Jackson Creek Campground
4.366 reviewsJackson Creek Campground
$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 fee for usage. "No fee, no water, no garbage service."
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About this campground
Discover your perfect escape at Jackson Creek Campground, where eleven intimate campsites nestle beneath a magnificent canopy of ancient ponderosa and Jeffrey pines in the heart of Fremont-Winema National Forest. This hidden gem offers the rare combination of free camping and pristine wilderness, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets thoughtfully placed throughout the grounds. The melodic waters of Jackson Creek flow just steps away, creating a natural soundtrack for your stay while offering glimpses of darting brook trout and abundant birdlife. Across the creek, a wildflower meadow bursts into a painter's palette of colors each summer. While you'll need to bring your own water and embrace the 'pack it in, pack it out' ethos, the reward is an authentic backcountry experience without the backcountry hike.
Jackson Creek Campground provides dispersed and secluded camping with basic amenities. It primarily caters to tent camping and includes a rustic cabin used seasonally as a warming hut.
Historical SignificanceStanding sentinel near the campground entrance, a weathered rustic cabin tells the story of Jackson Creek's evolution from remote forest outpost to beloved recreation destination. Today, this charming structure serves a vital role as a warming hut for winter adventurers, offering respite to snowmobilers and cross-country explorers who venture into the snowy backcountry. The cabin's sturdy logs and time-worn character add an authentic touch of frontier heritage to your camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Jackson Creek in dramatically different hues. Spring awakens the landscape with a spectacular wildflower display as temperatures warm and snow melts feed the creek. Summer brings those perfect camping days—warm sunshine filtering through the pine canopy by day, cool mountain air and starlit skies by night. As autumn arrives, aspens ignite in golden flames against the evergreen backdrop. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-covered wonderland that draws snowmobilers from across the region, though visitors should come prepared with warm gear as temperatures can plunge well below freezing.
ElevationPerched at 4,600 feet above sea level, Jackson Creek Campground offers that sweet spot of mountain elevation—high enough to escape the summer heat of the valleys below, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. This elevation creates an ideal microclimate where cool, pine-scented breezes flow through camp even on warm days, and where the dispersed layout of campsites ensures everyone enjoys their own private slice of mountain solitude.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral of towering Jeffrey pines and ancient ponderosas, where shafts of sunlight pierce the canopy to illuminate a forest floor carpeted in pine needles. Jackson Creek meanders along the campground's southern border, its banks adorned with graceful willows that dance in the breeze. In the adjacent meadow, summer unleashes a riot of wildflowers—purple lupines, golden mule's ears, and delicate shooting stars create a natural garden that changes weekly throughout the blooming season. Groves of quaking aspens add their distinctive white bark and shimmering leaves to the forest tapestry, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports everything from chattering squirrels to majestic birds of prey.
Geological RegionJackson Creek Campground sits within the vast expanse of Fremont-Winema National Forest, a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity and sculpted by centuries of wind and water. Here, Jeffrey pines—those vanilla-scented giants unique to the American West—thrive alongside their ponderosa cousins, creating a distinctive forest ecosystem found only in this volcanic soil. The surrounding terrain tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where Jackson Creek has carved its gentle course through the forest, creating the tranquil riparian corridor that makes this campground such a treasured destination for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground sites are described as scattered under large 'old-growth' Jeffrey pines and are open in layout with no designated parking aprons. The soil consists of pine needles with pine cones.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is secluded and tranquil, with campsites that are 'mostly open,' giving it a dispersed feel. As one user noted, Jackson Creek is 'off the beaten path, so it’s very quiet.'
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Bring sufficient water and garbage bags" due to no potable water and garbage service.
Best CampsitesSites near Jackson Creek seem popular for their proximity to water and tranquil environment.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days maximum consecutive stay during each visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per site are not explicitly stated.
Groups
The campground does not have dedicated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are scattered under old-growth pines, adding a dispersed camping feel. "No designated parking aprons for the campsites."
Open and Closed Season"Services provided May 15 through October 15 - weather dependent."
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. User reviews indicate that the campground is often quiet and not crowded even during peak times.
Cancellation PolicyNo official cancellation policy as reservations are not required.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Jackson Creek Campground offers several outdoor activities suited for nature enthusiasts. Popular activities include picnicking, fishing, and enjoying the tranquil natural surroundings. Wildlife such as deer and badgers are often spotted, and the meadow across the creek provides an excellent location for wildflower viewing in the summer. User reviews also mention opportunities for photo shoots, walks, and exploring nearby fire trails.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in Jackson Creek, which runs along the campground's south side. The creek hosts small brook trout. As one user noted, 'There is a small stream and...plenty of fire trails and woods to wander.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer and badgers are frequently seen in the area. The meadow across the creek is noted for attracting wildlife and offers opportunities for birdwatching.Winter Activities
In the winter, the rustic cabin can serve as a warming hut for snowmobilers and other winter recreation enthusiasts.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Ample firewood potential" noted, but specific fire policies regarding campfires are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include cold temperatures during off-season and lack of potable water. Wildlife such as badgers and deer may be present. "Ample firewood potential" is noted, but campers are advised to bring tools like a saw.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Good to know
Peak season datesTypically coincides with the service season, May 15 - October 15.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling pickup services. Campers must pack out their trash as part of the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresJackson Creek runs through the south side of the campground. "There is a small stream and plenty of fire trails and woods to wander."
Common complaints"No potable water" is a common drawback highlighted in user reviews. Roads are gravel/dirt and may pose challenges for some campers.
Host"No campground host information available."
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Chemult, OR, take US Rt. 97 south 23.8 miles to Silver Lake sign. Turn left at sign and go 21.5 miles to Jackson Creek sign. Turn right onto Forest Rt. 49 (dirt) and go 4.4 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
"Off the beaten path so it's very quiet." Roads include a mix of paved and dirt roads (Forest Service Road 49 and FS Road 4900740). The campground can be challenging to access due to its secluded location and unpaved roads.Nearby places
Chemult - 23.8 miles.
Camper Reviews
4.4
6 reviews
Jackson Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Jackson Creek Campground as a quiet and secluded camping spot with basic amenities. Many users appreciate its off-the-beaten-path location and tranquil atmosphere. Common themes include the abundance of natural beauty, such as the canopy of old-growth pines and the wildflower-filled meadow. However, reviewers consistently note the lack of potable water and garbage service as considerations for campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the campground's secluded setting, natural beauty, and tranquil atmosphere. Quotes include: 'Small rustic campground nestled in old-growth ponderosa pine trees with a babbling...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, garbage service, and under-maintained facilities. A user mentioned, 'They have a few old-style pit toilets for comfort but no potable water or...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and a saw for processing firewood. One user stated, 'Ample firewood potential here but helpful to bring a saw.' Another advised, 'Be prepared though, it...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Visitors report that the campground becomes more popular during hunting season. Spring is highlighted as an ideal time to visit for viewing wildflowers in bloom. In winter, the cabin becomes a...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Small rustic campground nestled in old-growth ponderosa pine trees with a babbling brook next to most campsites and a beautiful meadow.'
2. 'Lovely small quiet place along a creek. No fee, no...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers were mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025