Accessible by a rough 50-mile gravel road, South Steens Campground sits on Bureau of Land Management land near the base of Steens Mountain. This established campground charges $8 per night with a senior pass and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The facility accommodates various RV sizes, though reviewers note it cannot handle large bus campers or extended travel trailers.
Sites spread across open terrain with low sagebrush and limited shade between spots. The campground provides vault toilets with toilet paper, drinking water from a solar well, and trash service. Most sites offer level parking with picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions apply during certain seasons. Cell service reaches the area with 2G T-Mobile coverage reported by recent visitors.
Wildlife viewing opportunities include wild horses that roam the area, and fall visitors can observe aspen foliage changes. The campground serves as a base for hiking trails leading to nearby gorges, including access to Big Indian Gorge and routes toward Wildhorse Lake. Fred S. notes the "Steens Mountain Loop Rd closed at the campground entrance" during his October visit.
Campers exploring the broader region can find campgrounds around Frenchglen for additional options. The campground enforces a no-pets policy and experiences minimal traffic due to its remote location and challenging 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
























