Tent camping near Summer Lake, Oregon offers rustic options in the high desert landscape of central Oregon, ranging from walk-in tent sites at higher elevations to primitive hike-in tent campsites at unique geological formations. The area includes several tent campgrounds suited to different skill levels, from roadside sites with vault toilets to backcountry spots requiring self-sufficiency. The Fremont National Forest offers several tent-only campgrounds, including Rock Creek Forest Camp near Paisley and Upper Buck Creek near Silver Lake. Green Mountain Campground, situated at higher elevation with expansive views of the surrounding lava fields, provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities. Crack-in-the-Ground, a unique geological formation, offers hike-in tent camping opportunities for those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences.
Most tent campgrounds in the Summer Lake region operate seasonally from May through October, with some sites like Deadhorse Lake only accessible from July to October due to snow conditions. Vault toilets are available at select locations including Green Mountain Campground and Crack-in-the-Ground, but potable water is not provided at any of the tent campsites. Campers must bring all necessary water supplies. Fire rings are present at some locations, though fire restrictions are common during summer months. The terrain varies from sandy soil near the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes to rocky surfaces at higher elevations, requiring appropriate tent stakes and ground pads.
Backcountry tent camping in this region offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. According to reviews, Green Mountain Campground provides "outstanding views" and "incredible night skies," though the access road requires careful navigation with "rocky places" that may challenge vehicles without good clearance. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper at Horseglade Trailhead noting they "listened to birds and coyotes and enjoyed being under the canopy of stars." Summer temperatures can be extreme, with daytime highs frequently exceeding 90°F while dropping significantly at night. The Lost Forest/Dunes area offers primitive tent camping with "spacious and beautiful views" but campers should be aware that "wildlife including cougars and coyotes" may wander through after dark. For those planning a tent camping trip near Summer Lake, packing layers for cold nights and arriving with a full water supply are essential given the remote, water-scarce nature of these campsites.
"The second night we were joined by several people who had car tents but we never felt like we were on top of one another."
"Stayed the night after hiking nearby Crack-in-the-Ground. 5 sites, two could easily accommodate our 21' caravan. Outstanding view. Night sky was incredible as was the sunrise."
"That made it kind of uncomfortable in the heat of summer. Brings tarps for shade."
"I stayed here on the first night of the Oregon Outback. It is a very small simple designated camping area with a very clean pit toilet and a few picnic tables but nothing else."
RangerBig pull off and you can also go below gravel piles closer to lake and farther from road. Traffic quiets at night. There are lots of birds to watch and had a beautiful sunset across lake. Not a go to destination but good for a night or two.
LegendSpent one night here. The scenery in the area is very beautiful and at night it’s very dark where you can see millions of stars. There are only six spaces that have electric and water and a couple other spaces for dry camping. Emily, the owner, greeted us as we drove in and was super friendly. They have goats and a couple kitties that run around as well. The showers are dated, but also clean. There also is a laundromat as well. No sewer hook ups, but there is a dump station. Site was relatively level. Spaces one and two have the best shade.
TravelerCampground was beautiful with about 24 nicely spaced sites. The drive up the forest roads about 9 miles was doable in our 24’ Class C but tight. The road is paved but bumpy and very narrow, we are sure glad we didn’t meet anyone going in the other direction. Plan on a minimum of 20 minutes off the highway.
GuideFrom the hiway 45 minute drive time is about right. Have a map some turns arnt posted. Portions of Corn Lake Rd are slow rocky or washboard. Wet weather can make roads impassable. We didn’t do any digging just enjoyed all the glittery stones on the surface.
TravelerNice quiet spot not too far up the river from Paisley, OR. I’ve camped here several times on my travels. Last time with the Scamp 13.
TravelerOpen desert campground. Pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. No water. Four designated camping areas on the refuge. No privacy between sites but so few people or other campers it doesn't matter. Plus the open horizon is part of the aesthetic of the area. Lots of birds. Well used in the fall by bird hunters. The rest of the year you likely have the campground to yourself.
GuideIt tuns out that this is the historic Fort Rock Ranger District headquarters site, started in the 1920s but built-out by the CCC in the early 1930s. Eight buildings remain, all listed on the historic register, but in need of maintenance. After WWII a campground with 19 sites was added, that include potable water and bathrooms. The FS downgraded the facility in the 1970s to a guard station, and then abandoned in 2002, leaving the buildings and inerds like a time warp, and ripping out the water and bathroom infrastructure. You now have a wonderful, safe, clean no-charge/free camping area open year round.
GuideNice space with Solar sky exposure. Maybe 1 of 2 sites. We had Snow forcasted-and saw some coming down. Pulled out next afternoon. Great walking around around campground.
TravelerWe camped last fall for a four days and collected sunstones. The dogs loved it and the area was well maintained ( for a remote area.) Because of altitude and arid conditions be prepared for big temperature swings.
Tent campsites near Summer Lake, Oregon sit at elevations ranging from 4,300 to 6,500 feet in a high desert region that receives less than 12 inches of rainfall annually. Nighttime temperatures typically drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs even in summer months. The volcanic geology creates distinct camping environments with varying wind exposure and ground conditions.
Explore volcanic formations: At Crack-In-The-Ground, a 2-mile volcanic fissure provides a unique hiking experience. "This is a down and back trail through the crack, where it is nearly 30 degrees cooler. Quite nice on a 100 degree day!" notes visitor Nicolaus N. The trail includes both underground passages and above-ground return options.
Visit nearby lakes: The region includes several seasonal lakes and wetlands. Upper Buck Creek [https://thedyrt.com/camping/oregon/oregon-upper-buck-creek-forest-camp] provides access to creek fishing, though campers should prepare for insects. "This campground was tough to find, I drove by it several times, keep your eyes open. The campground is free which was nice, but the mosquitoes were terrible," reports Matthew.
Night sky observation: The high desert offers exceptional stargazing conditions with minimal artificial light. Green Mountain Campground [https://thedyrt.com/camping/oregon/green-mountain-camp-site] provides elevated viewing locations. "Night sky was incredible as was the sunrise," writes Ron C., who visited after hiking nearby.
Solitude and quiet: Many campgrounds in the area receive minimal traffic. Horseglade Trailhead Campground [https://thedyrt.com/camping/oregon/horseglade-trailhead] offers remote camping opportunities. Visitor Leland notes, "A few loggers and Forest service trucks passed on the road, but mostly traffic was cyclists. Listened to birds and coyotes and enjoyed being under the canopy of stars."
Temperature variation: The volcanic formations create natural cooling effects. At Crack-In-The-Ground [https://thedyrt.com/camping/oregon/crack-in-the-ground], visitors can escape summer heat. The temperature inside the crack remains approximately 30 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, creating natural air conditioning during hot summer days.
Basic facilities: Despite remote locations, several campgrounds maintain clean facilities. At Green Mountain Campground, Ron C. found an "extremely clean" bathroom facility, while Richard M. noted it was "Surprisingly nice BLM campground."
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds require careful driving. Green Mountain Campground visitor Jessica warns, "Only downside is the road getting there is VERY bumpy." Ron C. adds that the "Road to campground is good but rocky in places. Good clearance and 4x4 recommended but not required."
Seasonal availability: Campground accessibility varies throughout the year. Deadhorse Lake [https://thedyrt.com/camping/oregon/oregon-dead-horse-lake-developed-campground] operates only from July to October due to high elevation and snow conditions, while lower elevation sites typically open in May.
Variable experiences: Campground conditions and experiences can differ dramatically. At Green Mountain Campground, one visitor (S) reports being "kept up by guns and dune buggies" while others describe peaceful experiences at the same location.
Bring shade structures: The high desert offers limited natural shade. At Deadhorse Lake, camper Letha H. suggests, "We really liked it, except for the dead forest. That made it kind of uncomfortable in the heat of summer. Brings tarps for shade."
Pack for temperature swings: Summer daytime temperatures frequently exceed 90°F while dropping into the 40s at night. Green Mountain visitors recommend layered clothing systems and warm sleeping gear despite summer season.
Plan for driving time: Most campgrounds near Summer Lake sit 30-90 minutes from supplies. Gabrielle S. notes, "There is a small store at Christmas Valley before the turnoff that has the essentials," but selection is limited.
Size limitations: Most tent campsites near Summer Lake accommodate smaller RVs only. At Green Mountain Campground, Ron C. reports, "5 sites, two could easily accommodate our 21' caravan."
Limited amenities: No campgrounds in the area provide hookups or water. RVers must arrive fully self-contained with adequate water supplies and waste capacity for their entire stay.
Unlevel sites: Many camping areas feature natural surfaces without grading. RVers should bring leveling blocks and plan for potentially uneven parking positions on volcanic soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Summer Lake, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Summer Lake, OR is Fremont National Forest Rock Creek Forest Camp with a 2-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Summer Lake, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Summer Lake, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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