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Best Dispersed Camping near Summer Lake, OR

8 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Summer Lake, Oregon, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. BLM near Summer Lake offers primitive camping with beautiful views and relative privacy from Highway 31. The dirt access road has potholes but remains navigable for most vehicles, including those towing RVs. According to Shane K., "Keep right to parallel the highway and you get out of sight and sound." Duncan Reservoir Campground provides a more developed experience with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and a small boat launch, though no potable water is available.

Summer Lake's high desert climate demands proper preparation. Daytime temperatures often reach 85°F while nighttime temperatures can drop to 40°F, requiring appropriate clothing and sleeping gear. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly after June 1st. Several campers noted the importance of bringing everything needed, as services are nonexistent at most sites. Cell service ranges from patchy to none, with T-Mobile showing better coverage than AT&T in some locations.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Duncan Reservoir Campground is accessible via a well-maintained gravel road approximately 5 miles from Highway 31, with some washout spots that are easily navigable. Auger Creek Dispersed camping is more challenging to access and not recommended for RVs. The area features typical high desert terrain with volcanic rock throughout, which may complicate tent setup. Water sources cannot be relied upon; Silver Creek has been dry since 2021. Visitors should pack out all trash and come prepared with maps, as navigation can be difficult in this remote region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Summer Lake, Oregon (12)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Summer Lake, OR

20 Photos of 12 Summer Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Summer Lake, OR

8 Reviews of 12 Summer Lake Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Rick A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Hole In The Ground

    Bring everything you need

    I camped on the rim of the hole with my daughter. While we had a good time, and there weren't very many other people around, we arrived after June 1 during a dry year, meaning no campfire. The temperature during the day was around 85, and pretty comfortable, but at night it dropped down to around 40. We were pretty cold since we had counted on a campfire. As for the Hole in the Ground, it is pretty cool, and you can walk the trails down into it and back up. Typical high desert semi forested terrain, decent roads, but bring a map, it's a hole, and therefore not visible until you're right up on it. Our map showed the power poles that run nearby, as well as the railroad tracks. We used those to orient ourselves so as to not get lost. There are no services here, so if you need something, you'd better bring it. We liked it, and will return.

  • Austin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2024

    Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout Dispersed Camping

    Amazing Spot

    Not the greatest for tent camping but we made it work. We pulled up past the main location where the dirt mounds are. We found refuge for the night off one of the little pullouts and set up camp right by the water. Highway was a little noisy but nothing too bad as it was quiet in the middle of the night. Sunset was perfect. We saw a Coyote on the hill leading to the scarp. 10/10

  • James G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout Dispersed Camping

    Great spot by Lake Abert

    This BLM dispersed camping spot was easy to find, very quiet, dark at night to enjoy the dark skies and stargazing!! You can't swim in Lake Abert, but the view and scenery is fantastic.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2021

    CV BLM dispersed

    Looks like private property

    No indication of camping here. The last turn off is blocked by a barbed wire gate and there’s a house at the end of the road.

  • Sterling P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2020

    CV BLM dispersed

    Nice isolated place to stop when traveling through Christmas Valley

    Excellent sunset view.  We took a smaller 4wd RV here and the road got really rough right after this spot.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout Dispersed Camping

    Not Impressed

    I’m sure this area is beautiful during the right time of year but we pulled up, walked the premises before setting up camp and decided to find another location. The grounds were dirty and the smell of urine and wet see weed (there wasn’t any but were from Texas so I KNOW that smell) overpowered the site for us. It’s also pretty open from the highway so for security purposes we won’t be staying. We like to be a bit more secluded and tucked away:

  • Ray & Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2023

    Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout Dispersed Camping

    Quiet with nice views of the lake and sunset

    We are full-timers and have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We stayed for one night here in late May. Pretty much what everyone else has said- quiet behind the gravel mounds, very little traffic on US 395, especially at night, a really nice place. However, some disgusting f@#$%ng person left a large nasty pile of feces soiled jeans, pee pad, wipes, etc. lying in a heap by one of the gravel mounds. It has now been bagged and removed so others won’t have it detract from their stay. AT&T coverage was fair, with 3 bars of LTE and speeds up to 3 MB/s.

Guide to Summer Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Summer Lake, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene lakeside views to rugged mountain trails.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Summer Lake, Oregon

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Summer Lake

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Duncan Reservoir Campground, where you can enjoy a quiet day by the water.
  • Hiking is a must at Picture Rock Pass, where the trails offer stunning views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • For those who enjoy stargazing, the remote location of Deschutes NF - HWY 31 provides a clear night sky, perfect for observing constellations away from city lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there hot springs near the Summer Lake dispersed camping areas?

Yes, Summer Lake Hot Springs is located near the dispersed camping areas in the region. While camping directly at the hot springs requires payment and reservations, there are dispersed options nearby where you can camp for free and visit the hot springs as a day user. For nearby free camping, Duncan Reservoir Campground is a popular alternative located about 20-30 minutes away. This hidden gem offers waterside camping with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets. The commercial Summer Lake Hot Springs facility offers soaking pools with naturally heated mineral water in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Where is Summer Lake dispersed camping in Oregon?

Summer Lake dispersed camping is located in south-central Oregon along Highway 31, approximately 100 miles southeast of Bend. Popular dispersed camping options include BLM near Summer Lake, which offers sites right off Highway 31 with beautiful views. The area is primarily BLM land that permits dispersed camping with multiple unmarked sites. Most locations are accessible via dirt roads with varying conditions, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended for some areas. The region features stunning high desert landscapes with views of Summer Lake basin and surrounding mountains.

Is dispersed camping allowed around Summer Lake Wildlife Area?

Dispersed camping is not permitted within the Summer Lake Wildlife Area itself, which is managed for wildlife conservation. However, dispersed camping is allowed on the surrounding BLM lands outside the wildlife area boundaries. Deschutes NF - HWY 31 offers dispersed sites suitable for overnight or longer stays, though you'll experience some road noise during the day. Another option is Lake Abert US 395 South Pullout, which provides quiet camping with great views. Always check current regulations with BLM offices, as restrictions may change seasonally due to wildlife needs or fire danger.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping at Summer Lake?

Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are ideal for dispersed camping at Summer Lake, offering moderate temperatures and fewer insects. Summer months (July-August) can be very hot, with daytime temperatures reaching 85°F or higher, though nights cool down significantly. Winter camping is possible but challenging, as Hole In The Ground and other higher elevation sites may be blocked by snow, and temperatures drop considerably. Fire restrictions are common during summer - by June 1st in dry years, campfires are often prohibited. Paradise Creek is particularly nice in summer, offering swimming areas to cool off during hot days.

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