Malheur National Wildlife Refuge closes its auto tour route at Page Springs, making this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service campground a natural base for birders, anglers, and anyone exploring the southeastern Oregon high desert. The sites are large and spread out along the Blitzen River, with willow trees providing shade on many of them. No electric hookups exist here, but the campground has drinking water from pump spigots, pit toilets, trash service, and a camp host who typically has firewood available.
Reviewers consistently note the spaciousness of individual sites, though most lack visual screening from neighbors. Judy T. observes that "most sites have trees usually willow for shade," and tent campers can position themselves close to the river or adjacent to the wetlands. Deer wander through camp regularly. During spring migration, the campground fills on weekends as birders work the refuge, so midweek arrivals have a better shot at site selection.
Fishing draws visitors to the Blitzen River, and a trail behind the campsites runs through a canyon where reviewers have spotted snakes and fly fishers. Greg B. notes the "pit toilets were very clean and well-stocked with tp," which holds up across multiple reviews. Cell service is strong, with at least one camper reporting five bars of LTE on Verizon. Mosquitoes can be aggressive from late spring through early summer, so repellent is worth packing.
The gravel road in runs roughly 2 to 3 miles off the main road and can develop significant washboard, particularly between grading cycles. Most RVs manage the route without issue, though pull-through options for large trailers are limited, and leveling may be needed on some sites. Page Springs also sits near the start of the Steens Mountain loop, and Steens Mountain Loop Road Dispersed near Frenchglen provides an alternative for campers who want to move higher onto the mountain. Pets are not permitted at this campground.
No reservations are needed. The campground is open year-round, with fees up to $16 per night. If Page Springs is full, Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort is close by and offers a different set of amenities. Campers who want to spend several days between the refuge and the mountain will find this a workable home base.
Description
Overview
Page Springs Campground is located at the base of Steens Mountain, just three miles from the town of Frenchglen, Oregon. Thrity-six roomy campsites situated under cottonwood and juniper trees and near the Donner and Blitzen River welcome visitors year-round. The campground serves as the trailhead for two short hikes: the Blitzen River Trail meanders four miles up the river, while the Wilderness Nature Trail climbs gradually to the top of the bluff overlooking the valley floor and looping one total mile. Page Springs also offers a large, covered picnic area for no-fee day use, mulitple vault restrooms, trash cans for public use, and drinking water.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (541) 573-4400.
Charges & Cancellations
All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Site must be physically occupied before payment to ensure site availability. No refunds issued.
Fee Info
Camping Fees are $16/vehicle, per night, for a single car, truck, or RV and towed vehicle. Additional passenger vehicles $5/night. All sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Please occupy site before proceeding to payment kiosk (near campground entrance) for payment. Traditional cash and check payment and electronic payment via Scan-and-Pay and Remote-Automated-Kiosk accepted at payment kiosk.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPage Springs Campground is located in Oregon near Frenchglen
Directions
From Burns, Oregon, take State Highway 78 southeast for approximately 2 miles, then turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain loop Road. Follow the Loop Road for approximately 3 miles before turning into Page Springs Campground to the right, just across the Donner und Blizten River.
Coordinates
42.805971 N
118.867677 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/6/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/6/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/6/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 52 min from Bend, OR
- 3 hrs 38 min from Boise, ID
- 5 hrs 11 min from Medford, OR
- 5 hrs 22 min from Twin Falls, ID
