Best Dispersed Camping near Tiller, OR

The forested lands surrounding Tiller, Oregon feature predominantly dispersed camping options managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. Sites like Burma Pond BLM and Elderberry Flats Campground offer free or low-cost primitive camping within an hour's drive of town. The Rogue River corridor provides numerous pull-offs for tent and small RV camping, while higher elevation areas near Mount Thielsen Wilderness serve as popular basecamps for Crater Lake National Park visitors. Most locations maintain minimal infrastructure, typically limited to fire rings and occasional pit toilets, with campers responsible for bringing their own water and supplies.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many access routes requiring careful navigation of dirt roads with potholes and occasional steep sections. As one camper at Burma Pond noted, "The road is a little rough with potholes but it's not terrible if you just drive slow over the holes." Most dispersed sites enforce a 14-day stay limit and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service is virtually nonexistent in most camping areas, with multiple reviewers reporting "zero cell reception from ATT, Verizon and TMobile in this whole area." Summer brings higher temperatures and dusty conditions to lower elevations, while higher sites near Crater Lake can experience freezing temperatures even in summer months.

Campers consistently highlight the solitude and natural beauty available at sites throughout the region. The Thousand Springs Sno-Park receives praise as "the perfect spot for free overnight parking" between May and November, serving as an alternative when Crater Lake's Mazama Campground fills up. Wildlife encounters are common, with visitors reporting everything from owls to deer. Insect activity peaks in summer months, with multiple reviews mentioning, "Lots of skeeters! Bring your bug spray." Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. Amenities are minimal at most sites, though some locations like Elderberry Flats feature picnic tables and established fire rings. The area's popularity increases on weekends and during summer months, but even then, finding available sites remains relatively easy compared to more developed camping regions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Tiller, Oregon (31)

    1. Burma Pond BLM

    10 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    23 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. Elderberry Flats Campground

    4 Reviews
    Trail, OR
    20 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."

    3. USFS Rogue River Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Prospect, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 247-3600

    "We camped near the road but nobody came through the whole night we stayed. An owl swooped right through our camp site and scared the crap out of us. Easy route in and out."

    "The campsite I chose is on a portion of the road beyond what Google Maps has, so it's really off-grid. 😜You could fit two vehicles."

    4. Prospect OHV Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Prospect, OR
    24 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."

    5. Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    12 Reviews
    Crater Lake, OR
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 842-3292

    "We drove to Mazama campground only to be told and they had just filled their last spot but that there was free overnight parking 18 minutes in each direction either by thousand springs snopark or Annie"

    "There are bathrooms and a warming shelter that has a wood stove. The park is close to Crater Lake National Park anout 10ish miles down hwy 62. Nice pretty spot that is easy to get to."

    6. Mount Thielsen Wilderness

    22 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 383-5300

    "When I visited the Crater Lake area, I was well aware that finding last minute accommodations was difficult to impossible."

    "Stayed here for 3 nights while visiting Crater Lake NP and it was the perfect basecamp. Easy access to the Forest Road off 138 with lots of open camp spots."

    7. Thousand Springs

    1 Review
    Crater Lake, OR
    32 miles

    "We drove to Mazama campground only to be told and they had just filled their last spot but that there was free overnight parking 18 minutes in each direction either by thousand springs snopark or Annie"

    8. Skull Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Glendale, OR
    33 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"

    9. Wright Creek Trailhead

    1 Review
    Idleyld Park, OR
    28 miles

    10. Lemolo Forebay

    3 Reviews
    Clearwater, OR
    37 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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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tiller, OR

80 Reviews of 31 Tiller 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.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 9, 2020

    Mount Thielsen Wilderness

    FREE, Quiet & Close To Crater Lake National Park

    CLICK HERE For Full Video Review

    When it comes to camping you simply can’t beat FREE!!! But often times it is hard to find a good campsite which is close to some of the larger National Parks that is not overrun with people. 

    When I visited the Crater Lake area, I was well aware that finding last minute accommodations was difficult to impossible. Hotels in the area charge high premiums and depending on when you visit the campground is typically booked well in advance or even closed due to weather. It just so happened that I arrived late in the season, campground was already closed and I was wondering just what else would be out there for me as a tent/car camper. 

    I found a small forest road, FR960 and took my chances driving down a few hundred yards before realizing that there were a few established campaigns for dispersed camping. My signal with AT&T was sparse so finding this site was strictly by chance(the Dyrt hadn’t yet released their offline PRO Version just yet). 

    Driving down the road it was gravel and had a few small ruts here and there but nothing so serious I couldn’t make it down the path taking it at a slower pace. I discovered a small pull out right at the beginning of the roadway which looked to be about the size of a small RV, very level and established with a fire ring. As I continued onward a small campground road spurred off to the right with what looked to be several sites alongside it as well. I opted to keep going as there were already a couple people there and the beauty of forest camping is that you don’t have to be right on top of your neighbors unless you want to. 

    Further down the road pull offs to both the right and left with spaces perfect for large rigs and smaller ones as well. The one on the left seemed to be calling my name as I noticed it was almost a cove of trees which would serve as a great protectant and blockade to the crisp night winds which I knew were coming this time of year. I settled in and explored the remainder of the camp on foot including a small climb which went to a few spaces with amazing views of the peaks above but looked pretty exposed due to new growth trees and low laying shrubs being the only vegetation. Sure this looked beautiful but I knew it would be cold!! 

    After settling in for the night in my site I was able to cook dinner on my camp stove and cozy down. Due to the winds getting a bit high I was a little hesitant to use the established fire ring because this area in particular is very prone to forest fires, something which can be seen quickly driving through camp with residual charring and many new growth trees in place of old forest. 

    By dawn, ice lined my windows of my car and snow capped the distant peak, the one which I would have been camping by had I have stayed up at the higher elevation campsite. But there was a sense of quiet which is unmatched by the commercial campgrounds in the area where you will find slamming doors and the sound of people moving around to get their day started. Though many were nestled into the campsites in various cubbies and enjoying their time at the forest camp, the feeling of solitude was still abundant. 

    There were no frills with this campground other than the location itself. No restrooms, no running water, nothing!! You as a camper have to plan if you are visiting this location and be able to be off grid safely and responsibly. If you are choosing to stay here remember the Leave No Trace principles and make sure you fully extinguish your fires. 

    The campground itself is only a few miles away from the northern most entry of Crater Lake. No reservations are accepted and no supplies are available without driving in to the neighboring communities of Crescent or Chemult.

  • 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.

  • Amanda K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    Great reliable lot

    We drove to Mazama campground only to be told and they had just filled their last spot but that there was free overnight parking 18 minutes in each direction either by thousand springs snopark or Annie’s. We chose thousand springs. It is the perfect spot for free overnight parking as it is a large and reliable lot that I assume is rarely filled. It is only 30 minutes from watchman peak trailhead which is where we were headed. There were only a couple other vans when we stayed a weekday in July. There is a pit toilet as well. Note that free overnight parking without a sno-park parking permit is only permitted between May 1 and November 14. Next to the road so there is a bit of noise, but there are not too many cars that drive by at night. Be aware that there is a lot of wildlife in the area. There is no cell service.

  • 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

  • R
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Mount Thielsen Wilderness

    Beautiful Free Camping Just Minutes from Crater Lake NP

    Stayed here for 3 nights while visiting Crater Lake NP and it was the perfect basecamp.

    Easy access to the Forest Road off 138 with lots of open camp spots. More private spots further up the hill — I didn’t venture too far but if you have AWD it shouldn’t be an issue.

    I had no trouble finding a spot on Thursday afternoon, though there were definitely other campers around. Seemed pretty popular by the weekend though there were still unclaimed spots tucked away on Saturday afternoon.

    Bring bug spray and make sure you’ve got screen window covers if car camping — otherwise a beautiful stay. Ten minute drive to the North Entrance of Crater Lake and about 20 minutes away from town with truck stop with showers and wifi.

  • Brittney   G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    Spacious quiet spot

    This snowpark has a big parking area with plenty of room for trailers/vehicles. There are bathrooms and a warming shelter that has a wood stove. The park is close to Crater Lake National Park anout 10ish miles down hwy 62. Nice pretty spot that is easy to get to. No hookups and no water available do be sure to bring it.


Guide to Tiller

Dispersed camping sites near Tiller, Oregon dot the Umpqua National Forest and BLM lands at elevations between 1,000-4,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day with significant cooling at night, often dropping to 45-55°F. The region's volcanic soil creates challenging access roads that worsen after rainfall, with many campsites requiring navigation through unmarked forest service roads.

What to do

Fishing access: Burma Pond BLM offers shoreline fishing with abundant wildlife. "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," notes one camper who visited in May.

Swimming holes: Elderberry Flats Campground provides creek access with natural swimming spots. A visitor notes, "There are 12 sites with 5 being beside Evans Creek. There are small swimming holes, lots of crayfish and salmon spawning beds."

OHV trails: Multiple designated trail systems welcome dirt bikes and quads. "If you like riding dirt bikes or quads this is the place that's local and has a nice swimming hole also," mentions a visitor to Elderberry Flats.

Wildlife viewing: Bat watching opportunities exist at several water features. At Burma Pond, one camper reported, "The pond at the top was beautiful with tons of bats flying around at night. Super cool!"

What campers like

Proximity to Crater Lake: Thousand Springs Sno-Park serves as a strategic base for national park visitors. "It is about 15 minutes to the south entrance of the park and then another 15 minutes to the Rim Village," explains a camper who appreciated its location.

Solitude: Many sites offer unexpected privacy despite easy access. At Burma Pond BLM, one reviewer experienced complete solitude: "I camped one night right off the water. Quiet and clean. I slept great. Had 1 bar of att. Google maps took me right to it."

Community facilities: Some sites feature unexpected amenities. A camper at Thousand Springs noted, "There was a rec area we ate dinner in and played cards. The only issue with the site is the mosquitos. Make sure to have bug spray and make a fire."

Night sky viewing: The area's minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Pretty woods and good stars up here. We didn't explore," noted a camper at Burma Pond.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate seasonally with substantial potholes. At Burma Pond, a camper advises: "The road is a little rough with potholes but it's not terrible if you just drive slow over the holes."

Navigation challenges: GPS reliability varies significantly throughout the region. One Burma Pond visitor warned, "GPS via Apple and Google wanted me to go on a rarely used and overgrown forest road to get here, I recommend using GPS to get in the general area then look at the map to manually navigate the last half mile or so."

Wildlife precautions: Mount Thielsen Wilderness camping areas have active wildlife. "An owl swooped right through our camp site and scared the crap out of us," reported one camper about their overnight experience.

Temperature fluctuations: Nights remain cool even during summer months. A Mount Thielsen Wilderness visitor noted, "I went in late October and it got down to 14 degrees at night. It was not snowing. But, do pack snow gear for that weather and have hot coffee for the morning."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming safety: Monitor children near water features, especially at dams. A visitor to Lemolo Forebay warns, "There is a dangerous low-head dam at the beginning of the lake near the campground, so please keep track of your kids/pets!"

Bug protection: Insect activity increases near water sources during summer. "Lots of skeeters! Bring your bug spray," noted a Lemolo Forebay visitor who experienced the mosquito population firsthand.

Space considerations: Site size and proximity vary significantly. At Burma Pond BLM, one visitor observed, "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."

Entertainment options: Limited activities exist for younger children. A reviewer at Thousand Springs mentioned, "Huge thanks to the Rogue Snowmobilers who make this site so great. There was a rec area we ate dinner in and played cards."

Tips from RVers

Length limits: Many forest roads have tight turns unsuitable for larger rigs. One Skull Creek Campground visitor noted, "Easily accessed by 2 x 4 SUV, although there were a few large potholes, easy to maneuver around."

Grade challenges: Several access roads feature steep grades challenging for trailers. A Burma Pond visitor warned, "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."

Turning limitations: Many forest roads lack adequate turnaround space. A visitor at Burma Pond observed, "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."

Sno-Park options: Free camping near Tiller includes seasonal sno-park usage with paved surfaces. A Thousand Springs camper reported, "Large, paved parking lot. Plenty of room for big rigs and vault toilets. Some road noise, but nothing that bothered us."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tiller, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tiller, OR is Burma Pond BLM with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tiller, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Tiller, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.