Buck Spring Campground
02 reviewsBuck Spring Campground, Malheur National Forest, OR
Buck Spring Campground
$3.00 - $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 per night for a single unit, $3 per night for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Malheur National Forest, Buck Spring Campground offers a true escape from the hustle of modern life. This hidden gem beckons those who crave the restorative power of nature, where towering trees create a natural cathedral and the only sounds are birdsong and rustling leaves. While the campground itself provides a peaceful woodland retreat, adventure awaits just a short drive away at Delintment Lake Campground or Chickahominy Reservoir, where anglers can cast their lines into pristine mountain waters. Whether you're seeking solitude among the pines or planning day trips to nearby fishing spots, Buck Spring delivers the authentic forest experience that outdoor enthusiasts dream about.
Buck Spring Campground accommodates camp trailers under 20 feet in length and offers a secluded camping experience. User reviews describe it as quiet and peaceful, with privacy emphasized by the lack of other campers during visits.
Weather and SeasonsAt Buck Spring, Mother Nature keeps you on your toes with her ever-changing moods. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures dancing between a crisp 20°F and the lower 40s°F – perfect for those who love the quiet beauty of a forest blanketed in white. As summer arrives, the campground becomes a cool mountain refuge, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable upper 70s°F during the day while maintaining that refreshing mountain air that makes for perfect sleeping weather under the stars.
ElevationPerched at 4,900 feet above sea level, Buck Spring Campground offers that coveted high-country experience. This elevation brings crisp, clean air and noticeably cooler temperatures – especially after sunset when the mountain chill settles in. Pack that extra layer for evening campfires, as the thin mountain air releases the day's warmth quickly, creating those perfect conditions for stargazing and hot cocoa around the fire ring.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a verdant fortress of towering conifers at Buck Spring, where dense forest creates an intimate, sheltered camping experience. The thick canopy overhead filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor, while the understory provides endless opportunities for wildlife watching and nature photography. Though the campground itself is a woodland sanctuary without direct water access, the nearby crystal waters of Delintment Lake and Chickahominy Reservoir offer scenic day-trip destinations where the forest meets the water's edge.
Geological RegionBuck Spring Campground claims its place within the magnificent Malheur National Forest, a vast woodland ecosystem that stretches across eastern Oregon's diverse landscape. At 4,900 feet elevation, the campground occupies a sweet spot in this mountainous terrain, where the forest thrives in the cooler temperatures and increased moisture. This prime location makes it an ideal base camp for exploring the greater Malheur wilderness, whether you're an avid birder seeking rare species or an angler drawn to the region's renowned fishing waters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information available about accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe authoritative content and reviews do not mention the size of campsites.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews highlight the privacy and quiet nature of the campground: 'Quiet, pretty, out of the way campground. Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood. We were the only ones there the first night. Only saw one car go by!'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors may prefer quieter weekday stays to maximize solitude. Specific sites are not highlighted.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No group camping details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are likely first-come, first-served, as reservations are not mentioned.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and relaxing as noted in the authoritative description, along with user reviews describing the peaceful atmosphere. While fishing is explicitly mentioned nearby, no other activities like hiking or swimming are highlighted.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available within driving distance at Delintment Lake Campground or Chickahominy Reservoir.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is specifically highlighted as an activity available at Buck Spring Campground.Winter Activities
No information about specific winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, or ice fishing is provided.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed. Visitors can collect on-site firewood from dry twigs and branches.
Hazards
General hazardsDue to its remote nature, travelers should prepare for limited amenities and potential road challenges. Firewood is available on-site, as noted in a user review: 'Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood.'
Active alertsCampground is listed as temporarily closed.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Emigrant Creek Ranger District, 265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738. Phone: (541) 573-4300. Emergency hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash as no trash service is provided, emphasizing a 'pack it in/pack it out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresFishing opportunities are within driving range at Delintment Lake and Chickahominy Reservoir.
Common complaintsComplaints include the imposition of fees on public lands, as noted by one reviewer: 'I will not pay a fee to camp on public property.'
Campground Map
Buck Spring Campground, Malheur National Forest, OR
Driving directionsFrom the town of Riley, OR., travel east on US Highway 20 for approximately 2.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 45. Turn onto Forest Road 45 and travel for approximately 14.7 miles to the junction with Forest Road 4540. Follow Forest Road 4540 for approximately 8.2 miles to the junction with Forest road 4545. Follow Forest Road 4545 for approximately 1 mile, the campground will be on the left.
The site is accessible via unpaved roads including Forest Roads 45, 4540, and 4545. Roads may be challenging, especially in inclement weather, and trailers over 20 feet are restricted.Nearby places
Riley, OR: Approximately 26 miles (driving time not provided).
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are not specified
visitors should plan accordingly and stock up in Riley, OR.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Buck Spring Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Buck Spring Campground highlight the secluded nature of the campsite, its quiet environment, and the abundance of natural firewood. Weather conditions are noted to be cold at night.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. 'Quiet, pretty, out of the way campground. Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood.'
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
One review states dissatisfaction with the camping fee: 'I will not pay a fee to camp on public property.'
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
A user review suggests not bringing firewood as dry twigs and branches are plentiful: 'Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood.'
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate cold nighttime temperatures, suggesting preparation for cooler weather. Seasonal weather data highlights weeks with freezing conditions and snow during colder times and comfortable...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Quiet, pretty, out of the way campground.' 2. 'Lots of dry twigs and branches laying around, you don't need to bring firewood.' 3. 'Gets pretty cold at night up there.'
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews directly mention specific campsites or areas within Buck Spring Campground.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features for differently-abled campers.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025