Eastbay Campground
4.268 reviewsEastbay Campground
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
"$10/Night for single unit, $5/Night for extra vehicle" - Authoritative Content.
About this campground
Nestled at the foot of majestic Hager Mountain, East Bay Campground offers an unforgettable escape into Oregon's natural splendor. This tranquil retreat features 18 generously sized campsites that welcome both tent campers and RV adventurers, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring for those perfect evening gatherings under the stars. Three well-maintained vault toilets and a reliable hand-pump water spigot ensure your comfort during your stay. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters of Thompson Reservoir, exploring mountain trails, launching your boat for a day on the water, or quietly observing the abundant wildlife that calls this area home, East Bay serves as your perfect basecamp for outdoor adventure.
East Bay Campground provides a mix of tent and RV camping accommodations. The sites are spacious and well-separated, catering to individual campers and small groups.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of changing seasons at East Bay, where crisp winter mornings give way to sun-drenched summer afternoons. Summer temperatures reach a comfortable 86°F during the day, cooling to a refreshing 56°F at night—perfect for sleeping under the stars. As autumn arrives, watch the aspens transform into golden torches against the evergreen backdrop. Winter brings a magical transformation as snow blankets the landscape, with temperatures dipping to a brisk 21°F. Spring emerges with wildflowers and warming days that climb to 34°F, signaling the return of camping season. This elevation ensures you'll always find relief from valley heat in summer and stunning snow-capped vistas in winter.
ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet above sea level, East Bay Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and clean. This elevated position not only provides naturally cooler temperatures—a welcome respite during warm summer months—but also rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views that stretch across the forested landscape to distant peaks. The altitude creates perfect conditions for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and crystal-clear mountain air revealing countless stars in the night sky.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering ponderosa pines and quaking aspens create a natural cathedral of shade and serenity. The campground's prime location offers breathtaking views of Hager Mountain rising dramatically above the treeline, while the shimmering waters of Thompson Reservoir reflect the surrounding forest like nature's mirror. This open pine forest sanctuary serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds, transforming the reservoir into a birdwatcher's paradise where elegant grebes glide across the water, white pelicans soar overhead, and the haunting calls of sandhill cranes echo across the landscape. Each campsite is thoughtfully positioned among the trees, providing both privacy and those coveted mountain views that make every morning coffee an extraordinary experience.
Geological RegionEast Bay Campground rests within the magnificent Fremont-Winema National Forest, a testament to the volcanic forces that shaped this corner of Oregon. The campground sits at the geological intersection where Hager Mountain meets Thompson Reservoir, creating a diverse ecosystem within an open pine forest dominated by stately Ponderosa and Lodgepole pines. This unique positioning showcases the region's volcanic past, with ancient lava flows now covered by centuries of forest growth. The surrounding landscape tells the story of fire and ice, where volcanic peaks give way to glacier-carved valleys, and where the patient work of wind and water continues to sculpt this remarkable terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere are wheelchair-friendly vault toilets available on site.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, accommodating both tents and RVs.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are well-separated, providing a sense of privacy. The campground is described as quiet and secluded in user reviews.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites with proximity to Thompson Reservoir for better views and access to water activities.
Best Campsites"Most back-in sites, well separated." - User Review by Frank Poole. Sites with good reservoir views are particularly popular.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No specific group camping sites or their capacities are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features two loops with sites tucked among Ponderosa and Lodgepole pines.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen with reduced services from 10/16-05/14; full services 05/15-10/15.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not accepted; sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
East Bay Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The Thompson Reservoir provides opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized boating, as well as fishing for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Hiking trails, including a 4-mile trail to the summit of Hager Mountain, are accessible from the campground. The area is also a popular destination for birdwatching and hunting, especially in the fall.
Hiking
A hiker trail leading to the summit of Hager Mountain is accessible from the campground. The trail is approximately 4 miles one way.Fishing
Fishing opportunities at Thompson Reservoir include catching rainbow trout and largemouth bass. The reservoir is stocked annually with rainbow trout.Boating
Thompson Reservoir offers opportunities for both motorized (10 mph speed limit) and non-motorized boating. There is no dock, but boats can be launched using a ramp.Wildlife viewing
The campground is located in an area ideal for birdwatching. Common sightings include eagles, osprey, grebes, pelicans, and sandhill cranes.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
The reservoir supports motorized and non-motorized boating activities. There is no information on specific water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed; fire rings are provided at each site.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"They did not have water at this campground but do at the campground on the other side." - User Review by Twyla Russell. Mosquitoes are a recurring issue during the summer.
Active alerts"Reservoir levels are way down June-October. The lake is dry." - User Review by Sandi Garoutte.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingUser reviews mention that trash is collected at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated beside Thompson Reservoir, a 1,600-acre irrigation lake stocked annually with rainbow trout.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight issues like mosquitoes, poor road conditions, and low reservoir levels.
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Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Silver Lake take Oregon Highway 31 west for less than a half mile and then turn left onto County Highway 4-12 (also known as East Bay Road). County Highway 4-12 will become Forest Service (FS) Road 28. Continue on FS Road 28 and take a right on FS Road 2800014. East Bay Campground will be at the end of the road beside Thompson Reservoir.
"The road in is paved but section with 3-4" gaps is a killer on your rig! Was told for winter preservation of road but it sucks." - User Review by Jim Eklem. Forest roads may be challenging for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Silver Lake, Oregon - 35 minutes
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
8 reviews
Eastbay Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
East Bay Campground receives positive reviews for its quiet, clean, and secluded environment. Campers appreciate the spacious sites, opportunities for outdoor activities, and scenic views of Thompson Reservoir and Hager Mountain. However, some reviewers note the lack of potable water, the poor condition of the boat dock, and the presence of bugs during the summer.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users highlighted the campground's seclusion, cleanliness, and spacious sites. "Nice campground, view of lake, most back-in sites, well-separated," says one reviewer. Another user mentions,...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the absence of a functional boat dock, and the condition of the access road. One user stated, "The boat dock has been sitting on the ground for...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing potable water due to the lack of it on-site. Another suggestion is to visit in early summer for better fishing opportunities. Bug spray is advised, especially during the...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is quieter in the fall and popular among hunters during this season. Summer reviews frequently mention mosquitoes, while spring reviews note the beauty of the...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Nice campground, view of lake, most back-in sites, well-separated." - Frank Poole. "Great group and single-family camping, good fishing in early summer." - Charles L. Brown. "Beautiful camping!...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews mention specific campsite numbers or areas as better or worse.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground's vault toilets are described as wheelchair-friendly, but no reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025