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Best Tent Camping near Silver Lake, OR

212 Reviews

Tent campgrounds near Silver Lake, Oregon offer basic accommodations in the high desert landscape of central Oregon's Fremont-Winema National Forest. Upper Buck Creek Forest Camp provides primitive tent sites from May through November, though campers report it can be difficult to locate. Green Mountain Campground, situated on elevated terrain with valley views, offers tent camping with basic vault toilet facilities and serves as a hub for exploring nearby natural features.

Road access to most tent sites requires careful navigation, with several campgrounds accessible only via dirt or gravel roads that may be rutted or washboard in sections. Green Mountain Campground's approach road is particularly rough, with one camper noting that "the road getting there is VERY bumpy." Most tent campgrounds lack drinking water, making it essential to pack in your own supply. Sites typically feature minimal amenities, with toilets available at select locations like Green Mountain. Forest camps such as Upper Buck Creek, Lower Buck Creek, and Jackson Street Forest Camp generally operate seasonally between May and November due to winter conditions at higher elevations.

Tent campers at Green Mountain enjoy exceptional views and night sky visibility from their campsites. The elevated position provides panoramic vistas across the high desert landscape, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Sites are typically well-spaced, offering privacy even when multiple parties are present. According to one visitor, the campground provided "one of the best sunsets and moon rises that we have ever seen!" Proximity to natural features like Crack-in-the-Ground makes these tent sites valuable basecamps for day hiking. Mosquitoes can be problematic at some forest camps, particularly at Upper Buck Creek, where campers report significant insect pressure during summer months. Most primitive tent areas experience minimal crowding, with several reviewers mentioning having entire campgrounds to themselves, especially during weekdays.

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Best Tent Sites Near Silver Lake, Oregon (38)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Silver Lake, OR

4 Photos of 38 Silver Lake Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Silver Lake, OR

212 Reviews of 38 Silver Lake Campgrounds

  • Robert D.
    Sep. 30, 2023

    East Lake Campground

    A great camping spot by the lake.

    Our first time here at East Lake Campground in the last week of September 2023 just 1 day before the park closed for the season. Because East Lake Campground is 6500 feet in elevation the nights were very cold, from 44 to 31 degrees but normally the days were in the morning windy and about 62*. The camp has 29 sites and NO hookups.

    There is flush toilets, NO showers, but had drinking water. East Lake also had 1 boat launch but the water was very low, some 40' down from the edge of the bank to the water. Great fishing and a great place for kayaks. Each site has a picnic table and fireplace. Most Sites on the lake side has pull-thru that were about 50' long. Some back-in sites were only 35'. Very quite campground and not too close to each others camp site. We camped at East Lake Campground in a Travel Trailer.

    Restrooms Flush toilets, faucet water. No hookups, No electric, No water hookup, No sewer hookup. You can fill your water tank FREE at the ($10) Dump Station so you don't have the weight in your rig. Dog-friendliness Lots of space to run and play.

  • Pat S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Little Crater Campground

    Right on Paulina Lake

    This CG is right on Paulina lake in the middle of Newberry Crater. There are 50 sites along the shoreline. They all have the standard picnic table and fire ring. We had the first site on the left as you enter the CG. It had a great view of the lake and surrounding ridgeline and Paulina Peak. It also allows for a wonderful sunset.

    The campground is generally crowded. The sites are decent but you will have other campers relatively close, The CG is easily accessed by foot, car or boat. It does have a boat ramp. RV's / Campers can get into most sites. There are 5 Vault toilets, drinking water, no showers, no hook ups. each site is in close walking distance to the lake. The CG is accessible to various trails in the area including the Big Obsidian Flow trail. A bonus hike should be taken to the Paulina Lake hot springs on the north side of the lake. You can also get to the hot springs by boat.

  • James J.
    Aug. 18, 2019

    Pine Mountain Campground

    Great campsite, but watch out for the ground squirrels.

    We stayed here for three days, two nights. We took our 4 cylinder Hyundai up here packed full, and the gravel road leading up to the campsite was well maintained.

    The campsite itself was clean and beautiful. There were very few people using this place, so for the most part we were almost totally alone. There is no garbage service; Plan on packing your garbage out. There was one restroom with a vault toilet. No water either, so bring plenty.

    The wildlife was beautiful. There were chickadees that kept flying up to us, and these really cute golden mantle ground squirrels. They are cute, but watch out! One will distract you pretending to be cute and friendly, but then there's another one or two getting into everything you leave within their reach. They will steal your food. When you catch them, they'll run away with their fat little faces full.

    They never really run far away either. They have tunnels and nests everywhere in the campground, so they'll hide and wait till you're not paying attention anymore. BAM, THEY'RE STEALING YOUR FOOD AGAIN!

    There was a sharp shinned hawk who kept coming by our camp. My wife thought it wanted our small dog, but I think maybe it was looking for those chickadees that kept coming around.

    The night sky was beautiful. Whether you're an astronomer, or just a casual star gazer, it's worth the drive down here. There's an observatory run by a local University here, and they offer tours to the public on weekends. You can call and inquire about how crowded the site is, weather, and other things.

    There were some noisy campers having a party who arrived on our second day. They were kinda loud, and they kept walking all over the campsite which kinda distracted from the whole experience, but for the most part we were alone. There were fire rings and picnic tables at all the spurs. Some of the spurs we kinda close to each other, but there was hardly anybody here, so that made up for it.

    We didn't get any cell service with Sprint here. That's fine with me though, I'd rather not use my phone.

    Overall, I loved this place and I will definitely go back.

  • E
    Aug. 12, 2020

    Pine Mountain Campground

    Peaceful

    About 6 miles on a washboard gravel road up to 6,000’ elevation. Primitive sites, but mostly level. Vault toilet, no water. U of O’s Pine Mountain Observatory is at the same site, currently closed for Covid. Cows will visit occasionally, but overall very relaxing. Excellent star views from your hammock or up on top of the mountain next to the radio towers lol.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2022

    Marster Spring Campground

    Quiet & Away from it All

    For a small campground, which could only accommodate small RV’s and tenters, this campground has everything you might need. Along the banks of Sage Hen Creek, this intimate campground offers well-spaced out sites, with a fire ring and picnic table each. The two vault toilets were very clean and well stocked. The campground has trash, a returnables bin and drinking water. 

    With the large ponderosa pines overhead we had to be strategic about our parking situation for our camper’s solar array. In many of these situations we set out our portable panel so that we can keep our camper in the shade and still collect solar energy to keep our small battery charged. 

    There are plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for cycling and fishing throughout the National Forest area. There was a recent forest fire on the other side of the creek so the views are stunning in their own haunting way. Just a few miles back down the road, the town of Paisley has a few services, a small cafe, gas station/ convenience store, post office and of course a drive-thru barista. The closest larger town is Lakeview with a few more services, but don’t try to do your laundry there!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Auger Creek Dispersed

    Down a Canyon - Not good for RV Travel

    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.  If you like totally 'being away from it all,' this is your place, if you can get there.

  • Rhiannon S.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Little Crater Campground

    Beautiful Foresty Spot on Paulina Lake

    Small campground along the edge of the lake; every spot has a beautiful view of the mountains and the lake, and has quick access to the water. Spots on the eastern side of the campground are bordered by a steep hill or thickly forested area, great for providing morning shade and a fun area for kids to hike up and play "I'm king of the world!" Spots on the western side sit right on the lake and all have unobstructed sunset views. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings, nearby vault restrooms, & dish washing stations. The camp host sells firewood.

    Campsites are a bit close together, with trailers and tents all in the same area. Some are much bigger than others, but each is unique. Sites near the boat ramp get more traffic, but it's not too busy.

    Great for kayaks, paddle boards, or just floating. Hiking trail from the campground goes all the way around the lake, with natural hot springs on the way. There's also the nearby Paulina Lake Lodge, serving meals & cocktails.

  • K
    Oct. 26, 2020

    Little Crater Campground

    Beautiful Lake Campground

    Easily found a spot midweek in June, but was still pretty chilly at night. Hiked out to the hot springs (they’re basically shallow puddles of hot water along the shore, but still enjoyable). Basic campground- picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. Not much privacy, but everyone was pretty quiet so overall a nice place to spend a night or two.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    BLM Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

    BLM Juniper Camp Sand Dunes Camping

    Camping at Juniper Camp is free. Easy access to the sand dunes; somewhat rough road into nearby Lost Forest. Best access is from the west. One porta-potty for the whole area; pretty nasty, so best to bring your own toilet system. No designated campsites; set up camp anywhere. This is a popular OHV area. If you are into quiet, wilderness camping, this area is not for you. Very noisy, and you may have to tolerate drunken and behavior, and loud music at night. However, if you are into OHV adventuring, this appears to be a good area to explore on OHVs. Finding a level site for your rig may be challenging, but it's possible. Tent camping is definitely possible. Not enough trees together for hammock camping. No water. Some sporadic T-Mobile service, but good AT&T service.

Guide to Silver Lake

Tent camping near Silver Lake, Oregon, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. With several well-reviewed spots, campers can enjoy the beauty of nature while setting up their tents in serene environments.

Tent campers should check out Green Mountain Campground

  • This campground provides a basic yet peaceful experience with incredible views of a large Pleistocene lava field, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Green Mountain Campground is accessible by both drive-in and walk-in options.
  • Located near Crack-in-the-Ground, this site allows for easy exploration of fascinating geological formations, enhancing your camping experience.
  • Campers appreciate the solitude here, often finding themselves the only ones enjoying the stunning sunsets and moon rises.

Some prices for tent camping range from free to minimal fees

  • Green Mountain Campground is a free campground, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers looking for a scenic getaway.
  • While specific pricing details for other campgrounds are not provided, many public sites in the area offer affordable options, ensuring that you can enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
  • The free access to beautiful views and hiking opportunities makes this area a great value for tent campers.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Crack-In-The-Ground, visitors can enjoy picnic tables and basic restroom facilities, making it a convenient spot for day hikes and relaxation.
  • Upper Buck Creek offers a peaceful setting for tent camping, although be prepared for some pesky mosquitoes during the warmer months.
  • Campers at Summer Lake State Wildlife Area can enjoy a drive-in experience with amenities like picnic tables and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Silver Lake, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Silver Lake, OR is Upper Buck Creek with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Silver Lake, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Silver Lake, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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