Rock Springs Campground

Star4.38
10 reviews
265 Highway 20 South Hines, OR 97738

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$6 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Emigrant Creek Ranger District site

Official Website
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Rock Springs Campground
$6.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $6 per night for a single-site unit. For additional vehicles, a $3 nightly fee applies. Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Pass...
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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

4.38

Recommended

Based on 10 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeaceful

"User reviews generally highlight the campground's peaceful and secluded setting. Many users appreciate its simplicity and rustic charm, especially for hunting trips and quiet retreats."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

265 Highway 20 South Hines, OR 97738

Rock Springs Campground

265 Highway 20 South Hines, OR 97738

Driving directionsFrom Burns, OR, travel east on US Highway 20 approximately 2.8 miles to US Highway 395 north. Turn right onto US Highway 395 north toward John Day, OR. Follow US Highway 395 for approximately 30.8 miles to the junction with Forest Road 17. Turn right onto Forest Road 17, travel 4.8 miles to the junction with Forest Road 054. Follow Forest Road 054 for approximately 1 mile, the campground will be on the right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads (US Highway 20 and 395) and unpaved Forest Roads 17 and 054. Seasonal closures may apply depending on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Burns: 33 miles (~45 minutes), John Day: null
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Burns, OR, approximately 33 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Rock Springs Campground

Mother Nature keeps campers on their toes at Rock Springs, where mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm in a heartbeat. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dipping below freezing and snow blanketing the forest floor. Summer brings golden days perfect for exploration, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 85°F during the warmest afternoons. Pack layers and be ready for anything – the forest has its own agenda.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May 25–Nov 1; hiking and fishing available, pleasant summer conditions expected.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is attractive but can be busier during big-game hunting seasons.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring weather is variable; reviewers note former spring water source is gone.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter scenery noted, but services are limited outside May–Nov and access/weather can be challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 25 - November 1. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Services are provided from May 25 through November 1, depending on weather conditions. Campground is open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are listed.

About Rock Springs Campground

Hidden among towering ponderosa pines in the heart of Malheur National Forest, Rock Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into Oregon's pristine wilderness. This peaceful retreat features thoughtfully spaced sites beneath a cathedral-like canopy of mature evergreens, where dappled sunlight filters through ancient branches. Whether you're seeking a restful overnight stop on your journey or planning an extended stay in nature's embrace, this tranquil haven provides the perfect basecamp for forest adventures.
Rock Springs Campground is tailored for traditional camping experiences with its secluded tent and primitive campsite offerings. The campground lacks modern amenities, making it ideal for those seeking a rustic environment.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, particularly suited for fishing, hiking, and hunting. Horseback riding is also mentioned as an option on nearby trails.
HikingVisitors can explore local trails such as the Malheur River Trail #303 and the Craft Cabin Trail #319. Specific trail details, such as lengths and difficulty levels, are not provided.
FishingFishing is available at Poison Creek Reservoir. No additional details about fish types or fishing quality are provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThere is no potable water available; campers must bring their own water. Wildlife may pose a risk, and rapid weather changes require preparedness.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are listed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Rock Springs Campground

Reviews

4.4
10 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Rock Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the campground's peaceful and secluded setting. Many users appreciate its simplicity and rustic charm, especially for hunting trips and quiet retreats.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great camping experience ❤️" and "Nice peaceful campground." The secluded nature and quiet environment are consistently praised by visitors.
Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

"It used to have great spring water, but that has long since gone," reflects disappointment in the lack of potable water.
Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Prepare to bring all necessary supplies, including water and trash bags, as the campground follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.
Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground sees light use except during big game hunting seasons, when it becomes busier. The weather can be rapidly changing, as noted in official guidance.
Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We have been camping there almost every deer season since 1989." - Tim Shields; "Great place to get away with no hookups or water." - Tim H.
Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no specific reviews tied to individual campsites within the two loops.
Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility experiences, but the vault toilets are noted as wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pets or pet-related features.
Based on 10 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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