Head Of The River Campground

4.65

22 reviews

End of Forest Service Road 4648030, northeast of Chiloquin, OR

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Camping Near Crater Lake National Park

Quick Facts

4,629 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from May 15th t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Fremont-Winema National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,629 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from May 15th t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Fremont-Winema National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 22 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

End of Forest Service Road 4648030, northeast of Chiloquin, OR

Head Of The River Campground

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm days good for exploring but heavy mosquitoes in June–July are a drawback.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Peak use during hunting season; popular with hunters and anglers in the fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers, snowmelt and good fishing, though early-season conditions vary.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Limited services Oct–May, snow and final-mile road issues; reviewers flagged winter negatives.

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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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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground has five sites arranged in a rustic layout near the river.

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.

Site SizeSmall sites suitable for tents or small campers. RVs are not recommended due to limited turnaround space.

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 SitesChoose campsites closer to the riverbank for better views and fly-fishing access.

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.

FishingFly-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.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHeavy 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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted; sites include fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Chiloquin, OR, about 50 minutes away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews, so campers should plan to pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesLocated directly at the headwaters of the Williamson River; ideal for fly-fishing.

Weather at Head Of The River Campground

Reviews

4.7

22 reviews

Top-Rated

Head Of The River Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 22 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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

Pro 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 22 reviews

Seasonal 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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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