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Best Dispersed Camping near Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

55 Reviews

Free dispersed camping around Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest clusters mainly along Evans Creek and the Rogue River corridor. Burma Pond BLM offers a peaceful setting with sites positioned around a small pond, featuring vault toilets but requiring careful navigation of a steep, potholed dirt road. Argo Bar and Rocky Riffle provide riverside camping with direct water access, though both sites experience heavy weekend traffic from rafters and kayakers during summer months.

Road conditions vary significantly across the area, with many sites requiring cautious driving. A visitor noted, "The road getting up to Burma Pond wasn't too bad. Some bigger potholes that were easy enough to avoid." Most dispersed sites mandate pack-in, pack-out practices with no garbage service available. Cell reception is virtually nonexistent throughout the region, particularly in river canyon areas where even signal boosters prove ineffective. Fire restrictions typically apply during summer and fall, with enforcement rangers regularly patrolling popular areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (26)

    1. Burma Pond BLM

    10 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    15 miles
    +1 (541) 471-6500

    "This was quite a way in on a fairly smooth but steep dirt road. Along the road were random deep pot holes so be aware they sneak up on you when the road is shadowed."

    "I navigated using Google Maps due to other reviews saying Apple made it confusing. This led us right to the pond/camp sites."

    2. Ennis Riffle

    2 Reviews
    Merlin, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 474-5285

    $15 / night

    "Ennis Riffle camping area is nice and large and open, with easy access to the water.  The ground is rocky dirt.  There isn't much in terms of flat level areas for an RV, nor is there much shade.  "

    "Also close to the river. It gets very busy on holiday weekends. Also beware of camping here during the rainy season. The water covers the entire campground."

    3. Elderberry Flats Campground

    4 Reviews
    Trail, OR
    17 miles
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "FIRSTLY, do NOT take Sykes Creek Road or May Creek Road to access this campground. Google Maps will try to take you on the shortest (mileage) route."

    "Free camping with a pit toilet winner winner chicken dinner! A bit of a drive out but a very nice campsite. The actual campground has 11 sites with picnic tables and fire pits."

    4. Rocky Riffle

    3 Reviews
    Merlin, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 479-3735

    "This BLM area is a quick turn off the main road.  Take a right or left to start the loop and you’ll find various spots for dispersed camping."

    5. Argo Bar

    2 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "We couldn't really find a flat place to park, and so ended up parking just along the bathroom, which was rhe flattest spot here."

    "It wasn't until we left the spot and looked back on it from the higher road that we saw that the camp area extended a bit past the bathrooms into more camp friendly spots, with some shade and greenery."

    6. Beautiful Dispersed View off Fire Rd

    2 Reviews
    Selma, OR
    18 miles
    Website

    "You can fit a small pull behind, truck, and/or van. The 6.5 mile road (FS-25) is paved so the accessibility of the site is a plus."

    7. Forest Road 25

    1 Review
    Selma, OR
    17 miles

    "Beautiful view The road down past it would be amazing for Jeep/truck/suv tent camping. This area is so peaceful"

    8. Lookout Gap

    1 Review
    Selma, OR
    18 miles

    9. Skull Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Glendale, OR
    22 miles

    "Without this app I do not know were i would be i got lost in oregon panicked and remembered I had this app thank you you are life saver........ TO:X̌

    FROM: Michael .C"

    10. Canyon Gulch by Eight Dollar Moutain

    4 Reviews
    Kerby, OR
    25 miles

    "It’s got great views and near the river, but homeless camps sometimes set up around here."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

21 Photos of 26 Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

55 Reviews of 26 Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2021

    Burma Pond BLM

    Remote and Quiet

    This was quite a way in on a fairly smooth but steep dirt road. Along the road were random deep pot holes so be aware they sneak up on you when the road is shadowed. The last .3 miles was steep and though we made it in 26ft rig I would not attempt it again. I could see major problem if rain was expected. 

    The pond was peaceful and so beautiful with a couple of level options to set up. The area as a whole is very small though, so if someone else is already there when you arrive it’s going to feel very cozy and/or awkward. 

    There was a handicap accessible bathroom with pit toilets that someone shot up the lock (boooo) so at the moment is open despite the "closed for covid" sign. There was a pile of garbage near the garbage cans. Bullet casings littered the ground as well.

     The fish were jumping and the water clear. Overall nice, just wish people would respect public lands more and not trash these areas so much. The road is narrow with very few turn arounds. The way down I was in 1-2 gear riding the break on some of the hills. Good place to let the dogs run and swim. If we had a smaller rig we would come here again. Very weak / unusable Verizon service, no service with TMobile or ATT.

  • Cass G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Burma Pond BLM

    Off the grid just enough

    We needed a place to set up for a quick sleep on our way down to Yosemite from Washington. I navigated using Google Maps due to other reviews saying Apple made it confusing. This led us right to the pond/camp sites. The road is a little rough with potholes but it’s not terrible if you just drive slow over the holes. There is a few split offs/2-way roads along this dirt road, the last one being a tree with a smiley face and an arrow leading you where to go. Didn’t get lost at all and it was already dark when we got there. No one was there, it was peaceful, clean and quiet. There is a pit toilet/bathroom with toilet paper. No trash cans so you’ll have to pack out your trash. I recommend this spot for anyone willing to drive 10-15 minutes off the freeway for some dispersed camping.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Rocky Riffle

    Hot, Dusty and Nice (and Free!)

    This BLM area is a quick turn off the main road.  Take a right or left to start the loop and you’ll find various spots for dispersed camping. The road is mostly ok with some areas of high rocks but we made it in our 26ft Class C with only one ding on the steps. Larger vehicles might have problems along the lower half of the loop, but the upper half was doable.  There are some spots close to the river and others up above it more with nice views as well as shade.

    There are a few “long term residents" here.  One was right on the water with a big mirror and a homemade sign warning of “thieves among us." The sheriff and ranger came by the next day and left citation on his camp. Nothing scary nor anything that made us feel unsafe at all. 

    This is a dry camp with no amenities. Tent/car campers welcome but must have port-a-potties. You must pack out your waste and trash. We found several trash piles which we cleaned up. There are NO fires allowed at this time. Also be aware that there is a lot of poison oak around. 

    Also there were unleashed dogs, one in particular that wandered into our camp site every morning. A lot of rafters and kayakers, especially on weekends, but they stay mostly on the water but can become quite loud at times. River access in this area is available in a only few spots that you have to walk to. There is no real shoreline to hang out in unless someone is not camped right in those areas. 

    Zero cell reception from ATT, verizon and TMobile in this whole area.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2021

    Hyatt Reservoir BLM Dispersed

    Loud and Poopy

    Not far from Ashland and right past the Hyatt Lake Resort are some dispersed spots on BLM land near the lake. The lake level is very low so at this time you could drive quite close to it but it gets really muddy so watch out because it looks grassy and deceivingly dry. 

    There is road noise but quiets down at night. 

    Also there is a large flock of geese that honk all day and night and there is goose poop everywhere! 

    The site we stayed at had a stone fire pit and not very level but we made it work. It is a good spot for a night or 2 and we would stay here again if passing through. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and out all trash. The resort nearby has a restaurant and small store. No service from ATT and TMobile but Verizon had 1-2 bars of LTE roaming.

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful

    Very peaceful and secluded. Would definitely stay again! Only thing is the people before us did not practice leave no trace and there were some paper towels in a bush and dog toys left behind.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2022

    Argo Bar

    Good and Free

    I'll add another review since we did go back there this summer and stay there for a night. But I'd check on the effects of the Rum Fire if you're planning to go to this area. Not sure what the river area looks like now. :(

    We couldn't really find a flat place to park, and so ended up parking just along the bathroom, which was rhe flattest spot here. It was a nice and peaceful stay, quiet, watching boaters and rafting companies coming and going all day. Nobody else was there at night.

    The area is beautiful but there's not much to do unless you have a boat or a car. No nearby hikes within walking distance.

    Still zero cell service. 14 day stay limit. Garbage bins and recycling and bathrooms on site. Free!

  • C
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    It is what it is….

    We live in Brookings and go up the Chetco to this river bar or to Nook or Miller Bar all summer long. No, there’s no spaces and no hookups and no cell service for miles. It’s just a gravel bar on the river where you pull your camper wherever feels good and unhitch and camp. You might have some USDA Forest Service employee drop off a pay envelope at your site but , there’s no place to leave it and they may or may not come back to get it. It sometimes gets crowded during holidays and weekends and the good places, not next to rapids and close enough to good swimming holes, become rare. So you might have to settle for something less than ideal. And, the porta potties might get full. There’s no one enforcing quiet hours or leash laws and no form of law enforcement anywhere nearby. There is a Forest Service LEO assigned to the area but in 18 years, I’ve never seen him on the bar. Despite all this, incidents involving injuries or violence or crime are exceptionally rare. It’s a great kayaking and swimming place and there’s nearby rocks for jumping off. Remember! It’s a river not a lake so kids ought to have life jackets. Please note….as the summer progresses, the water level drops, the temperature rises and the algae grows. As such, we prefer June camping.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Prospect OHV Dispersed Camping

    Perfect place for OHV riding

    We absolutely loved camping here. During our off season stay it was fun and with all the ATV trails it was our favorite place to camp.

    Our neighbor campers decided they could ride the trails without helmets and found out the hard way that is is a no no. They were brought back to the camp without their bikes and in the back of a National Forest Service Enforcement vehicle. After being spoken to about the importance of following the rules of the trails, they were left at camp and had to find their own way back to their motorcycles.

    Fortunately we did not have the same experience. It can get very dusty so just be prepared for that. The trails are absolutely great and access to the Rogue River is just icing on the cake.

    It was so nice to have areas provided for unloading bikes and ATV's so folks could safely load and unload their toys.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2021

    USFS Rogue River Dispersed

    Beautiful But Be Aware

    Take the River Bridge turn off from Highway 62 and follow the road which turns to gravel, potholed and some washboarded road. Stay on the main road until you pass the actual campground and go over the bridge. 

    We did drive through the River Bridge campground which was $15/night but opted for the free version across the river. There are multiple spots to camp for free just past the River Bridge Campground across the one lane bridge. You can take a right or left after the bridge to find a spot. We took a right and found multiple sites to pull into right off the main forest service road. Accessibility is dependent on your rig but we found several spots easily accessed by our 26ft class c.  The road itself is gravel with pot holes but otherwise doable in most rigs. There appears to be some long term somewhat sketchy residents here so be aware. We stayed twice in 2 different spots but did not feel unsafe at all. The sites are fairly level with mix of sun and shade and stone fire pits and a short walk to the river. Its a nice place to let the dogs run free but there can be quite a lot of cars driving up and down the 62 road and and an occasional dirt bike. Very quiet at night and lots of roads to hike on or if you’re into fishing the Rogue River is very close.

     No amenities, pack in and pack out, no bathrooms; and for the love of god please bury your TP waste! 

    There is zero cell reception from ATT, T-Mobile or Verizon in this entire area.

Guide to Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers numerous spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • Burma Pond BLM is a peaceful location with beautiful views and a serene pond, perfect for a quiet getaway. The road leading to it is manageable, making it accessible for most vehicles.
  • Elderberry Flats Campground features small swimming holes and a clean creek, providing a refreshing spot to cool off during hot summer days. The area is surrounded by lush greenery, enhancing the natural experience.
  • Rocky Riffle offers river access and a variety of dispersed camping spots, although it's important to note that some areas may be closed due to fire restrictions. The scenery here is stunning, making it a worthwhile visit.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon

  • When visiting Argo Bar, be prepared for a wide-open space right on the river, ideal for those who enjoy boating or rafting. The area is free to camp, but there are no nearby hiking trails.
  • At Ennis Riffle, expect a beautiful and green environment with easy access to the water. However, be aware that it charges a fee for camping, so plan accordingly if you're looking for free options.
  • Beautiful Dispersed View off Fire Rd provides a scenic pull-off for smaller vehicles, but larger RVs may struggle with access. The road is paved, making it easier to reach this picturesque spot.

Activities While Free Camping Near Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Elderberry Flats Campground, where crayfish and salmon can be spotted in the nearby creek. This area is perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
  • For those who enjoy off-road adventures, Skull Creek Campground offers access to trails suitable for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness. The secluded nature of this spot makes it a great base for outdoor activities.
  • Forest Road 25 is a great starting point for hiking and exploring the diverse landscapes of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The area is less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest?

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping provides spacious gravel bar sites along the Chetco River, ideal for campers seeking water access. No formal sites exist—simply pull in where comfortable. For those seeking more structure, Elderberry Flats Campground offers 11 sites with picnic tables and fire pits plus a pit toilet. When visiting, avoid taking Sykes Creek or May Creek Roads as access routes; instead, use Evans Creek Road from Wimer for the safest approach. Throughout the forest, you'll find numerous dispersed sites off forest roads, but always practice Leave No Trace principles and check for seasonal closures or fire restrictions before your trip.

What facilities and amenities are available at Lake Siskiyou dispersed camping areas?

While specific Lake Siskiyou dispersed camping areas have limited documented amenities, the general pattern for dispersed sites in the region follows what's found at similar locations. Burma Pond BLM represents typical dispersed camping in the area with minimal facilities—no running water, electricity, or developed campsites. At Rocky Riffle, another comparable dispersed area, you'll find primitive conditions with no formal amenities beyond natural features. For Lake Siskiyou specifically, expect to be fully self-sufficient with no provided tables, toilets, or trash service. Always bring your own water, pack out all waste, and be prepared for no cell service. Check current regulations before visiting as amenities and access can change seasonally.

Is there free camping available near Medford, Oregon in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest?

Yes, several free camping options exist near Medford in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Hyatt Reservoir BLM Dispersed offers free sites not far from Ashland and Medford. Located past Hyatt Lake Resort, these spots on BLM land provide lakeside camping, though be cautious of potentially muddy conditions near the shoreline when water levels are low. Skull Creek Campground is another free option with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, a pit toilet, and bear-proof trash cans. Most sites are accessible with standard vehicles despite some potholes on access roads. Remember that free sites typically lack running water, and you should always pack out all trash.

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