Dispersed camping near Silver Lake, Oregon offers options across public lands managed by BLM and the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Most sites sit at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet with juniper and sagebrush dominating the landscape. Roads leading to many campsites consist of unpaved gravel and dirt surfaces that can deteriorate significantly after rainfall, particularly in spring months.
What to do
Fishing at reservoirs: Multiple reservoirs around Silver Lake provide fishing opportunities. At Thompson Reservoir Campground, campers can easily access the water. "We caught and released many fish back into lake. Bring your own water. There is a pump but it is out of order," notes a visitor who spent time paddleboarding on the reservoir.
Volcanic exploration: The area features numerous volcanic formations within driving distance of camping areas. Near Fort Rock State Natural Area, "You may view the Fort by the 0.1 mile access trail or decide to walk the entire interior trail. Map is posted in the photos. Many also decide to climb or scramble here as well."
Wildlife viewing: Birdwatching remains popular throughout the region, especially at the reservoirs. The Ana Reservoir RV Park area has "lots of little quail were hanging out in the park on my recent visit," according to one camper, who adds that "this park is very near the Summer Lake Wildlife Refuge, which is a great place for birdwatching."
What campers like
Uncrowded camping: Most camping areas near Silver Lake rarely fill, even during summer months. A camper at Silver Creek Marsh noted, "On a warm June night, it's a pleasure to have a campground like this entirely to one's self."
Lake access: The reservoirs provide water recreation opportunities not typically found in high desert regions. At Duncan Reservoir Campground, a visitor described it as "what a joy to find this hidden gem. Camping next to the water, fire pits tables and pit toilets. Clean and fun to explore around the reservoir."
Dark skies: The remote location creates exceptional stargazing conditions. A visitor to Silver Creek Marsh described their experience: "Beautiful stargazing. Clean pit toilets and clean overall campground. There were corrals at one end for horse camping. No cell service."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads can become problematic, especially after wet weather. For Auger Creek Dispersed, one camper warns, "This campsite is dry camping. Silver Creek may be dry, as it has been since 2021. No facilities other than a picnic table. No Cell, No WiFi, etc."
Limited services: Most camping areas lack potable water and require self-sufficiency. A camper at Thompson Reservoir Campground advised, "Bring your own water. There is a pump but it is out of order."
Seasonal timing: The camping season typically runs May through November, with accessibility best during summer months. According to one camper at BLM near Summer Lake, "Right off Hwy 31. BLM road has 2 areas marked but room for more. Keep right to parallel the highway and you get out of sight and sound."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water: With few reliable water sources, families need to bring adequate supplies for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. At Duncan Reservoir Campground, a visitor noted, "The campground was clean next to the water table fire-pit and pit toilets near by. A small boat launch as well. No potable water on site."
Wildlife encounters: Children may enjoy the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. According to one camper at Duncan Reservoir, the area offers "the most peaceful reservoir full of fish and turtles and cows across the way and birds."
Day trip options: Several attractions within driving distance make good family excursions. From Christmas Valley Base Camp, families can access nearby attractions as one visitor noted it's a "cozy place great for large groups. Has everything a campground needs."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should consider site levelness when choosing camping spots. A visitor to Duncan Reservoir Campground reported, "We were in a pull-thru site along the reservoir. Not level, but okay."
Access limitations: Larger rigs may struggle on some of the rough roads. A Silver Creek Marsh visitor advised, "It was a bit of a trek down gravel roads to get here. Took it easy, though, and no problems."
Generator etiquette: Some campgrounds have noise issues from generators. At Duncan Reservoir, one camper noted, "Except for generator noise from larger rigs on both sides of our site, this free campground is quiet. Only a few campers here."
