Buck Spring Campground

4.50

12 reviews

Buck Spring Campground, Malheur National Forest, OR

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$3 - $6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Emigrant Creek Ranger District site

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

Opens Emigrant Creek Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Buck Spring Campground

$3.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$6 per night for a single unit, $3 per night for extra vehicles.

Standard Site Fee$6.00

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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USFS

Provider

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

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 12 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeaceful

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Buck Spring Campground, Malheur National Forest, OR

Buck Spring Campground

Buck Spring Campground, Malheur National Forest, 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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Buck Spring Campground

At Buck Spring, Mother Nature keeps you on your toes with her ever-changing moods. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures dancing between a crisp 20°F and the lower 40s°F – perfect for those who love the quiet beauty of a forest blanketed in white. As summer arrives, the campground becomes a cool mountain refuge, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable upper 70s°F during the day while maintaining that refreshing mountain air that makes for perfect sleeping weather under the stars.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal notes mention comfortable temperatures and pleasant conditions in warmer weeks.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Quiet, cool fall conditions implied; conifer-dominated forest may limit classic fall color.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers birding and restorative nature; weather can be variable with freezing weeks noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter brings snow and freezing temps (around 20°F); scenic but cold and potentially difficult for camping.

Planning Tips

Current Alerts: Campground is listed as temporarily closed.

About Buck Spring Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Malheur National Forest, Buck Spring Campground offers a true escape from the hustle of modern life. This hidden gem beckons those who crave the restorative power of nature, where towering trees create a natural cathedral and the only sounds are birdsong and rustling leaves. While the campground itself provides a peaceful woodland retreat, adventure awaits just a short drive away at Delintment Lake Campground or Chickahominy Reservoir, where anglers can cast their lines into pristine mountain waters. Whether you're seeking solitude among the pines or planning day trips to nearby fishing spots, Buck Spring delivers the authentic forest experience that outdoor enthusiasts dream about.

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 SeasonsAt Buck Spring, Mother Nature keeps you on your toes with her ever-changing moods. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures dancing between a crisp 20°F and the lower 40s°F – perfect for those who love the quiet beauty of a forest blanketed in white. As summer arrives, the campground becomes a cool mountain refuge, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable upper 70s°F during the day while maintaining that refreshing mountain air that makes for perfect sleeping weather under the stars.

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 SceneryImmerse yourself in a verdant fortress of towering conifers at Buck Spring, where dense forest creates an intimate, sheltered camping experience. The thick canopy overhead filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor, while the understory provides endless opportunities for wildlife watching and nature photography. Though the campground itself is a woodland sanctuary without direct water access, the nearby crystal waters of Delintment Lake and Chickahominy Reservoir offer scenic day-trip destinations where the forest meets the water's edge.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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.

AccessibilityThere is no information available about accessibility features.

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

Vault toilets

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.

FishingFishing opportunities are available within driving distance at Delintment Lake Campground or Chickahominy Reservoir.

Wildlife viewingBird watching is specifically highlighted as an activity available at Buck Spring Campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.'

Active AlertsCampground is listed as temporarily closed.

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.

Weather at Buck Spring Campground

Reviews

4.5

12 reviews

Recommended

Buck Spring Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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