Dispersed camping near Wilderville, Oregon primarily occurs on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land throughout the forested hills. The region sits at approximately 1,200-1,500 feet elevation with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters affecting site accessibility. Most dispersed sites require travel on forest roads of varying quality, with many becoming impassable during winter months when snow or mud can block access.
What to do
Swimming in creek pools: Evans Creek at Elderberry Flats Campground offers several swimming opportunities. "There are small swimming holes, lots of crayfish and salmon spawning beds," notes Jennifer H., making it popular during summer months.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution at more remote sites creates excellent stargazing conditions. At Burma Pond, one visitor reported, "Super quiet and clean. I slept great. Had 1 bar of att. Google maps took me right to it," highlighting the peaceful setting ideal for astronomy.
OHV trails: The Elderberry Flats area provides access to off-highway vehicle routes. As Robert H. explains, "If you like riding dirt bikes or quads this is the place that's local and has a nice swimming hole also," making it a dual-purpose destination for motorsports enthusiasts.
Wildlife observation: The pond environments attract diverse wildlife. At Burma Pond BLM, Casey B. observed "tons of bats flying around at night. Super cool!" Other campers report frog activity and occasional deer sightings near water sources.
What campers like
Quick access from Interstate 5: Burma Pond offers relatively easy access despite its remote feel. "Quiet spot not far from I5. No noise at all, just the wind in the trees and bullfrogs," reports Clayton P., making it suitable for travelers needing an overnight stop.
Seasonal wild foods: Late summer brings foraging opportunities at certain sites. Clayton P. noted at Burma Pond, "Tons of blackberries growing wild along the waters edge," providing a natural supplement to camp meals during August and September.
Bathroom facilities at select locations: While many sites lack amenities, Argo Bar offers basic sanitation. "There is a pit toilet, and trash and recycling bins," according to Laura M., making it more comfortable for longer stays compared to completely undeveloped sites.
Fishing access: Several locations provide opportunities to fish. At Burma Pond, "The fish were jumping and the water clear," reported Laura M., though specific fish species aren't mentioned in reviews.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: GPS directions can be problematic in this area. For Elderberry Flats Campground, Scott advises, "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. Both of those roads are treacherous."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many sites require driving on challenging forest roads. One reviewer noted about Burma Pond, "Quite a few generally easily dodge-able potholes. Camp sites are very tightly packed and close together. If your vehicle isn't ready for hills or your tires aren't great I would not recommend."
Safety considerations: Some areas experience problematic activity. At Canyon Gulch by Eight Dollar Mountain, Silos noted, "It's got great views and near the river, but homeless camps sometimes set up around here," indicating potential safety concerns.
Stay limits strictly enforced: The 14-day camping limit applies to all BLM lands in the area. At Elderberry Flats, Scott observed "regular drive-throughs by some authority who were aware of the abandoned camps and the folks over staying the 14 day limit," suggesting active enforcement.
Tips for camping with families
Site spacing considerations: Some locations have extremely close campsites. At Burma Pond BLM, Clayton P. noted "spots are VERY close together, 10 to 20 feet apart," which may affect privacy for families with children.
Creekside activities: Locations with water access provide natural entertainment. At Elderberry Flats, Jennifer H. reported finding "lots of crayfish" in the creek, offering children built-in wildlife observation opportunities.
Traffic awareness: Some sites experience unexpected vehicle traffic. Shelby S. reported at Canyon Gulch, "I liked the area, but it seemed to be heavily trafficked. Lots of cars and vans drove by," which could present safety concerns for families with small children.
Wildlife precautions: The area has typical forest wildlife concerns. Scott noted at Elderberry Flats, "We didn't seem to have any issue with mosquitos although, when eating, there were a few bothersome flies and bees and some gnats," suggesting insect protection is advisable.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many sites accommodate only smaller RVs. At Beautiful Dispersed View off Fire Rd, Connor M. describes, "This spot is a gravel pull off that is about 25ftx15ft. You can fit a small pull behind, truck, and/or van," indicating the limited space available.
Leveling challenges: Finding level parking can be difficult. At Argo Bar, Laura M. reported, "We couldn't really find a flat place to park, and so ended up parking just along the bathroom, which was the flattest spot here," suggesting RVers should bring leveling blocks.
Access road suitability: Roads to some sites limit RV access. Kali R. warns about Beautiful View off Fire Road, "10 miles up a fire road with some spots along road. All are tiny pullout spots just enough for a van to park, would not recommend for an rv or trailer."
Free camping alternatives: Several locations offer free camping near Wilderville. At Forest Road 25, Imerie T. noted "there is a spot here could fit a 25ft rv. I would definitely park my CCT & Jeep here," providing a no-cost option for smaller recreational vehicles.
