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Campgrounds near Paisley, Oregon range from primitive forest service sites to developed hot springs destinations. Summer Lake Hot Springs serves as the region's flagship camping area with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins, while more rustic options include Marster Spring Campground, Jones Crossing Forest Camp, and several dispersed sites along forest roads. The Fremont National Forest provides a backdrop for most camping locations, with the Chewaucan River creating opportunities for waterfront sites at several campgrounds within a 10-mile radius of town.
Camping seasons typically run from May through October for most developed campgrounds in the area, though higher elevation sites like Deadhorse Lake may only be accessible from July to October due to snowpack and road conditions. Many forest roads leading to campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles, particularly when accessing lookouts or remote cabins. The region experiences extreme temperature variations with hot, dry summers and cold winters, making shoulder seasons often ideal for camping. Water availability varies significantly, with drinking water present at only a few developed sites including Marster Spring and Happy Camp. "The Marster Spring campground is about 8 miles up a gravel road outside of Paisley, OR. There are a number of dispersed camping sites along that road, some of which have rock fire pits."
Most tent and RV sites in the area feature basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings, with picnic tables available at select developed campgrounds. Summer Lake Hot Springs stands apart with more extensive facilities including hot pools, showers, and electric hookups, attracting visitors seeking a more comfortable experience. Several campgrounds sit along the Chewaucan River, providing opportunities for fishing and water access. Campers frequently mention the solitude and star viewing as highlights of the region. According to one visitor at Summer Lake Hot Springs, "This is a Dark Sky sanctuary - so many stars. Caveats: bring food and water, as there are limited (and expensive) groceries in nearby Paisley." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with beaver activity noted near Happy Camp. Fire impacts have affected some campgrounds, with Rock Creek Forest Camp showing evidence of past burns.
"Caveats: bring food and water, as there are limited (and expensive) groceries in nearby Paisley."
"What someone expected from a privately run campground on the edge of a massive salt pan expected...I don't know."
from $25 - $350 / night
Check Availability"The Marster Spring campground is about 8 miles up a gravel road outside of Paisley, OR. There are a number of dispersed camping sites along that road, some of which have rock fire pits."
"With the large ponderosa pines overhead we had to be strategic about our parking situation for our camper’s solar array."
"Right next to the road, but hardly any traffic. In the morning, upon driving back down, we came across a cattle drive going up into the high country for the summer. 3-400 cattle on the move…."
"On the advise of the store clerk, to avoid Burners, I went 8.5 miles south on FS33 from Paisley. Easy to find & easy road, 8 spots with 1 pit toilet (super clean)."
"We pulled up past the main location where the dirt mounds are. We found refuge for the night off one of the little pullouts and set up camp right by the water."
"Pretty much what everyone else has said- quiet behind the gravel mounds, very little traffic on US 395, especially at night, a really nice place."
"Lots of beaver activity nearby and could hear them thumping in the evening."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Absolutely fantastic experience at Oregon Outback RV Park! We recently had the pleasure of hosting our family reunion here, and I can’t say enough about how perfect it was."
"We wanted to visit the Oregon Dark Sky Sanctuary and found this incredible RV park! It’s in a beautiful area! The laundry room and bathroom/showers are super nice and clean."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability
ScoutAfter hours registration was a breeze. $20 for the tent site closest to bathroom and showers (#5). A phone number is provided to gain 4 digit code for bathrooms and showers.
GuideStopped 3 times over the last 2 years here, and it’s always a welcomed break in the drive. Today was hot so we took a refreshing dip in the river
ScoutOpen desert campground. Pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. No water. Four designated camping areas on the refuge. No privacy between sites but so few people or other campers it doesn't matter. Plus the open horizon is part of the aesthetic of the area. Lots of birds. Well used in the fall by bird hunters. The rest of the year you likely have the campground to yourself.
ScoutRoad is smooth into camp, each of the sites has a bench and firepit.
Most of the sites are close enough where you can see ur neighbors but not too close where its uncomfortable.
LegendWanted to be the first to review, so came to this one. No sign, no pit toilet, and only 1 fire ring/picnic table. But a beautiful spot right on the creek. Right next to the road, but hardly any traffic. In the morning, upon driving back down, we came across a cattle drive going up into the high country for the summer. 3-400 cattle on the move….
GuideNice space with Solar sky exposure. Maybe 1 of 2 sites. We had Snow forcasted-and saw some coming down. Pulled out next afternoon. Great walking around around campground.
ScoutThis RV park is getting better and better with upgrades and renovations. Shiny clean bathrooms and large laundry room. Owners are friendly and have a great sense of humor.
TravelerWe camped last fall for a four days and collected sunstones. The dogs loved it and the area was well maintained ( for a remote area.) Because of altitude and arid conditions be prepared for big temperature swings.
GuideArrived after dark, pulled behind the ground up asphalt piles and went to sleep. Not much traffic.
Dispersed camping near Paisley, Oregon creates opportunities for remote outdoor experiences throughout the Fremont National Forest, where elevations range from 4,700 to over 7,000 feet. The region experiences significant temperature swings, with summer highs often exceeding 90°F while nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F even in July. Most forest roads accessing camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after spring thaw when washouts are common.
Stargazing opportunities: Summer Lake Hot Springs offers exceptional night sky viewing due to its Dark Sky sanctuary designation. "This is a Dark Sky sanctuary - so many stars. Caveats: bring food and water, as there are limited (and expensive) groceries in nearby Paisley," notes one camper at Summer Lake Hot Springs.
Hot springs soaking: Relax in natural mineral pools with both indoor and outdoor options. A visitor mentioned, "The hot springs were WONDERFUL, with both indoor (bathhouse) and outdoor pools. If I recall, clothing optional after 9pm."
Fishing access: Multiple campsites near Paisley provide direct river access for fishing. At Happy Camp, one camper noted, "Great campground right on Dairy Creek. Only 9 first come, first serve sites and several have old log lean to covers over the tables. Site at the far back to the right is far and away the best with its own beach on the river."
Wildlife observation: The wetland areas around campgrounds support diverse wildlife viewing. "Lots of beaver activity nearby and could hear them thumping in the evening," reported a visitor to Happy Camp.
Peaceful remoteness: Campsites around Paisley offer quiet settings away from urban noise. At Marster Spring Campground, a camper shared, "For a small campground, which could only accommodate small RV's and tenters, this campground has everything you might need. Along the banks of Sage Hen Creek, this intimate campground offers well-spaced out sites."
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain good standards. According to a visitor, "The two vault toilets were very clean and well stocked. The campground has trash, a returnables bin and drinking water."
Scenic diversity: The landscape offers varied terrain from volcanic features to river valleys. At Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout, a camper noted, "We found refuge for the night off one of the little pullouts and set up camp right by the water. Highway was a little noisy but nothing too bad as it was quiet in the middle of the night. Sunset was perfect. We saw a Coyote on the hill leading to the scarp."
Warm mineral pools: The hot springs provide year-round comfort in an otherwise harsh climate. "Clean campground with amazing views from the bathhouse. Full hookups on level pads and cabins if you left your rv at home," reported a visitor to Summer Lake Hot Springs.
Limited services: Pack supplies before arriving at campgrounds near Paisley. "Bring food and water, as there are limited (and expensive) groceries in nearby Paisley. The water is hard enough to stand on therefore bring your own," advised a camper at Summer Lake Hot Springs.
Fire impacts: Several campgrounds show evidence of past wildfires. A visitor to Fremont National Forest Rock Creek Forest Camp reported, "There are tables and a couple of fire rings. Rustic camping possible on the creek."
Road conditions: Forest Service roads require appropriate vehicles. A camper at Bald Butte Lookout advised, "Strongly advise 4x4 to get up there, stayed outside the hut and surprisingly a lot of flys. Perfect star gazing spot."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations require layered clothing and proper gear. "Hint. Take a warm, fluffy robe and good sandals for your walk to and from the soaking pools," suggested a visitor to Summer Lake Hot Springs.
Splash-friendly options: Some locations offer water play for children. A camper noted, "The main pool area was a large pool like area with a barn like covering. This pool was not hot at all and the amount of children splashing and playing did not make it very relaxing."
Site selection strategy: Choose areas with natural shade and play spaces. At Oregon Outback RV Park, a visitor shared, "We loved the big shade trees and green grass at our group's 3 sites. Plenty of room for our big RV's in the easy pull-through sites."
Group camping possibilities: Several locations accommodate family reunions. "The owners went above and beyond by reserving the entire park exclusively for our family, creating a private and intimate setting that made our reunion truly special," reported a family that stayed at Oregon Outback RV Park.
Accessible wildlife viewing: Introduce children to nature observation. "We wanted to visit the Oregon Dark Sky Sanctuary and found this incredible RV park! It's in a beautiful area!" noted a family camper.
Hookup availability: Limited full-service sites exist in the area. "Full hookups on level pads and cabins if you left your rv at home," reported an RVer at Summer Lake Hot Springs.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies widely by location. "They have Starlink so we even had WiFi!" noted a visitor to Oregon Outback RV Park.
Dump station access: Plan waste management accordingly. Another RVer mentioned, "Showers onsite, dump for a fee. Great off-leash area for my dog."
Wind protection: Position RVs strategically to minimize wind exposure. "It can get very windy here. A totally calm day is rare," advised a camper at Summer Lake Hot Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at campgrounds around Paisley, Oregon?
Campgrounds near Paisley offer varying levels of amenities. Summer Lake Hot Springs provides dry camping with access to natural hot springs and incredible stargazing in a Dark Sky sanctuary. For those needing more facilities, Junipers Reservoir RV Resort (about 8 miles west of Lakeview) offers pull-through level sites, clean bathrooms, showers, laundry, and recreational amenities including volleyball, horseshoes, cornhole, hiking trails, and fishing. Most forest service campgrounds have basic amenities like pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, though potable water is often not available, so come prepared.
When is the best season for camping in Paisley, Oregon?
The prime camping season near Paisley runs from late spring through early fall (May to September). Summer offers warm days perfect for enjoying the Chewaucan River at Bald Butte Lookout and surrounding areas. Late summer brings excellent stargazing opportunities, especially at Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area, though reaching this site requires 45-90 minutes on gravel roads. Be prepared for temperature variations—summer days can be hot while nights cool significantly. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow and freezing temperatures. Check road conditions before traveling, as some forest roads may be impassable during wet periods or winter months.
Where can I find camping near Paisley, Oregon?
Paisley offers several camping options along the scenic Chewaucan River. Jones Crossing Forest Camp is located 8.5 miles south of Paisley on FS33, featuring 8 spots with a clean pit toilet and river access. Marster Spring Campground sits about 8 miles up a gravel road from Paisley, with dispersed camping sites available along the route. For those seeking something different, the Fremont National Forest offers additional options, and dispersed camping is available throughout the area on public lands with existing fire rings.
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