Ramhorn Springs Campground
4.428 reviewsBureau of Land Management, Eagle Lake Field Office, 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Ramhorn Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground is free to use, but donations are requested to assist with maintenance costs.
About this campground
Tucked away in the vast expanse of high desert country, Ramhorn Springs Campground offers adventurous souls a chance to experience the raw beauty of the American West without spending a dime. This intimate, off-the-beaten-path gem welcomes visitors with its rustic charm—weathered picnic tables and fire rings dot the packed earth landscape, while a historic horse corral speaks to the site's ranching heritage. Though you'll need to bring your own water and won't find any shade trees to escape the desert sun, the campground provides essential amenities including a vault toilet, trash facilities, and an informational kiosk that shares tales of the travelers and ranchers who've passed through these lands for generations.
Ramhorn Springs Campground is a primarily primitive camping facility with basic amenities, suited for both tent and RV camping. The campground features 10 sites, which are free to use, though donations are encouraged.
Historical SignificanceFor generations, Ramhorn Springs has served as a vital oasis in the high desert, its precious water drawing weary travelers and hardworking ranchers to this remote spot. The springs have witnessed countless stories—from dusty cattle drives to pioneer wagons creaking across the landscape. Today's visitors camp on the same ground where cowboys once bedded down under the stars, and the preserved horse corral stands as a testament to the site's enduring connection to the Old West.
Weather and SeasonsThe desert sun can be unforgiving here, making autumn through early spring your best bet for comfortable camping conditions. Without a single shade tree to offer respite, summer temperatures can soar to uncomfortable levels. Winter brings crisp, clear nights perfect for stargazing, though occasional dustings of snow may surprise visitors. Be mindful that desert storms can transform the access roads into challenging muddy passages—always check conditions before setting out, as wet weather may leave you stranded or unable to reach this remote haven.
ElevationNull
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape here is quintessential high desert—a seemingly endless canvas of sagebrush and open sky where the horizon stretches unbroken in every direction. The campground's packed earth and gravel surfaces blend seamlessly with the surrounding terrain, creating an authentic backcountry experience. While the scenery may appear stark at first glance, patient observers will discover the subtle beauty of desert wildflowers in spring, the dramatic play of light and shadow across distant mesas, and some of the darkest night skies you'll find anywhere. The springs themselves, though modest, remain a rare and precious feature in this arid landscape.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic high desert ecosystem, Ramhorn Springs showcases the rugged beauty of an ancient landscape shaped by millennia of wind and weather. The campground sits on a foundation of packed earth and decomposed granite gravel, typical of this arid region where rainfall is scarce and vegetation sparse. The springs emerge from deep underground aquifers, creating a small but vital water source that has sustained life in this harsh environment for countless generations—a geological gift that transforms this corner of the desert into a sustainable waypoint for both wildlife and weary travelers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of ADA-accessible sites or amenities.
Sites SizeThe campground features 10 units, with varying levels of privacy. 'The sites are pretty spread out, with some having moderate privacy,' according to one review.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies. One site is noted for its seclusion and shade, while others are more exposed and closely located. 'Sites themselves are pretty stacked up on each other and exposed to the sun,' according to a user review. However, another user found 'some having moderate privacy.'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe site with shade tucked away from others is recommended for those seeking privacy and relief from the sun.
Best CampsitesA user review highlights one secluded site with ample shade as the most desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
14-day
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 10 sites, packed closely together except for one secluded site.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round but access may be restricted during wet weather.
Reservation PlatformsCamping is not reservable, hence no platforms are applicable.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is free and first-come, first-served throughout the year.
Cancellation PolicyCamping at Ramhorn Springs is first-come, first-served; no cancellation policies apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ramhorn Springs Campground provides a remote and quiet retreat, ideal for unwinding, hunting, and observing the high desert landscape. While it lacks structured activities, the natural setting offers opportunities for relaxation and wildlife interaction.
Wildlife viewing
The high desert setting provides natural opportunities for wildlife observation, although specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter accessibility may be limited due to dirt roads becoming impassable in wet weather.Water Sports
This campground does not support water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are available for campfires.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include exposure to sun due to lack of shade, and limited accessibility during wet weather. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own.
Active alertsAccessibility may be restricted during wet weather.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesCooler months are recommended but no specific peak season dates provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available on-site, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresRamhorn Springs is adjacent to the campground but does not serve as potable water.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention the exposed and sunlit sites, lack of amenities within close proximity, and sparse cell phone coverage.
HostNull
Campground Map
Bureau of Land Management, Eagle Lake Field Office, 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Driving directionsFrom Susanville: Travel north on U. S. Highway 395 approximately 45 miles. The access road is approximately 2.4 miles north of the California Department of Transportation Roadside Rest Area. Turn east (right) onto BLM Road 26000. Travel approximately 2.5 miles. The campground will be adjacent to the road on your left. BLM Road 26000 is an unimproved dirt road that can become impassable as a result of wet weather. The road is passable by vehicles pulling trailers but can be rough and dusty.
BLM Road 26000 is unimproved dirt that may become impassable during wet weather. The road is rough and dusty but navigable by vehicles pulling trailers under normal conditions.Nearby places
Susanville (approximately 45 miles, travel time not explicitly stated in source materials).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.4
8 reviews
Ramhorn Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews paint Ramhorn Springs Campground as a clean, quiet, and remote location with minimal amenities. It is favored by hunters and those seeking solitude in a high desert environment. The free-to-use nature is a recurring positive theme, though some users note the lack of shade and modern facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilet and the overall upkeep of the campground. The remote, quiet environment is another highlight, with comments such as 'Nice spot if you just...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include the lack of potable water, limited on-site amenities, and sparse shade. One user described it as a 'bare-minimum campsite' that 'looked more like a picnic area.' Cell phone...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend visiting during cooler months due to the lack of shade and the high desert setting. It is also advised to bring sufficient water and supplies, given the absence of potable water and...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The cooler months are mentioned as the best time to visit due to the lack of shade. Reviews suggest the campground can become crowded during hunting seasons, such as dove and antelope season.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Pretty remote, out of the way site with about 11 fire rings, a very clean pit toilet, and two game pole structures.' 2. 'Best of all, it's free. If you're a hunter, there's a place to hang your...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One site is described as tucked away from the rest, offering lots of shade. Other sites are noted to be more exposed and clustered together.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no specific reviews addressing the accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no specific reviews mentioning pet policies or experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025