Marsters Spring Campground
02 reviewsMarsters Spring Campground
$2.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
$6/Night for single unit, $2/Night for extra vehicle.
About this campground
Tucked away along the pristine Chewaucan River, Marsters Spring Campground offers an authentic wilderness retreat where tranquility reigns supreme. Ten thoughtfully spaced campsites ensure each visitor enjoys their own private slice of nature, complete with essential amenities like sturdy picnic tables and fire grates for evening gatherings under the stars. Two well-maintained vault toilets and a reliable hand pump providing fresh, cool drinking water make this rustic hideaway surprisingly comfortable. True to its backcountry spirit, the campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis, helping preserve this peaceful sanctuary for generations to come.
The campground offers 10 combined sites catering to both tent and RV camping. Primitive camping is the primary style, with minimal facilities available.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsThis high-country haven experiences dramatic seasonal shifts that add to its rugged charm. Winter and shoulder seasons bring crisp, frosty mornings and the possibility of snow-dusted landscapes, creating a wonderland for hardy adventurers. Summer transforms the campground into a refreshing escape from valley heat, with comfortable days perfect for riverside exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. Spring and fall visitors should prepare for changeable conditions, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to showers in moments, adding an element of adventure to every stay.
ElevationPerched at 4,700 feet in the crystal-clear mountain air, Marsters Spring occupies a sweet spot where alpine freshness meets accessible adventure. This elevation creates a natural air conditioning effect during summer months while positioning campers perfectly for exploring both riverside trails and higher mountain terrain. The Chewaucan River rushes past at this altitude with renewed vigor, its waters cold and clear from mountain snowmelt.
Natural Features and SceneryA stunning tapestry of high desert and mountain ecosystems unfolds around every campsite. Aromatic sagebrush meadows give way to ribbons of lush alder thickets along the creek, while stately ponderosa pines and weathered junipers provide natural shelter and photogenic backdrops. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the possibility of spotting deer at dawn, hearing elk bugle in autumn, or watching native trout rise in the Chewaucan River's reliable flows. The interplay of water, rock, and diverse vegetation creates an ever-changing canvas of colors and textures throughout the seasons.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Fremont-Winema National Forest, this riverside gem showcases the dramatic transition zone where Oregon's high desert meets its mountain forests. The Chewaucan River has carved its course through ancient volcanic landscapes, creating a lush corridor where sagebrush steppes blend seamlessly with stands of alder, juniper, and majestic ponderosa pine. This unique geological setting offers campers a front-row seat to millions of years of natural history, written in stone and interpreted by the diverse plant communities that thrive in this remarkable ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available as part of the accessibility features.
Sites SizeEach campsite is widely spaced to ensure privacy. There is no specific mention of different size options for the sites.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are widely spaced and some back up to the river, offering good privacy. The authoritative content states, 'widely spaced campsites offer good privacy.'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites backing onto the river might be preferable for river views and sounds.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive nights allowed: 14
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTen widely spaced campsites with grass understory, some backing onto the river.
Open and Closed Season05/15 - 10/15 (full services), 10/16 - 05/14 (reduced services)
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations not available, walk-up only.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers limited but specific outdoor activities. Anglers can take advantage of the consistent water levels in the Chewaucan River to fish for catch-and-release bull trout. Hiking opportunities are accessible via the Chewaucan Crossing Trailhead, located 1.5 miles from the site. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, and the campground's natural setting amidst sagebrush, trees, and the river provides a serene backdrop.
Hiking
Hiking is available through the Chewaucan Crossing Trailhead, which is 1.5 miles from the campground. Visitors can either drive or walk along the river to access it.Fishing
The Chewaucan River offers opportunities for anglers to engage in catch-and-release fishing for bull trout. The official content emphasizes that the river provides good habitat for fish due to its consistent water level.Wildlife viewing
The campground's location along the Chewaucan River and its surrounding environment of alder, juniper, and ponderosa pines make it a good spot for observing wildlife.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation options are mentioned. The campground remains open during the off-season but with reduced services.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire grates are available at each site.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential presence of mosquitoes according to user reviews. No specific safety hazards mentioned in official sources.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere are no garbage receptacles. Visitors are required to 'pack it in, pack it out,' as mentioned in both authoritative and user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along the banks of the Chewaucan River, close to the Chewaucan Crossing trailhead (1.5 miles away).
Common complaintsSome user reviews highlight mosquitoes as a notable issue.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsIn Paisley, OR, at intersection of State Rt. 31 and Mill St., take Mill St. west 0.9 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left onto Forest Rt. 33 and go 6 miles to campground on left.
"Bear left onto Forest Rt. 33 and go 6 miles to the campground." The road to the campground seems accessible but not described as paved, and seasonal closures or challenges were not mentioned.Nearby places
Paisley (20 minutes south)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Marsters Spring Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mostly positive, highlighting the campground's peaceful setting, fire pits, picnic tables, and clean vault toilets. Some reviewers also mention the affordability and quiet environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the 'lovely campground with fire pits and picnic tables,' as well as the clean vault toilets. The scenic and private setting along the Chewaucan River is frequently noted as a...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Mosquitos are a prevalent concern. A reviewer specifically advises bringing bug spray, screens for car windows, or a screen room tent for comfort.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
'Bring bug stuff and screens for the car windows,' advises one reviewer. Another recommendation includes bringing appropriate gear for fishing and hiking.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months see more activity due to the availability of services from July 1 through October 31. However, mosquitos are noted as a significant issue during warmer seasons.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'MOSQUITOS! and a lovely campground with fire pits and picnic tables and a clean pit toilet.' 2. 'Awesome lil campground and good riding.'
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews or rankings were provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews address accessibility features, but wheelchair-friendly toilets are available as confirmed by authoritative content.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no user reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025