3.5010 reviewsPrice
$6 - $8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$6 - $8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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265 Highway 20 South Hines, OR 97738
Hunters, anglers, and hikers who want ponderosa solitude on the cheap. The Malheur River Trail and Poison Creek Reservoir fishing are right there, sites run $6-8 cash, and the two loops stay quiet enough that weekday campers often have the place to themselves.
No potable water on-site, full stop. The old spring source is gone, so bring every drop you'll need. Add 33 miles of road to Burns for any forgotten supplies, no hookups, no showers, and first-come-first-serve only, and unprepared campers will have a rough night.
Reference information about Rock Springs Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>This small campground is convieniently located just off of Forest Road 17. Nestled among pondersoa pine trees, this secluded campground offers a wonderful place for those in search of a quiet place to stay, whether camping or just needing a quiet place to spend the night while traveling from Burns to John Day, Oregon. </p><p>The campground has light use until big game hunting seasons. Visitors can enjoy fishing in Poison Creek Resevoir, hiking, hunting and horseback riding local trails such as <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=40060">Malheur River Trail #303</a> and <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=40040">Craft Cabin trail #319</a>. </p>
Elevation is 5,200. This pack it in, pack it out campground has two loops and offers secluded campsites well-suited for overnight or longer camping. Campsites are tucked in among mature Ponderosa pine offering ample shade. Although there is no understory, separation between campsites provides fair to good privacy. This is one of those hidden gems known best to the locals. NOTE: This campground came online after the authors researched Malheur National Forest. All information provided by the Emigrant Creek Ranger District Office.
Services provided May 25 through November 1 - weather dependent
The parking aprons are gravel.
In Burns, OR, at the intersection of US Rts. 20 and 395 and State Rt. 78, take US Rts. 20 East/395 North 2.8 miles to an intersection. Turn left, staying on Rt 395 north, and go 30.8 miles to County Rt. 73. Turn right onto CR 73 (paved) and go 3.9 miles to Forest Rt. 17. Turn right onto FR 17 (paved) and go 0.4 miles to Forest Rt. 54 (gravel) and campground sign. Turn right and go 0.4 miles into campground.
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Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with typical highs around 70-85°F and cool nights dropping to 40-55°F. Late May through October sees the campground fully operational, with trash vaults and potable water available (though the spring water source was removed, so confirm current water availability). Bugs ease up after mid-July. Weekdays stay quiet; holiday weekends see moderate crowds. Winter brings freezing temperatures and snow that blankets the forest.
Summer temps 70–85°F, campground fully operational May 25–Nov 1; most reliable season.
Rock Springs Campground is a small, secluded campsite nestled among ponderosa pine trees, located just off Forest Road 17. It offers a quiet place for overnight stays or a longer camping experience. The campground has two loops with 12 combined sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire grilles. Despite the lack of potable water and electricity hookups, the campground is peaceful and shaded, with vault toilets available for visitors.
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