Is Lee Thomas Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lee Thomas Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served.

What is the best time to visit Lee Thomas Campground?

Lee Thomas Campground is open Likely May 15 to October 15 as identified in the open season.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lee Thomas Campground?

Lee Thomas Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lee Thomas Campground?

Fire policies at Lee Thomas Campground: Campfires are permitted in designated fire grates.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lee Thomas Campground have?

Lee Thomas Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lee Thomas Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Lee Thomas Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lee Thomas Campground?

Lee Thomas Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lee Thomas Campground?

Popular activities at Lee Thomas Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lee Thomas Campground

3 reviews

Lee Thomas Campground, Fremont-Winema National Forest, Oregon

Featured in:Tent Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

6,280 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season: May 15 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,280 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season: May 15 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Lee Thomas Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

The campground has no fees for use.

No paid fee categories listed.

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We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lee Thomas Campground, Fremont-Winema National Forest, Oregon

Lee Thomas Campground

Lee Thomas Campground, Fremont-Winema National Forest, Oregon

Nearby places

Bly: Approx. 1 hour 35 minutes northeast

Paisley: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes southwest.

Driving directionsFrom Bly, OR: Take Oregon Highway 140 east toward Lakeview, Oregon, then turn left on Campbell Road. Take a right on Forest Service (FS) Road 34. Follow FS Road 34. Turn left on FS Road 3372. Continue on FS Road 3372. Turn right on FS Road 3411 to campground entrance. From Paisley, OR: Take Highway 31 north toward Silver Lake, OR. Turn left on County Highway 2-08, Mill Street, and continue right on Forest Service (FS) Road 3315. Follow FS road 3315, then turn right on FS Road 28. Turn right on FS Road 3411 and follow to the campground.

The campground is accessible via multiple forest service roads (FS Road 34, FS Road 3372, and FS Road 3411). These are unpaved roads, and no challenges or seasonal closures were specified in the source materials.

Weather at Lee Thomas Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lee Thomas Campground

Summer is the primary season, with daytime highs from 65-85°F and nighttime lows dropping to 35-50°F. The elevation means cool nights even in July and August. The campground typically operates mid-May through mid-October. Early and late season bring freezing temperatures after sunset. Weekends in July and August see the most use, though with only seven sites the campground doesn't reach the crowding of lower-elevation destinations.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Primary open season (May 15–Oct 15); daytime 65–85°F and cool nights make summer prime time.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Likely May 15 to October 15 as identified in the open season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 15 to October 15.

About Lee Thomas Campground

Lee Thomas Campground sits along the North Fork of the Wild and Scenic Sprague River in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, offering seven primitive sites at 6,280 feet elevation. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There's no potable water and no cell service. The fee structure is unknown.

Lee Thomas Campground is a small, primitive campground offering only seven sites. These sites are suitable for both tent camping and other recreational camping styles. There are no fees for camping, making it a budget-friendly option.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the primary season, with daytime highs from 65-85°F and nighttime lows dropping to 35-50°F. The elevation means cool nights even in July and August. The campground typically operates mid-May through mid-October. Early and late season bring freezing temperatures after sunset. Weekends in July and August see the most use, though with only seven sites the campground doesn't reach the crowding of lower-elevation destinations.

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pine forest surrounds the campground, with volcanic rock outcroppings breaking up the terrain. The North Fork of the Sprague River runs alongside all seven sites, creating constant water sound. Riparian meadows line the banks. At this elevation, the forest feels less dense than lower valleys, and the river stays cold even in summer. One reviewer noted the presence of a well with "unlimited clean ice cold water," though it's unclear if this is potable.

Geological RegionDeep within the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Lee Thomas Campground sits at the intersection of diverse ecosystems that define Southern Oregon's natural heritage. The North Fork of the Wild and Scenic Sprague River has carved its path through this landscape over millennia, creating a ribbon of life that supports everything from stately lodgepole pine forests to delicate riparian meadows. Dramatic rock outcroppings punctuate the terrain, remnants of the region's volcanic past that now serve as natural sculptures in this outdoor gallery.

Scenic ViewsVisitors can enjoy close proximity to the river, with views of riparian meadows and surrounding forests. The ambiance is enhanced by the river's calming sound, which can be heard from all campsites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Not specified in the source materials.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified in the source materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutA single loop with seven sites, all positioned close to the river and close to one another. Privacy is limited by the tight spacing and small footprint.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation system available; all sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNot specified in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campground consists of only seven campsites, all situated close to the North Fork of the Wild and Scenic Sprague River.

PrivacyCampsites are positioned close to one another and near the river, which may limit privacy.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesNo specific recommendations for sites were provided. All sites are located near the river and offer similar amenities.

Amenities available

Restrooms Vault toilet(s) Water Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Lee Thomas Campground

Visitors to the Lee Thomas Campground can engage in activities such as picnicking, fishing in the North Fork of the Wild and Scenic Sprague River, and wildlife viewing. The Lee Thomas Trailhead, located one mile east of the campground, accesses Deadhorse Rim Trail #139, offering additional hiking opportunities.

Hiking3.0/5

Lee Thomas Trailhead 1 mile away gives access to Deadhorse Rim Trail #139; no difficulty info.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing available in the North Fork Sprague River, but no fish species or conditions provided.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Wildlife viewing is noted as an activity but no species or frequency details provided.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (6,280 ft), remote location and no cell service suggest dark skies.

Photography3.5/5River, riparian meadows, volcanic outcrops and forested views offer good photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe lack of potable water requires visitors to bring their own water supply or filter water from natural sources. Being a forest setting, visitors should also be mindful of typical wildlife encounters and follow food storage guidelines.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Lee Thomas Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews describe the campground as 'nice' and reflect the basic nature of its amenities. One user review mentioned staying for 'a few weeks while putting in fencing for the national forest.'

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the presence of 'unlimited clean ice cold water from a well,' the 'nice' overall condition of the campground, and the proximity to the scenic river.

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

A lack of cell phone service ('No service here though') and the absence of potable water are noted drawbacks.

Based on 3 reviews

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Lee Thomas Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

The campground has no fees for use.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Go if

Anglers and hikers who want a riverside basecamp at no cost. The Sprague River runs past all seven sites, Deadhorse Rim Trail #139 is a mile east, and cool nights even in July make sleeping easy. Bring your own water, or filter from the river.

Skip if

No cell service is a hard cutoff if you need connectivity. The seven sites sit close together with limited privacy between neighbors, and no potable water means packing in everything you drink.

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