Bureau of Land Management maintains South Steens Campground on a 50-mile gravel road that serves as the gateway to Steens Mountain Wilderness. The washboard surface requires patience, but campers find level sites that accommodate most RVs except large motorhomes and long trailers. Sites sit among low sagebrush with minimal privacy between neighbors, though a few spots offer more seclusion.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and includes vault toilets with toilet paper, trash service, and a solar-powered well for water access. Most sites provide partial shade with picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions apply during summer months. Ash C. notes the area has "pit toilets, solitude, plenty of trees" along with nighttime coyote activity.
An equestrian section features individual corrals at each site, making this a popular base for horseback riders exploring the surrounding gorges. The campground serves hikers heading to Wildhorse Lake or the dramatic canyon systems carved into Steens Mountain. Fall visitors encounter aspen foliage and occasional wild horse herds, while summer campers experience hot, dry conditions with exceptional night sky visibility.
Senior pass holders pay $8 per night, with 2G T-Mobile service available. For additional camping options in the region, see campgrounds near BLM Land — Burns Andrews Field Office. The campground works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with remote conditions and rough road access.
Description
Overview:
South Steens Campground is located in the heart of Steens Mountain. Visitors will find picnic tables and grills at 36 family campsites amid juniper and sage. The equestrian site, designed specifically for horse users, is directly adjacent to the family campground. Recreational stock (horses, mules, llamas, goats, etc.) are not allowed in the family portion of South Steens Campground, but are welcome and comfortable at 15 equestrian sites complete with tie posts and small corrals.
Know Before You Go:
The typical season of use at South Steens Campground is mid-May through mid-November.Vault restrooms and drinking water are available.The use of pelletized or certified weed-free hay is required on all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington.
Point of Interest:
South Steens Family and Equestrian Campgrounds are close to the Historic Riddle Brothers Ranch, several hiking trails, and the Little Blitzen and Big Indian gorges. South Steens Campground Brochure
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 accepted at payment kiosk.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSouth Steens Campground is located in Oregon
Directions
From Burns, take State Highway 78 southeast for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Continue on State Highway 205 through the town of Frenchglen, and up 'P' Hill. Travel approximately 9 miles, then turn left on the Steens Mountain Loop Road south entrance. The turnoff to South Steens Campground is just over 18 miles from State Highway 205.
Address
Burns District Office
28910 Hwy 20 West
Hines, OR 97738
Coordinates
42.656738 N
118.728468 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 32 min from Bend, OR
- 5 hrs 18 min from Boise, ID
- 6 hrs 36 min from Medford, OR
- 7 hrs 2 min from Twin Falls, ID
























