How much does camping cost at Buck Spring Campground?

Camping fees at Buck Spring Campground range from $3-$6/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Buck Spring Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Buck Spring Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are likely first-come, first-served, as reservations are not mentioned.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buck Spring Campground before I book?

Yes! Buck Spring Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Buck Spring Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Buck Spring Campground?

Fire policies at Buck Spring Campground: Campfires are allowed. Visitors can collect on-site firewood from dry twigs and branches.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Buck Spring Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Buck Spring Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Buck Spring Campground?

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

Buck Spring Campground

3.75

12 reviews

Buck Spring Campground, Malheur National Forest, OR

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Oregon

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$3 - $6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$3 - $6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Buck Spring Campground

$3.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $6 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $3 per vehicle per day $6/Night for single unit, $3/Night for extra vehicle

Standard Site Fee$6.00

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USFS

Provider

(541) 573-4300SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Buck Spring Campground, Malheur National Forest, OR

Buck Spring Campground

Buck Spring Campground, Malheur National Forest, OR

Nearby places

Riley, OR: Approximately 26 miles (driving time not provided).

Nearby supplies

Nearest supplies including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are not specified

visitors should plan accordingly and stock up in Riley, OR.

Driving directionsFrom the town of Riley, OR., travel east on US Highway 20 for approximately 2.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 45. Turn onto Forest Road 45 and travel for approximately 14.7 miles to the junction with Forest Road 4540. Follow Forest Road 4540 for approximately 8.2 miles to the junction with Forest road 4545. Follow Forest Road 4545 for approximately 1 mile, the campground will be on the left.

The site is accessible via unpaved roads including Forest Roads 45, 4540, and 4545. Roads may be challenging, especially in inclement weather, and trailers over 20 feet are restricted.

Weather at Buck Spring Campground

Current alert: Campground is listed as temporarily closed.

Best Time to Camp at Buck Spring Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and the warmest conditions, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights dropping to the mid-30s to low 50s°F. Trails and forest roads usually clear by July, opening up fishing opportunities through August when insect hatches keep trout active. Reviewers note cold nighttime temperatures even in warmer months. Winter sees temperatures between 20°F and the lower 40s°F, with snow covering the campground for those willing to brave the conditions.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer has most reliable access and warmest temps (mid-60s to 80s daytime).

Planning Tips

About Buck Spring Campground

Buck Spring Campground sits at 4,900 feet in Malheur National Forest, offering secluded woodland camping at budget rates of $3-6 per night. With 12 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, campers consistently praise its quiet, out-of-the-way location and the abundance of fallen firewood scattered throughout the area. The campground is a base for fishing at nearby Delintment Lake and Chickahominy Reservoir.

Buck Spring Campground accommodates camp trailers under 20 feet in length and offers a secluded camping experience. User reviews describe it as quiet and peaceful, with privacy emphasized by the lack of other campers during visits.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and the warmest conditions, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights dropping to the mid-30s to low 50s°F. Trails and forest roads usually clear by July, opening up fishing opportunities through August when insect hatches keep trout active. Reviewers note cold nighttime temperatures even in warmer months. Winter sees temperatures between 20°F and the lower 40s°F, with snow covering the campground for those willing to brave the conditions.

ElevationPerched at 4,900 feet above sea level, Buck Spring Campground offers that coveted high-country experience. This elevation brings crisp, clean air and noticeably cooler temperatures – especially after sunset when the mountain chill settles in. Pack that extra layer for evening campfires, as the thin mountain air releases the day's warmth quickly, creating those perfect conditions for stargazing and hot cocoa around the fire ring.

Natural Features and SceneryDense conifer forest dominates the landscape at 4,900 feet elevation, where cooler temperatures and increased moisture support thriving woodland ecosystems. The thick canopy creates a sheltered setting, and the forest floor is littered with dry twigs and branches. There's no water access at the campground itself, but Delintment Lake and Chickahominy Reservoir lie within driving distance for fishing and water-based activities.

Geological RegionBuck Spring Campground claims its place within the magnificent Malheur National Forest, a vast woodland ecosystem that stretches across eastern Oregon's diverse landscape. At 4,900 feet elevation, the campground occupies a sweet spot in this mountainous terrain, where the forest thrives in the cooler temperatures and increased moisture. This prime location makes it an ideal base camp for exploring the greater Malheur wilderness, whether you're an avid birder seeking rare species or an angler drawn to the region's renowned fishing waters.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group camping details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are likely first-come, first-served, as reservations are not mentioned.

Site SizeThe authoritative content and reviews do not mention the size of campsites.

PrivacyUser reviews highlight the privacy and quiet nature of the campground: 'Quiet, pretty, out of the way campground. Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood. We were the only ones there the first night. Only saw one car go by!

Recommended SitesVisitors may prefer quieter weekday stays to maximize solitude. Specific sites are not highlighted.

Amenities available

This campground can only accomodate camp trailers under 20 ft in length.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and relaxing as noted in the authoritative description, along with user reviews describing the peaceful atmosphere. While fishing is explicitly mentioned nearby, no other activities like hiking or swimming are highlighted.

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDue to its remote nature, travelers should prepare for limited amenities and potential road challenges. Firewood is available on-site, as noted in a user review: 'Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood.'

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed. Visitors can collect on-site firewood from dry twigs and branches.

Emergency ServicesEmigrant Creek Ranger District, 265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738. Phone: (541) 573-4300. Emergency hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash as no trash service is provided, emphasizing a 'pack it in/pack it out' policy.

Water FeaturesFishing opportunities are within driving range at Delintment Lake and Chickahominy Reservoir.

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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Buck Spring Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.8

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Buck Spring Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Buck Spring Campground highlight the secluded nature of the campsite, its quiet environment, and the abundance of natural firewood. Weather conditions are noted to be cold at night.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. 'Quiet, pretty, out of the way campground. Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood.'

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

One review states dissatisfaction with the camping fee: 'I will not pay a fee to camp on public property.'

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews directly mention specific campsites or areas within Buck Spring Campground.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

A user review suggests not bringing firewood as dry twigs and branches are plentiful: 'Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood.'

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate cold nighttime temperatures, suggesting preparation for cooler weather. Seasonal weather data highlights weeks with freezing conditions and snow during colder times and comfortable...

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Quiet, pretty, out of the way campground.' 2. 'Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood.' 3. 'Gets pretty cold at night up there.'

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for differently-abled campers.

Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-related reviews are available.

Based on 12 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Solo campers or pairs who want genuine solitude at a laughably low price. Reviewers showed up and had the whole place to themselves. Delintment Lake and Chickahominy Reservoir are within driving range if you want to fish.

Skip if

Trailers over 20 feet won't fit, there's no potable water on-site, and right now the campground is temporarily closed, confirm it's reopened before you make the drive from Riley.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.4

(28)

Delintment Lake Campground

265 Highway 20 South Hines, OR 97738

Delintment Lake Campground sits at 5,600 feet in the Malheur National Forest, offering 23 sites tucked among Ponderosa pines on volcanic soils. Sites run $10/night and accommodate RVs up to 20 feet. The campground has vault toilets, potable water, and camp hosts during summer. No trash service, so bring your own bags.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

265 Highway 20 South Hines, OR 97738

Tip Top Campground sits at 5,535 feet in Malheur National Forest, about 3 miles from the busier Delintment Lake Campground. The campground has three sites, each with a new picnic table and stone fire ring. It costs $6 per night. Recent renovations added clean restrooms, but there's no potable water or trash service.

3 campsites

Reservable

13.138 km

$6.00 - $6.00 / night

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Emigrant Campground sits in a quiet pocket of Malheur National Forest, offering seven tent sites under ponderosa pines along Emigrant Creek. At 4,938 feet elevation, this small campground attracts anglers and solitude-seekers willing to trade amenities for peace. Sites cost $4-8 per night and operate on a first-come basis.

$4.00 - $8.00 / night

Falls Campground, Malheur National Forest

Falls Campground sits along Emigrant Creek in Malheur National Forest at 4,829 feet elevation. Sites cost $4-$8 per night and include picnic tables. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no trash service, offering creek access for fishing in a forested setting that families return to repeatedly.

Reservable

25.035 km

$4.00 - $8.00 / night

4.3

(91)

Chickahominy Reservoir Campground

Escape to the wide-open beauty of Oregon's high desert at Chickahominy Reservoir, where anglers and solitude-seekers find their paradise on BLM-managed shores. This intimate campground offers spacious, first-come, first-served sites with sweeping views across the water to distant buttes—though you'll want to stake your tent down tight when those high-desert winds kick up.

$4.00 - $16.00 / night

Less Visited

4.0

(25)

Yellowjacket Campground

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Yellowjacket Campground sits on a hillside above Yellowjacket Lake in Malheur National Forest, offering 18 sites across two loops with lake views through Ponderosa pines. Sites run $5-10 per night and accommodate tents and small RVs. The campground occupies a transition zone where high desert meets mountain forest at 4,800 feet elevation.

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

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Lower Buck Creek Campground

: null

Lower Buck Creek Campground sits 35 minutes southwest of Silver Lake on a meadow-and-forest transition zone at 5,000 feet. The campground lists five sites total, though recent visitors report only two have picnic tables and fire rings. Open mid-May through mid-October, it draws campers looking for genuine remoteness and a perennial stream with late-season flow.

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Upper Buck Creek Campground

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Upper Buck Creek Campground sits at 5,066 feet in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, offering five primitive sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. No water is available onsite. The campground attracts visitors seeking seclusion in a quiet forest setting, though recent reviews give it a modest 1.8 out of 5 rating.

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Rock Springs Campground

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Rock Springs Campground sits at 5,200 feet in Malheur National Forest, offering 12 primitive sites beneath mature ponderosa pines near Poison Creek Reservoir. The campground costs $6-8 per night and operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out system. Sites are secluded with gravel parking aprons, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

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Lower Camp Creek Campground

431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845

Lower Camp Creek Campground sits in a quiet pocket of Malheur National Forest at 3,583 feet, where ponderosa pines grow along a forest creek. The small campground draws hunters during fall and is a base for exploring Arch Rock Trail #258 and the Middle Fork John Day River. Sites cost $3-$6 per night.

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Big Spring Campground

Big Spring Campground sits in mid-elevation ponderosa forest in Oregon, operated as a small, rustic site with vault toilets and creek access. The campground offers shaded tent and RV sites under a ponderosa canopy, with a nearby creek that runs through summer. Campers come for quiet forest camping, stargazing, and relaxing by the water during the warmest months.

Little Crane Campground

Malheur National Forest

Little Crane Campground sits deep in Malheur National Forest, managed by the Prairie City Ranger District. This primitive, four-site campground offers exceptional privacy and quiet along a creek corridor, with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. The remote location on Forest Service Road 16 means a long, winding drive from Prairie City, but campers come for stream fishing, stargazing, and solitude in mid-elevation forest.

Campgrounds

Malheur National Forest

Buck Spring Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Buck Spring Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>This wooded campground is off the beaten path making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.  Fishing opportunities are within driving distance at <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=40044">Delintment Lake Campground</a> or Chickahominy Reservoir.  Please pack out what you pack in, no trash service is provided. </p>

Activities

<p>Off of the beaten path this campground is wonderful place for those wanting to relax away from the crowd.  The campground provides opportunities for fishing, bird watching and simply relaxing.</p>