A visitor noted, "The only downside was no services in the midst of a heatwave."
            • Road Conditions: Access roads can be narrow and steep. One camper at Last Chance Campground warned, "The road leading up to sites is very narrow and steep grade."
            • Wildlife Awareness: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Hurricane Creek Campground advised, "Be bear aware here. Didn't see any bears, but they were around the week before I came."

            Tips for camping with families:

            • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. One parent shared, "Riding horses in the Eagle Caps is one of my favorite childhood memories. Now I send my kids."
            • Space for Kids to Play: Choose campgrounds with larger sites. A camper at Blackhorse Campground mentioned, "The sites were well-maintained and relatively private."
            • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds are close to towns for easy dining options. A visitor at Last Chance Campground said, "McCall is only 15 minutes away for a burger and beer!"

            Tips from RVers:

            • Check Hookups: Make sure the campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Wallowa Lake State Park Campground appreciated the "full hook ups! comfy cosy parking!"
            • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that are big rig friendly. One camper noted, "This campground is what you expect from a state park, appreciated having showers and running water."
            • Reservations Recommended: Some popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Park At The River advised, "Make reservations before you leave home."

            Camping near Oxbow, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

            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 25 dispersed camping locations near Oxbow, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.