Deadhorse Lake Campground

Star4.44
12 reviews
Deadhorse Lake Campground, Paisley, OR
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Fremont-Winema National Forest site

Official Website
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Deadhorse Lake Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The camping fee is $6 per night for a single unit. Extra vehicles are charged $2 per night.
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 12 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulfriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's serene environment, suitability for family outings, and recreational opportunities. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of updated information about closures."

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Campground Map

Deadhorse Lake Campground, Paisley, OR

Deadhorse Lake Campground

Deadhorse Lake Campground, Paisley, OR

Driving directionsFrom Paisley, OR, follow Highway 31 north toward Silver Lake, OR. Turn left on County Highway 2-08, Mill Street, and continue left on Forest Service (FS) Road 33. At its junction with FS Road 28, turn right. Follow FS Road 28 then take a left on FS Road 033. Continue to campground.
The campground is accessible via FS Road 033, which is gravel and single-lane intermittently for the last 18.8 miles.
Nearby places
Paisley, OR: 1 hour 20 minutes (approximately 24 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Paisley, OR, 1 hour 20 minutes away. Specific details about availability of groceries, camping supplies, or fuel were not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Deadhorse Lake Campground

From mid-May through mid-October, Deadhorse Lake transforms from a snow-locked winter wonderland into a summer paradise. The seasonal window opens May 15th when wildflowers begin dotting the meadows, and closes October 15th as golden aspens herald winter's approach. Summer brings gloriously dry days with crisp, comfortable temperatures that make both hiking and lounging equally appealing. The high elevation ensures cool nights perfect for campfire gatherings, while winter's heavy snows create a dramatic backdrop that melts into rushing streams come spring.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Mid-May–Oct open season; visitors find summer highly enjoyable with full facilities.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall is noted as very pleasant and fully operational; good viewing and weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Season opens May 15 when wildflowers appear; early spring likely snowbound until opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Snow-locked in winter; campground closed outside May 15–Oct 15 season.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally from May 15 to October 15.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were mentioned.

About Deadhorse Lake Campground

Perched high in the mountains near Paisley, Oregon, Deadhorse Lake Campground offers an escape to pristine wilderness at 7,400 feet elevation. This intimate mountain retreat welcomes adventurers with nine well-appointed tent and trailer sites alongside seven spacious group camping areas perfect for family gatherings or outdoor clubs. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire grills where stories are shared under starlit skies. A reliable hand pump provides fresh mountain water, adding to the authentic camping experience. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this hidden gem fills quickly during summer weekends and holidays as word spreads among those seeking solitude in Oregon's high country.
Deadhorse Lake Campground caters to various camping preferences, offering options for tent, trailer, and group camping. All sites are first-come, first-served.
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Stay Limit
The maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Deadhorse Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities set amidst the scenic backdrop of a high-mountain lake. Popular activities include fishing for rainbow trout, non-motorized and electric-powered boating, swimming, and hiking on trails like the Lakes Loop Trail. The area also provides opportunities for picnicking and enjoying the natural surroundings.
HikingThe Lakes Loop Trail (#140), Dead Cow Trail (#141), and Dead Horse Rim Trail (#139) offer options for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. These trails vary in length from 3 to 9 miles.
FishingFishing is a key attraction here, with the lake stocked with rainbow trout. Anglers have opportunities to fish from the shoreline or from boats.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in the lake, which features grassy and pebble beaches that are ideal for wading and water activities.
BikingAll three trails—Lakes Loop, Dead Cow Trail, and Dead Horse Rim Trail—are open to mountain biking, providing diverse terrain for riders.
BoatingBoating is allowed with restrictions. Only non-motorized or electric-powered boats are permitted, with a 5 mph speed limit. A boat launch is available on-site.
Beach activitiesThe lake's grassy and pebble beaches accommodate a range of activities like sunbathing and casual water play.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, so safe food storage is required.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were mentioned.

Weather at Deadhorse Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
12 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Deadhorse Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene environment, suitability for family outings, and recreational opportunities. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of updated information about closures.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the scenic views, fishing opportunities, and the peaceful setting. The area is also praised for family-friendly activities such as picnicking and sunset viewing.
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

A key complaint mentioned by users is the lack of updated information about the campground's status, leading to wasted trips. Accessibility for motorized vehicles on some roads is also a concern.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the campground tends to fill up. Safe food storage is emphasized due to the presence of bears.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors find the summer and early fall months most enjoyable due to pleasant weather and fully operational facilities.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Love to ride my quad from our cabin to Dead Horse Lake, best family memories with our friends, love to fish and watch sunsets here.' - Maxine Addington 2. 'Great place to camp.' - Barb Young 3....
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The lakeshore campsites are more popular due to their proximity to the water and better privacy, whereas the hilltop sites are noted for being closer to trails but lack water views.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, but the gravel roads may pose challenges for visitors with mobility limitations.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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