Primitive camping near Plush, Oregon offers free dispersed sites across a high desert landscape with elevations ranging from 4,300 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-95°F while dropping to 30-50°F at night due to the arid climate. Campers should prepare for limited cell service throughout the Warner Valley region.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Burshy Point Dispersed Camping in the Sheldon National Antelope Refuge, visitors can observe diverse birdlife along the shoreline. "We spent one night enjoying the many shore birds, a beautiful sunset and a refreshing cool night," reports Carini, who recommends against swimming in the active wildlife reservoir.
Night sky observation: Hogback Road Dispersed provides excellent stargazing conditions with minimal light pollution. "The night sky with Milky Way was amazing and we didn't hear any traffic during the night. In the morning, we awoke to a beautiful sunrise and sounds of migrating birds taking flight from their nighttime stopover at Crump Lake," notes Tanya B.
Fishing activities: Catnip Reservoir Dispersed Camping offers fishing for cutthroat trout in a tranquil setting. According to Fred S., "Reservoir active with waterfowl & other birds. Coyotes at night. Fishing for cutthroat trout. Other than fishing and star gazing, there is not much to do here, but I really liked this location."
What campers like
Wildlife sightings: Hogback Road Dispersed area provides opportunities to observe local fauna. As Tanya B. describes, "We also enjoyed watching a herd of Bighorn sheep grazing by the side of the road."
Quiet surroundings: Catnip Reservoir Dispersed Camping features "Sites are level dirt surfaces surrounded by sagebrush. Can be muddy when wet. Nice view of reservoir and surrounding hills. Very quiet," according to Fred S., who appreciated the peaceful environment despite limited recreational options.
Scenic vistas: Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout campsites offer memorable views. Austin R. notes, "We found refuge for the night off one of the little pullouts and set up camp right by the water. Sunset was perfect. We saw a Coyote on the hill leading to the scarp. 10/10."
What you should know
Site conditions: At Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout, positioning affects privacy and noise levels. "Highway was a little noisy but nothing too bad as it was quiet in the middle of the night," reports Austin R., who found a suitable spot despite challenging tent camping terrain.
Water availability: Most dispersed camping options lack potable water. At Catnip Reservoir, Fred S. notes the amenities are limited to "One vault toilet, clean & with tp. No water," making it essential to bring sufficient water supplies.
Access challenges: Road conditions vary significantly between sites. For Catnip Reservoir, Fred S. mentions, "There are some tire ruts on the two tracks off of County Road 34A that you need to drive into the campground. 34A itself is a well maintained gravel road."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with basic facilities when traveling with children. Burshy Point has some limitations as Carini explains: "Most camping sites were private, separated by sage brush, and did not have toilets, so best for self-serving vehicles- or if you are ok walking down the road a bit."
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations due to the high desert climate. Days can reach 90°F while nights drop below 50°F even in summer months.
Swimming considerations: Lake Abert appears inviting but is not suitable for swimming. Victoria S. advises, "You CANNOT swim in the lake, very closed to the road. Only 3 good view spots unless you stay at the lot right on the road."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout accommodates larger recreational vehicles. Ray & Terri F. report: "We are full-timers and have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We stayed for one night here in late May. Pretty much what everyone else has said- quiet behind the gravel mounds, very little traffic on US 395."
Cell service: Limited connectivity exists at some sites. Ray & Terri F. note that at Lake Abert, "AT&T coverage was fair, with 3 bars of LTE and speeds up to 3 MB/s."
Site positioning: Position RVs strategically for noise reduction and privacy. James G. recommends Lake Abert for "stargazing" while Ray & Terri F. suggest camping "behind the gravel mounds" for a quieter experience away from highway noise.
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