Chewaucan Crossing Campground/Trailhead
01 reviewChewaucan Crossing Trailhead, Forest Service Road 33, Paisley, Oregon
Chewaucan Crossing Campground/Trailhead
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are required to use this campground.
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About this campground
Nestled along the banks of the pristine Chewaucan River, Chewaucan Crossing Campground serves as your gateway to adventure on the legendary Fremont National Recreation Trail #160. This intimate five-site retreat perfectly blends the rugged beauty of high desert landscapes with the cooling shade of ancient pines and fragrant junipers. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, inviting you to gather under starlit skies. Modern conveniences haven't been forgotten—you'll find clean vault toilets, ample parking with trailer turnaround space, and sturdy horse corrals for equestrian adventurers ready to explore the backcountry trails.
Chewaucan Crossing Campground primarily caters to tent camping with basic facilities. It is also suitable for RVs due to its trailer turnaround space and parking area.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the high desert, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with frequent snowfall and crisp, freezing temperatures. As spring awakens the desert, wildflowers paint the canyon walls while temperatures climb steadily toward summer's peak, often soaring above 80°F. Summer visitors are rewarded with endless blue skies, warm days perfect for river adventures, and refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire conversations. The dry climate ensures plenty of sunshine year-round, making every season a unique opportunity to discover the Chewaucan's changing moods.
ElevationPerched in the heart of Oregon's high desert country, the campground's elevation creates a unique microclimate where mountain and desert ecosystems converge, offering cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands and spectacular views of the surrounding plateau.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Chewaucan River carves a verdant ribbon through the austere high desert, creating an oasis where towering ponderosa pines and aromatic junipers thrive along its life-giving waters. From your campsite, watch golden eagles soar above rust-colored canyon walls while the river's gentle murmur provides nature's soundtrack. Morning light filters through the pine canopy, casting dappled shadows across the sandy ground, while evening brings alpenglow to distant ridges and the sweet scent of juniper on the desert breeze.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Chewaucan River canyon, this campground showcases the raw beauty of Oregon's high desert geology. Ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion have sculpted a landscape where weathered basalt cliffs frame groves of resilient pines and junipers. The river has carved its course through layers of geological history, exposing colorful rock formations and creating a riparian corridor that stands in striking contrast to the surrounding sagebrush steppe.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned in the available information.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of five campsites, but specific dimensions of each site are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites are not explicitly detailed in the source materials.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAll five campsites offer similar amenities, including picnic tables and fire rings.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are listed as superior within the campground.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
There are no designated group camping facilities at this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features five individual campsites accessible via a single loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 15 to October 15 with full services; reduced services from October 16 to May 14.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required or available for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll five campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo fees apply; cancellations are not relevant for walk-up, free sites.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chewaucan Crossing Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, particularly for those interested in hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is an excellent spot for day hikes, backpacking, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy fishing for rainbow and brook trout in the Chewaucan River. The site is also a gateway to the Fremont National Recreation Trail #160, which accommodates hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Hiking
The campground provides direct access to the Fremont National Recreation Trail #160. This multi-use trail offers challenging treks in both directions, climbing out of the Chewaucan River canyon. Hikers can travel north to Yamsay Mountain or south to Cox Pass.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at this campground, with opportunities to catch rainbow and brook trout in the Chewaucan River.Biking
The Fremont National Recreation Trail #160 is suitable for mountain biking, offering a challenging route through the high desert, pine, and juniper setting.Wildlife viewing
The high desert, pine, and juniper setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation, although specific species are not listed.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, but the campground remains open with reduced services from October 16 to May 14.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the available information.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include lack of potable water and seasonal freezing conditions.
Active alertsNo potable water is available on-site. Reduced services occur during the off-season.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely based in Paisley, Oregon, including medical facilities and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 to October 15
Trash and recyclingThe campground follows a strict 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, meaning there are no trash disposal or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on the Chewaucan River, offering fishing opportunities for rainbow and brook trout.
Common complaintsVisitors have highlighted the lack of potable water as a key drawback.
Campground Map
Chewaucan Crossing Trailhead, Forest Service Road 33, Paisley, Oregon
Driving directionsFrom Paisley, take County Highway 2-08 (also known as Mill Street) for almost two miles and merge left onto Forest Service (FS) Road 33. Chewaucan Crossing Trailhead is located on the left side of FS Road 33.
The road accessibility is generally good, as FS Road 33 provides direct access. Seasonal closures or reduced services may occur between October 16 and May 14.Nearby places
Paisley, Oregon: 20 minutes by car (approximately 15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can likely be found in Paisley, Oregon, approximately 20 minutes north of the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Chewaucan Crossing Campground/Trailhead has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are limited and do not provide extensive feedback. One reviewer mentioned that the campground is 'not bad' and expressed interest in returning for a stay.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the location of the campground near the Chewaucan River and its access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints were mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
It is advisable to bring plenty of potable water due to the lack of drinking water facilities on-site.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews, but the campground operates with reduced services during the off-season (October 16 to May 14).
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Not a bad campground will actually have to stay at some point.' - John Meeker (Jackal97603)
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
There are no site-specific reviews available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews discussing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025