Paisley, Oregon sits at 4,400 feet elevation in Lake County with the dramatic Abert Rim rising 2,500 feet above the surrounding landscape. Camping options include Forest Service sites along creeks, dispersed BLM areas with alkaline lake views, and hot springs amenities. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing even during summer months, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Lake Abert dispersed camping areas provide exceptional dark sky viewing. "You can't swim in Lake Abert, but the view and scenery is fantastic. Very quiet, dark at night to enjoy the dark skies and stargazing!!" reports a camper at Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout Dispersed Camping.
Soak in geothermal waters: Access multiple pools of varying temperatures at the developed hot springs. According to a visitor at Summer Lake Hot Springs, "Clean campground with amazing views from the bathhouse. Full hookups on level pads and cabins if you left your rv at home. Hint. Take a warm, fluffy robe and good sandals for your walk to and from the soaking pools."
Riverside camping: Find secluded spots along the Chewaucan River. "I camped for a night in a secluded spot right on the Chewaucan river. The campground itself has toilets and fire rings. Quiet and peaceful night listening to the water," notes a camper who stayed at Marster Spring Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse bird species and small mammals. One guest at Ana Reservoir RV Park mentioned, "Lots of little quail were hanging out in the park on my recent visit. This park is very near the Summer Lake Wildlife Refuge, which is a great place for birdwatching."
Dark skies: The region offers minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. A Summer Lake Hot Springs visitor notes, "This is a Dark Sky sanctuary - so many stars. Caveats: bring food and water, as there are limited (and expensive) groceries in nearby Paisley."
Rustic amenities: Many campgrounds maintain basic facilities with wilderness feel. A reviewer at Oregon Outback RV Park appreciated the "Bathrooms were clean. Quiet. It was amazing. Scenery was awesome."
What you should know
Limited services: Prepare for minimal infrastructure and bring supplies. "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 (you don't want coffee made with the water, but I wouldn't turn it down if I were farther from civilization)."
Road conditions: Forest Service roads require careful navigation. At Currier Guard Station, a visitor noted "Road into the site is a little rough at a spot or two."
Water availability: Many sites lack potable water sources. "Not a big deal. No cell service. Big beautiful & aromatic Jeffrey pines," mentions a visitor at Jones Crossing Forest Camp regarding the lack of drinking water.
Weather extremes: Prepare for rapid temperature changes and wind. "It can get very windy here. A totally calm day is rare," warns a Summer Lake Hot Springs camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer children's play areas. Ana Reservoir RV Park provides "a little playground for kids, as well as a warm, clean bathroom with showers."
Avoid alkaline waters: Keep children away from Lake Abert's shoreline water. "You CANNOT swim in the lake," emphasizes one Lake Abert visitor, as the extreme alkalinity makes the water unsafe.
Forest camp alternatives: Seek shaded sites during summer heat. "Great campground right on Sage Hen Creek, this intimate campground offers well-spaced out sites, with a fire ring and picnic table each. The two vault toilets were very clean and well stocked," shares a Marster Spring camper.
Pet friendly options: Most campgrounds near Paisley, Oregon welcome pets with reasonable restrictions. Oregon Outback RV Park is especially accommodating for pet friendly camping with "safe, clean and friendly" facilities and "plenty of room" for pets to exercise.
Tips from RVers
Solar power planning: Position vehicles strategically under tree cover. "With the large ponderosa pines overhead we had to be strategic about our parking situation for our camper's solar array. In many of these situations we set out our portable panel so that we can keep our camper in the shade and still collect solar energy."
Level sites: Many campgrounds offer flat parking areas. Summer Lake Hot Springs provides "full hookups on level pads" according to visitors.
Dump station access: Plan waste disposal in advance. Ana Reservoir RV Park offers a "dump station, laundry, showers, and ice for sale. Laundry is open to the public. Showers are open to non-guests for $5."
Road clearance: Some forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. "Strongly advise 4x4 to get up there," recommends a visitor to Happy Camp regarding access to elevated campsites.
