Dispersed camping near Plush, Oregon sits at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet, with most sites offering minimal facilities due to the remote high desert terrain. The region receives less than 12 inches of annual rainfall, creating a stark landscape where juniper trees and sagebrush dominate. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during day but can drop below 50°F at night, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature fluctuations even in peak season.
What to do
Rockhounding sunstones: Visit the Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area where the state gemstone can be found on the ground surface. A camper noted, "Sunstones are everywhere right on the surface. If you want to find larger sunstones or ones with unusual colors, local mines have several pricing options." The collection area is 45-90 minutes on gravel roads from Plush.
Wildlife viewing: Find a campsite near Plush, Oregon with views of the Warner Valley wetlands. At Hogback Road Dispersed, a visitor reported "sounds of migrating birds taking flight from their nighttime stopover at Crump Lake" and "watching a herd of Bighorn sheep grazing by the side of the road."
Stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at most area campsites. A camper at Oregon Outback RV Park shared that "the night sky with Milky Way was amazing" and another mentioned "stunning view of Abert Rim" added to their stargazing experience.
What campers like
Natural quiet: Many camping locations near Plush offer uncommon solitude. At Camp Hart Mountain, a reviewer mentioned "the sites aren't that private due to lack of vegetation but they are spaced far enough apart that you have a sense of privacy. There are some very dark skies here."
Historic sites: Some camping areas contain remnants of the region's past. A Camp Hart Mountain visitor noted, "This is a free campground at a former CCC camp in use during the Great Depression. Crews housed here built the Hart Mountain road that passes through the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge. The bunkhouse remains."
Lakeside views: Several camping spots offer views of seasonal lakes. At Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout, a camper shared, "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."
What you should know
Water availability: Most sites have no potable water, requiring advance planning. At Mud Creek Campground, a camper noted "There's water but only in season" and another mentioned the creek is "somewhat seasonal, but you can find a small stream on the road across from the campsite. Not enough water to go fishing or swimming."
Road conditions: Many campsites require traveling on unmaintained roads. When visiting the Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area, a reviewer warned to "bring at least one very good spare tire and preferably two, or a spare plus a can of fix-a-flat."
Wildlife precautions: Various wildlife requires appropriate safety measures. A camper at Fremont National Forest Mud Creek Forest Camp advised, "Be on the look out for rattlesnakes, ticks, and cows out here."
Tips for camping with families
Space considerations: Choose sites with ample room between neighbors. One family who stayed at Oregon Outback RV Park 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."
Educational opportunities: Use the camping trip for hands-on learning. At the Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area, a visitor recommended, "You will see the MANY Sunstones laying out on the ground, sparking in the sun, no need for digging which is quite fun."
Safety planning: Remote locations require extra preparation. A camper advised, "Bring lots of water and everything you'll need for camping since the nearest town is about 25 miles away on rough dirt roads (food, sunscreen, extensive first-aid kits including snake bite kits)."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many forest roads and campsites have tight clearances. An RVer at Mud Creek Campground noted, "I'm towing a 30 foot TT and my roof was touching the tree branches on the way in. I would not recommend a 5th wheel or anything longer. It's tight."
Seasonal challenges: Conditions vary dramatically by season. At Camas Sno-Park, a reviewer mentioned it's "free for overnight use when no-park permits aren't required (required November 1st to April 30th)."
Hookup availability: Most sites have minimal or no services. A camper at Oregon Outback RV Park appreciated that "they have Starlink so we even had WiFi," noting this amenity is unusual for the area.
