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Best Dispersed Camping near Roseburg, OR

41 Reviews

Burma Pond BLM offers secluded camping around a small pond about 20 minutes off I-5 near Wolf Creek. The area provides several primitive sites with vault toilets and trash collection but no drinking water. Access requires navigating a dirt road with occasional potholes and steep sections. One camper noted, "The road getting up to it wasn't too bad. Some bigger potholes that were easy enough to avoid." Multiple reviewers recommend using Google Maps rather than Apple Maps for navigation.

Elliott State Forest provides more remote dispersed camping opportunities with over 550 miles of roads, though only the primary network remains maintained. Sites are scattered along Marlow Creek Road, with most campers finding suitable spots 7-8 miles in. The forest service roads can be challenging, particularly after rain. "Very secluded but spacious sites," one camper shared, while another cautioned about "the road being too steep" for some vehicles. Most sites are simple pull-offs with no facilities, offering privacy and forest views.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Roseburg, Oregon (17)

    1. Burma Pond BLM

    10 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    36 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. Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    North Bend, OR
    38 miles
    Website

    "Needed a last minute to car camp that was close to the coast, found these dispersed sites online and figured it try it out."

    "Nice and close to Bandon. No trouble accessing in our midsize suv. It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash. Did my best to clean up when was left behind."

    3. Doolittle Butte

    2 Reviews
    Cottage Grove, OR
    30 miles

    "Very remote. Climb an easy dirt road back a few miles. A few deep potholes but nothing too technical."

    4. Wright Creek Trailhead

    1 Review
    Idleyld Park, OR
    27 miles

    5. Skull Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Glendale, OR
    34 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"

    6. Elderberry Flats Campground

    4 Reviews
    Trail, OR
    41 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."

    7. Saddle Camp

    1 Review
    Dorena, OR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 957-3200

    "It's best if you have four wheel drive or all wheel drive. Wouldn't recommend going in the winter months or rainy season. It is a very fun drive though taxing and it is slow going."

    8. Prospect OHV Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Prospect, OR
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 560-3400

    "During our off season stay it was fun and with all the ATV trails it was our favorite place to camp."

    "When we visited Crater Lake in April, we knew we'd have to find alternative camping because the park campgrounds would be covered in several feet of snow."

    9. Argo Bar

    2 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    44 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."

    10. Lemolo Forebay

    3 Reviews
    Clearwater, OR
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 957-3200

    "Pavement turns to dirt road to get to the sites. Each site has a fire ring and a table. The vault toilet has a trash can and was stocked with TP when we were there but we bring our own."

    "There are only about 6 little sites here and a boat ramp for the little lake. There is one long-drop toilet (no TP) and many sites had picnic tables. I'm not sure if all did, but ours did."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Roseburg, OR

24 Photos of 17 Roseburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Roseburg, OR

41 Reviews of 17 Roseburg 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
    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!

  • Jordie G.
    May. 30, 2023

    Lemolo Forebay

    Beautiful but bring bug spray

    Pavement turns to dirt road to get to the sites. Each site has a fire ring and a table. The vault toilet has a trash can and was stocked with TP when we were there but we bring our own.

    The trails down to the river are loose dirt and steep but we drove to the other side of the river to lounge in the sun.

    Lots of skeeters! Bring your bug spray

  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    Beautiful spots, make sure to download a map

    Needed a last minute to car camp that was close to the coast, found these dispersed sites online and figured it try it out. There was surprisingly multiple spots that I had cell service (AT&T) so I was able to navigate myself around through a satellite map. Lots of nice spots with good views, just takes a bit of driving around to find the perfect one. Didn’t see anyone up there and I was there from Tuesday to Wednesday. Hope to return at some point! Just beware some of the side roads are a bit overgrown and can scratch up your car.

  • J
    Oct. 15, 2020

    Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    Great and close to bandon

    We stayed for a night on our way down the coast. Nice and close to Bandon. No trouble accessing in our midsize suv. It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash. Did my best to clean up when was left behind. There was a fire pit but we did not use it due to fire restrictions. Nice misty views over the trees in the morning.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2023

    Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    Elliott Primitive Campsites

    The Elliott State Forest has more than 550 miles of roads and trails, but only a primary network has been maintained over the past 10 years since the 90,000 acre area was shut down with environmental lawsuits. Many of these roads lead to excellent camping sites, including old lookouts, fishing holes, secluded springs, and an undeveloped campground favored by local mudrunners. Met organization has worked with the local Community College the past seven years regarding recreational research on the Elliott, with our most recent (and likely final) focus being on historic trails and primitive campsites. The pandemic caused much of this work to be documented on student-level videos, indexed on YouTube: http://www.orww.org/Elliott\_Forest/Recreation/index.html and https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1JyKCHg2GmHjLtQzXXDks4Rb-LE9HoJ-

Guide to Roseburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Roseburg, Oregon, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Roseburg, Oregon

  • When heading to Burma Pond BLM, be prepared for a short drive on a dirt road that may have some potholes, but the stunning pond views and peaceful atmosphere make it worthwhile.
  • Always pack out what you bring in, especially at places like Elderberry Flats Campground, where there are no garbage services available.
  • Bring your own toilet facilities if you're camping at Skull Creek Campground, as amenities are minimal and running water is not provided.

Dispersed campers should check out Skull Creek Campground

  • Located in a secluded area, Skull Creek Campground offers a few sites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for a minimalist camping experience.
  • The access road may have some potholes, but it's manageable for most vehicles, making it a great option for those looking for a quiet retreat.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot various animals in the area, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Enjoy fishing and swimming while free camping near Roseburg

  • The serene environment at Elderberry Flats Campground features small swimming holes and crayfish, making it an ideal spot for fishing and relaxing by the creek.
  • If you're looking for a place to cool off, Burma Pond BLM is known for its beautiful pond, where you can enjoy the sight of bats flying around at night.
  • For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Prospect OHV Dispersed Camping provides access to ATV trails and the Rogue River, perfect for a day of exploration and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Roseburg, Oregon?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Roseburg. Burma Pond BLM offers free camping accessed via a dirt road with some steep sections and occasional potholes. While accessible with careful driving, larger rigs should proceed with caution on the final 0.3 miles. Rocky Riffle provides another free BLM option with a loop road offering various dispersed spots. It's easily accessible from the main road, though some high-rock areas exist. Other free options include Skull Creek Campground, Elliott State Forest Dispersed sites, and Argo Bar along the river. Most of these areas feature basic amenities like fire rings, and some have picnic tables or vault toilets. Always check road conditions before heading out, especially in larger vehicles or after rain.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping near Roseburg?

Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping near Roseburg. Summer provides warm, dry weather ideal for exploring the area, though it can get hot with limited shade at sites like Elliott State Forest Dispersed. Late spring (May-June) brings moderate temperatures and flowing water in nearby streams. Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, with September and early October being particularly pleasant. Rain becomes more frequent from late October through April, making roads to places like Argo Bar potentially hazardous due to mud and washed-out conditions. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to wet conditions and potential snow at higher elevations. Always check road conditions before heading out, especially after rain events that can make dirt access roads treacherous.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Roseburg?

Dispersed camping sites around Roseburg offer basic amenities that vary by location. Skull Creek Campground provides picnic tables, fire pits, an onsite pit toilet, and bear-proof trash cans, though it lacks running water and has limited shade. Elderberry Flats Campground features 11 sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. Many dispersed sites include established fire rings at minimum. Some locations like Lemolo Forebay have tables and fire rings at each site with vault toilets stocked with toilet paper and trash facilities. Most dispersed sites lack running water, hookups, or shower facilities, so campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water. Cell service is spotty throughout the region but available at select locations, particularly in the Elliott State Forest dispersed areas.

Do I need permits for free camping in the Roseburg area?

Most dispersed camping areas around Roseburg don't require permits for standard overnight stays. Lemolo Forebay and other similar dispersed sites on public lands typically allow free camping without advance permits. However, seasonal restrictions may apply, particularly during fire season when campfire permits might be required. Prospect OHV Dispersed Camping areas have specific regulations—for instance, helmets are mandatory for ATV users on trails, and rangers do enforce these rules. While most BLM and Forest Service dispersed sites in the area are permit-free, they typically enforce a 14-day stay limit. Always check current regulations before your trip, as rules can change seasonally or annually, especially regarding fire restrictions during summer months.

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