South Steens Campground
4.0412 reviews28910 Hwy 20 West, Burns District Office, Hines, OR, 97738, USA
South Steens Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
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
Camping fees are $16 per vehicle per night. Additional passenger vehicles incur a $5/night fee. Payments must be made at the kiosk near the entrance using cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled among fragrant juniper groves and silvery sagebrush, South Steens Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude in Oregon's high desert wilderness. This remote sanctuary features 36 thoughtfully spaced family campsites where the only sounds you'll hear are the whisper of wind through sage and the occasional call of a distant raptor. For equestrian enthusiasts, 15 specialized sites complete with sturdy tie posts and intimate corrals make this a perfect basecamp for horseback exploration of the legendary Steens Mountain backcountry. Here, where the sky stretches endlessly and the nearest traffic light is hours away, you'll discover the profound quiet that only true remoteness can offer.
South Steens Campground features a variety of camping options, including family and equestrian campsites. All sites are first-come, first-served, and are designed to meet the needs of different campers.
Historical SignificanceThe echoes of Oregon's ranching heritage resonate throughout this landscape, where the nearby Historic Riddle Brothers Ranch stands as a testament to the grit and determination of early settlers who carved a living from this unforgiving terrain. Interpretive trails wind through areas where indigenous peoples once followed seasonal rounds, and where later pioneers drove cattle across seemingly endless sagebrush seas. Each path tells a story—of ecological adaptation, cultural persistence, and the enduring relationship between humans and this stark yet beautiful landscape. The campground serves as your gateway to understanding how generations have lived with and learned from this remarkable high desert ecosystem.
Weather and SeasonsSouth Steens reveals its many moods through dramatically shifting seasons. Spring arrives with a painter's palette of wildflowers, punctuated by afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the vast landscape like nature's own theater. Summer transforms the high desert into a sun-drenched paradise where crystal-clear skies stretch from horizon to horizon, though daytime temperatures can soar—making those cool mountain mornings all the more precious. Autumn brings crisp air and golden light that photographers dream about, along with the possibility of sudden weather changes that remind visitors of the mountain's wild heart. Winter draws a curtain of snow and ice across the landscape, making the campground inaccessible but leaving behind a pristine wilderness for the hardy few who venture here in the shoulder seasons.
ElevationPerched at an elevation where the high desert meets the sky, South Steens Campground occupies that sweet spot where hardy junipers twist into sculptural forms and aromatic sagebrush carpets the ground in silver-green waves. This moderate elevation creates a unique microclimate where desert-adapted plants thrive, painting the landscape with subtle colors and textures that change with every shift of light. The altitude offers relief from lower desert heat while remaining accessible throughout the camping season, creating ideal conditions for both relaxation and exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient junipers stand like sentinels across the campground, their gnarled branches telling stories of centuries spent wrestling with wind and weather. Between these weathered giants, sagebrush releases its distinctive perfume after summer thunderstorms, creating an aromatherapy session courtesy of Mother Nature. Lucky visitors might spot wild horses moving like ghosts across distant ridgelines, while mule deer browse peacefully in the early morning light. The landscape reveals its secrets slowly—hidden gorges carved by patient streams, rocky outcroppings that glow orange at sunset, and vast views that seem to encompass half of Oregon. This is a place where the horizon becomes your daily companion and the night sky performs light shows that city dwellers can only dream about.
Geological RegionSouth Steens Campground sits within one of North America's most dramatic geological showcases, where the massive fault-block of Steens Mountain rises abruptly from the surrounding basin. This rugged terrain tells a story written in stone—ancient lava flows, glacial carvings, and the patient work of wind and water that continues to shape the landscape today. Deep gorges slice through the mountainsides like knife cuts, revealing layers of geological history while creating ribbons of green where year-round streams support cottonwoods and willows. The classic high desert ecosystem thrives here, where juniper woodlands give way to sagebrush steppe, creating a mosaic of habitats that support everything from golden eagles to tiny desert wildflowers. This is geology you can touch, climb, and explore—a landscape that invites you to become part of its ongoing story.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly mentioned in the provided data.
Sites SizeSites are described as great-sized, providing ample space for campers.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a mix of shaded and open sites. The south side has spots with shade, while the north side is more exposed to the sun.
Total Campsites51 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites on the south side of the campground offer shade from junipers, while north side sites are mostly exposed to the sun.
Best CampsitesSite F11 is highlighted for its corner location, but it may have proximity to outhouses depending on wind direction.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 Days
Groups
No specific group camping areas or policies were mentioned in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFamily campsites and equestrian sites are separated. Equestrian sites include tie posts and corrals, while family sites feature picnic tables and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-May through mid-November is typical use season.
Reservation PlatformsNo online or advance reservations. Payment kiosk located at the campground entrance.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations accepted; all sites are first come, first served. Cancellations and refunds are not applicable due to lack of reservation system.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
South Steens Campground offers proximity to numerous recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the stunning landscapes of Steens Mountain. The campground's location is ideal for accessing nearby trails and scenic points, making it a great basecamp for adventure.
Hiking
Several hiking trails, such as the Big Indian Gorge Trail (8 miles one way) and Little Blitzen Trail (1.2 miles one way), begin at the campground. User reviews highlight the breathtaking scenery but warn that the first 2 miles of Big Indian Gorge Trail are exposed and 'uninteresting,' making it a better option for a longer overnight hike.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are common, with reports of deer visiting campsites in the morning and evening. One reviewer mentioned seeing 'several herds of wild horses on the drive in and out of the campground.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned; the typical open season is mid-May through mid-November, suggesting limited or no winter-specific facilities.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned in the provided context.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire pits but may be restricted during bans. Updated fire pits exempt from some bans.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include driving on gravel roads for up to 20 miles, occasional thunderstorms and lightning, and exposure to high heat in summer.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.2 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
Closest emergency services are likely in Burns, OR, approximately 80 miles away, including hospitals and police services. Frenchglen has limited services.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available at the entrance of the campground. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNear Little Blitzen and Big Indian gorges. Streams and wetlands may be encountered on nearby hiking trails.
Common complaintsComplaints from reviews include gravel road access being lengthy, lack of enforcement of campground rules, and issues with navigation.
Campground Map
28910 Hwy 20 West, Burns District Office, Hines, OR, 97738, USA
Driving directionsFrom Burns, take State Highway 78 southeast for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Continue on State Highway 205 through the town of Frenchglen, and up 'P' Hill. Travel approximately 9 miles, then turn left on the Steens Mountain Loop Road south entrance. The turnoff to South Steens Campground is just over 18 miles from State Highway 205.
Roads leading to the campground include gravel roads for approximately 20 miles. The gravel road is described as in good condition but long and potentially challenging for navigation based on user reviews.Nearby places
Burns (approx. 80 miles/1.5 hours), Frenchglen (approx. 18 miles/30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Frenchglen, approximately 18 miles away, offers limited supplies and services. Visitors are advised to bring enough fuel and supplies due to the remote location.
Camper Reviews
4.0
12 reviews
South Steens Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise South Steens Campground for its quiet, spacious sites and beautiful, remote location. Common highlights are the well-maintained facilities, access to hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Several reviews note the long gravel road and limited amenities as potential downsides.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the cleanliness of the vault toilets, scenic surroundings, and proximity to hiking trails. One user noted, 'Great basecamp from which to explore the Steens.' Another mentioned,...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes issues with unpaid campers (squatters), long gravel access roads, limited enforcement of rules (e.g., fire bans), and a lack of guidance or support from staff. Some...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing adequate supplies, including fuel, as the campground is far from gas stations. Flip-flops or river shoes are suggested for hikers due to stream crossings on certain trails....
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Late summer and early fall are less crowded, with September being noted as particularly quiet. However, thunderstorms and weather changes can occur unpredictably in the fall. Early June offers...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The campsite has fire pits, pit toilets, water, and a place for your trash. It is surrounded by junipers and is right off the road that takes you to the top of the mountain. What more could you...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site F11 is noted as a corner site, but proximity to an outhouse may lead to unpleasant smells depending on wind direction.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities are provided.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not detailed in the reviews.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025