Best Dispersed Camping near Richland, OR

Dispersed camping opportunities near Richland, Oregon include several free primitive sites on public lands. Swedes Landing offers riverside camping with drive-in access and no permit requirements. Balm Creek Reservoir provides dispersed camping primarily on the west side of the reservoir, with rougher access roads unsuitable for larger trailers. Mann Creek Recreation Area, while technically in Idaho, offers nearby options with toilet facilities and reservable sites. The Oasis Recreation Site along the Snake River provides convenient overnight camping with basic amenities including pit toilets.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region. According to reviews, "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." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many sites, particularly those with access roads that may deteriorate seasonally. Water availability is limited; campers should bring all necessary drinking water as most sites lack potable sources. Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent at most locations.

Fire restrictions are strictly enforced throughout the area, especially during summer months. Campfires are typically prohibited from July through September at many sites, including Balm Creek Reservoir where "Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September." Weather conditions can change rapidly; summer temperatures often reach high levels while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions. The region provides a balance of accessibility and solitude, with campers noting it offers "the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes." Pack-out requirements apply at all sites; no trash collection services are available.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Richland, Oregon (19)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Richland, OR

31 Reviews of 19 Richland Campgrounds


  • allison W.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area

    Huge and diverse area

    Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas. It earns a good review at the end of the day for being conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it’s the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes.

  • Paige P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Wolf Creek Reservoir

    Sweet Spot

    A handful of great places to camp for the night- very clean and well taken care of so please leave no trace. Just a spot and a table, no water, restrooms ect.

  • Arielle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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 :)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

    Good spot for a few nights

    There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.

    I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.

  • Nick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Social Security Point Trailhead

    Great basic spot

    Very well maintained area. Bring your own firewood, the forest floor is extremely clean. There’s 4 sites on this road and a restroom at the end. We were car camping but most sites have smaller trailer access.


Guide to Richland

Primitive camping near Richland, Oregon offers opportunities on public lands surrounding the area. The region typically sees hot, dry summer conditions with temperatures often exceeding 90°F from July through August. Winter camping is limited in many areas due to snow at higher elevations, with most dispersed sites accessible from May through October depending on seasonal conditions.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lost Valley Reservoir provides dispersed camping with waterfront access for anglers. "There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep," notes one camper, while another mentions the reservoir is stocked periodically. Fish populations decrease as summer progresses and water levels drop.

Swimming in alpine lakes: For backpackers willing to make the trek, Ice Lake offers a refreshing but challenging swimming experience. "The water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest," reports one visitor. The lake sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation, making this a summer-only destination.

ATV trails: Multiple forest service roads near Lost Valley Reservoir accommodate off-road vehicles. "Very relaxing. Plenty of off-road trails," mentions one reviewer. Riders should check current forest service restrictions as some areas have seasonal closures or designated routes only.

What campers like

Secluded waterfront sites: Several spots along Snake River provide direct water access without developed campground crowds. "It's right along the Snake River and borders an established campground to the east. There are two picnic tables/fire rings, one on either side of the boat launch. The spots are right on the water and sunset/sunrise are gorgeous!" notes a visitor to Oasis Recreation Site.

High-elevation fishing: Aneroid Lake Backcountry offers alpine fishing opportunities for backpackers. "The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout," explains one camper. The cold water temperatures support healthy fish populations throughout summer.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot elk, deer, and various bird species. "We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night. Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water," mentions a Lost Valley Reservoir visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.

What you should know

Access road challenges: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. At Mann Creek Recreation Area, one camper advises: "Follow the directions, not the GPS coordinates. There is two roads to get in more creek and man creek. More creek will make you wish you had a sports bra on and a new suspension for your car when your finally get to pavement."

Site availability: Most primitive sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservation systems. Weekends between June and September see highest demand. Mid-week arrivals offer best chances for waterfront locations.

Bathroom facilities: Most dispersed sites lack facilities entirely. Where available, they're typically primitive. At Oasis Recreation Site, visitors note "the bathroom was clean" but at Lost Valley, campers describe "a fairly dirty pit bathroom."

Tips for camping with families

Consider reservoir camping: Families with children often prefer sites near reservoirs for swimming access. "Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied," notes a visitor to Lost Valley Reservoir.

Protection from elements: Shade availability varies significantly. "There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer. Spring and fall are really nice times of year here," advises a Mann Creek camper. Bring portable shade structures during summer months.

Wildlife precautions: Secure food items from wildlife. "We ran into a couple bull snakes," mentions one camper at Mann Creek. Snake encounters increase during hot weather when they seek shade under rocks and logs.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "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," notes a camper about Lost Valley Reservoir.

Level sites: Surface conditions vary greatly. Oasis Recreation Site offers "a gravel parking lot for a boat launch onto Snake River" with "tons of space," making it suitable for self-contained units. Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain.

Insect preparation: Campers regularly mention intense insect activity. "The amount of bugs at sunset was BIBLICAL!" warns a camper at Oasis Recreation Site. Screen rooms and effective repellents are essential during summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Richland, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Richland, OR is Swedes Landing with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Richland, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Richland, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.