Primitive camping near Westfir, Oregon offers numerous undeveloped sites on national forest land where temperatures range from 70-85°F in summer to below freezing in winter. Roads to dispersed sites typically transition from paved to gravel or dirt, with varying conditions based on recent weather and seasonal factors. Most areas lack facilities and require campers to be self-sufficient with supplies.
What to do
Fishing access: NF 2612 Dispersed Camping provides relatively easy access to nearby lakes. "Beautiful location near several Lakes and large fields with plenty of level camping and fire pits although fires are not currently allowed," notes camper Steve M.
Salamander spotting: Multiple water features around Forest Road 5875 create habitat for small wildlife. "About 100 yards towards the paved road theres a nice little waterfall coming down the hillside with lots of frogs and salamanders hangin out in the runoff water," reports Rich M.
Stargazing opportunities: Several camping areas provide open sky views on clear nights away from city lights. At Dispersed Roadside Camping, one camper noted, "Spots are large and the stars are amazing!" according to ChiAnn M.
What campers like
Quick overnight stops: Forest Road 5875 serves as a convenient waypoint for travelers on longer journeys. "Got into Eugene super late and started the drive down to Crater lake. Wife and I decided the safe thing was to post up for the night and continue on in the morning," shares Jake B.
Riverside camping: Several sites provide proximity to water features with varying degrees of access. At Rock Creek Dispersed Camping, visitor Alex P. notes, "On the opposite side of the road from the established paid campsites, on the same side as the Rock Creek sign, there is a forest road that leads down to some dispersed areas."
Starlink compatibility: Some open areas accommodate satellite connectivity needs. At NF 2612, one camper explained, "We picked this dispersed camping near Lemolo Lake since it was an open area that we could run our Starlink. There was also some cell service."
What you should know
Campground closures: Fire damage has temporarily closed some sites. For Blue River Reservoir, one reviewer warned, "Closed due to fire damage," while another noted, "CLOSED FOR FIRE ACTIVITY" as recently as August.
Seasonal bugs: Mosquitoes are prevalent in many sites, particularly during summer months. "The area does have mosquitoes to contend with," reports a camper at NF 2612, while at Salt Creek Hideout, a visitor warned, "beware of heavy mosquitos in the summer, once we made a fire they went away."
Trash management: Several sites suffer from improper waste disposal. At Dispersed Roadside Camping, a visitor observed, "a lot of the sites had toilet paper everywhere so you know those areas weren't the cleanliness. Idk why people can't clean up after themselves especially with a dumpster at the entrance of the road."
Tips for camping with families
Easy-access locations: Some dispersed sites require minimal hiking from parking areas. At Salt Creek Hideout, campers noted, "Campsite with 3 wooden benches plus a campfire, also a creek with a short walking distance from the camp."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Shallow creeks provide habitat for small amphibians kids enjoy spotting. At Dispersed Wikiup Camping, one visitor shared, "Small trail down to a creek, somebody had built a little bike track around the perimeter of the campsite, great for kids."
Water safety awareness: Several sites have potentially dangerous water features requiring supervision. At Lemolo Forebay, a camper warned, "There is a dangerous low-head dam at the beginning of the lake near the campground, so please keep track of your kids/pets!"
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Many roads to primitive sites have challenging terrain. For Saddle Camp, Brandon A. advises, "It's best if you have four wheel drive or all wheel drive. Wouldn't recommend going in the winter months or rainy season."
Dust concerns: Fine dirt at some sites coats everything. At Dispersed Wikiup Camping, Justin L. observed, "Super fine dust, everything will be dirty."
Level parking areas: NF 2612 Dispersed Camping offers relatively flat sites suitable for larger vehicles. Richard D. describes the area as having "Open area with room for about six rigs. Quiet location but lots of mosquitoes. Several shaded spots."
