Free Camping in Oregon

Oregon has 27 free camping spots in the Camphive database. Every listing on this page has a $0 fee. Most are dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests; some are no-fee developed campgrounds. The highest-rated are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1-10 scenic rating, and every listing links to a full page with location and details.

Back to all campgrounds in Oregon.

Of the 27 top-rated spots listed below, 11 score 8 or higher on the Vistas scenic scale.

Top free camping spots in Oregon

Steens Mountain - South Loop — OR - Frenchglen · Free · Vistas 9
Acorn Woman Peak Lookout — Acorn Woman Peak Lookout · Free · Vistas 8.5
Alvord Desert BLM — OR - Fields · Free · Vistas 8.5
Todd Lake - Deschutes NF — OR - Bend · Free · Vistas 8.5
BOLAN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT — BOLAN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT · Free · Vistas 8.2
WILD MARE HORSE CAMP — WILD MARE HORSE CAMP · Free · Vistas 8.2
South Steens Campground — South Steens Campground · Free · Vistas 8.2
Oswald West State Park — OR - Arch Cape · Free · Vistas 8
THIELSEN VIEW CAMPGROUND — THIELSEN VIEW CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 8
UMPQUA SAND CAMPING — UMPQUA SAND CAMPING · Free · Vistas 8
Eagle Creek - Columbia Gorge — OR - Cascade Locks · Free · Vistas 8
SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP — SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP · Free · Vistas 7.8
QUINN MEADOW HORSE CAMP — QUINN MEADOW HORSE CAMP · Free · Vistas 7.6
HART-TISH PARK at APPLEGATE LAKE — HART-TISH PARK at APPLEGATE LAKE · Free · Vistas 7.2
Yellow Pine Campground — Yellow Pine Campground · Free · Vistas 7.2
RUJADA CAMPGROUND — RUJADA CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 7
YUKWAH CAMPGROUND — YUKWAH CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 7
Shotgun Creek Recreation Site — Shotgun Creek Recreation Site · Free · Vistas 7
CLACKAMAS LAKE HISTORIC CABIN — CLACKAMAS LAKE HISTORIC CABIN · Free · Vistas 7
Elderberry Flat Campground — Elderberry Flat Campground · Free · Vistas 7
PACKERS CABIN — PACKERS CABIN · Free · Vistas 7
John Day River Basin Developed Campgrounds — John Day River Basin Developed Campgrounds · Free · Vistas 6.8
Cold Springs Cabin - Ochoco NF (OR) — Cold Springs Cabin - Ochoco NF (OR) · Free · Vistas 6.8
Priest Hole Recreation Site — Priest Hole Recreation Site · Free · Vistas 6.3
OCHOCO RANGER RENTAL — OCHOCO RANGER RENTAL · Free · Vistas 6
John Day Crossing Historic Site — John Day Crossing Historic Site · Free · Vistas 6
Duncan Reservoir Campground — Duncan Reservoir Campground · Free · Vistas 5.3

Open the interactive Oregon camping map on Camphive to browse all 27 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.

Oregon camping FAQ

Is camping really free in Oregon?

Yes. Every spot on this page lists a $0 fee: mostly dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests, plus some no-fee developed campgrounds. Rules can change seasonally, so confirm with the managing agency linked on each spot's detail page before you go.

How long can you camp for free in Oregon?

On most BLM and national forest land the limit is 14 days within a 28-day period at one location, after which you must move. Exact limits vary by district, so check locally.

What should I expect at a free campsite in Oregon?

Most free sites are primitive: no water, no trash service, and often no toilets. Pack in your water, pack out your trash, check fire restrictions, and download an offline map since many of these spots have no cell coverage. 11 of the spots listed below score 8 or higher on Camphive's 1-10 Vistas scenic scale.

Browse camping in other states

Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming