Head Of The River Campground
05 reviewsEnd of Forest Service Road 4648030, northeast of Chiloquin, OR
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Open from May 15th t...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Open from May 15th t...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Head Of The River Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required to use this campground.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
ProviderNot provided.Not provided.
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 reviews
17 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietpeacefulclean
"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful, remote setting and suitability for hunters and anglers. Several users emphasize the lack of cell service as a positive feature for disconnecting from modern life. However, one alarming review recounts a disturbing incident involving violence, which may concern some prospective visitors."
Fees & Passes at Head Of The River Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Unknown; No restriction explicitly stated.
Cancellation: No reservation system; free use of the campground.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Fremont-Winema National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Head Of The River Campground
Each season paints this remote paradise with its own dramatic brushstrokes. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt, while summer brings warm days perfect for exploration—though June and July visitors should come prepared for nature's most persistent residents: mosquitoes. Autumn transforms the landscape into a golden tapestry, offering crisp air and spectacular hiking conditions. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those hardy enough to brave the freezing temperatures. Night temperatures remain refreshingly cool even in summer, making for perfect sleeping weather under star-studded skies.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Peak use typically occurs during hunting season in fall.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 15th to October 15th with full services; Limited services from October 16th to May 14th.
- Current Alerts: No recorded alerts; conditions may change seasonally.
About Head Of The River Campground
Tucked away at the pristine headwaters of the Williamson River, Head of the River Campground offers adventurous souls a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in untouched wilderness. This hidden gem rewards those who venture off the beaten path with an authentic backcountry experience, where the only sounds you'll hear are the gentle murmur of spring-fed waters and the whisper of wind through towering pines.
Head of the River Campground is a primitive camping site offering basic facilities. It is well-suited for tent camping and small campers but not recommended for RVs due to limited turnaround space.
Historical SignificanceFor generations, this pristine corner of Oregon has drawn hunters and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to connect with the land's primal spirit. The campground sits within traditional hunting grounds that have shaped Oregon's outdoor heritage, where time-honored traditions of woodsmanship and wilderness survival continue to thrive. These forests echo with stories of early settlers and indigenous peoples who first recognized the area's abundant wildlife and natural resources.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints this remote paradise with its own dramatic brushstrokes. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt, while summer brings warm days perfect for exploration—though June and July visitors should come prepared for nature's most persistent residents: mosquitoes. Autumn transforms the landscape into a golden tapestry, offering crisp air and spectacular hiking conditions. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those hardy enough to brave the freezing temperatures. Night temperatures remain refreshingly cool even in summer, making for perfect sleeping weather under star-studded skies.
ElevationPerched among the forested highlands where mountain air meets river valley, this campground occupies a sweet spot in Oregon's varied topography. The surrounding mountainous terrain creates a natural amphitheater that shelters campers while offering glimpses of peaks through the forest canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece where crystal-clear springs bubble up from the earth to birth the mighty Williamson River. Your campsite rests gracefully against a protective hillside, surrounded by a cathedral of old-growth forest that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. This is where water begins its journey, emerging pure and cold from underground aquifers to create pools and riffles that mirror the sky above.
Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of the Fremont-Winema National Forest, this campground occupies a geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. The spring-fed headwaters emerge from deep aquifers filtered through volcanic rock, creating some of the purest water in Oregon. Dense coniferous forests blanket the rolling terrain, their roots anchored in soil enriched by centuries of natural cycles, creating an ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and offers visitors a glimpse into the Pacific Northwest's primordial past.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeSmall sites suitable for tents or small campers. RVs are not recommended due to limited turnaround space.
Sites PrivacySites are described as quiet and uncrowded by users, with one review noting, 'Only one other person in the campground on a Friday night. Quiet, peaceful, and clean.'
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites closer to the riverbank for better views and fly-fishing access.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
- Unknown
- No restriction explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Unknown
- Details not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has five sites arranged in a rustic layout near the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 15th to October 15th with full services; Limited services from October 16th to May 14th.
Reservation PlatformsNone; First-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system; free use of the campground.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Head of the River Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including picnicking, fishing, and hunting. While there are no official hiking trails, visitors can walk to the riverbank. The site is particularly renowned for fly-fishing opportunities and attracts hunters in the fall.
Fishing
Fly-fishing is a key activity at this campground, with many opportunities in nearby areas. Campers are encouraged to consult the State of Oregon fishing regulations for specific locations.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted; sites include fire rings.
- Quiet hours not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsHeavy mosquito activity in summer (June and July). Potential wildlife encounters. Drive cautiously as roads might be narrow and unpaved.
Active alertsNo recorded alerts; conditions may change seasonally.
Weather at Head Of The River Campground
48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Chiloquin, OR, about 50 minutes away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak use typically occurs during hunting season in fall.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews, so campers should plan to pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly at the headwaters of the Williamson River; ideal for fly-fishing.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention issues of safety due to past incidents involving alcohol and firearms.
Campground Map
End of Forest Service Road 4648030, northeast of Chiloquin, OR
Driving directionsFrom Chiloquin, OR take Sprague River road east towards Sprague River, OR, for approximately five miles and then turn left onto Williamson River Road. From Williamson River Road, turn left onto Forest Service (FS) Road 4648 and left again on FS Road 4648030. The campground will be at the end of the road.
The campground is accessible via Forest Service roads, which may pose challenges for RVs due to small turnaround areas. Roads are unpaved and may be affected by seasonal weather conditions.Nearby places
Chiloquin, OR (approximately 50 minutes driving distance)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping gear are available in Chiloquin, OR, approximately 50 minutes from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Head Of The River Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful, remote setting and suitability for hunters and anglers. Several users emphasize the lack of cell service as a positive feature for disconnecting from modern life. However, one alarming review recounts a disturbing incident involving violence, which may concern some prospective visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the tranquility and remoteness of the campground. Highlights include its suitability for hunting ('Great place for deer or elk camps') and fishing, as well as the uncrowded...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No significant complaints about the campground's facilities were noted, although one user recounts a distressing incident involving violence at the site approximately 26 years ago.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing ample bug spray in June and July due to heavy mosquito activity. Campers should also plan to bring their own water supply, as potable water is not available.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is particularly popular with hunters in the fall and anglers throughout the fishing season. However, heavy mosquito activity in June and July may deter some...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Only one other person in the campground on a Friday night. Quiet, peaceful, and clean.' (Philip Todak). 2. 'Great place to go for no cell service and to be out in the elements.' (C B). 3. 'Nice...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user noted that the campground was nearly empty on a Friday night, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere. This suggests that even during weekends, the campground is relatively uncrowded.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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