Frazier Springs Campground

For us Oregonians who value the quietude of the wilderness and the thrill of outdoor recreation, Frazier Springs Campground near Dayville offers a unique and appealing experience. This isn't a bustling, amenity-rich resort; rather, it’s a serene, primitive campground perfectly situated for those looking to truly unplug and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Ochoco National Forest. As locals, we often seek out these less-developed spots that provide a genuine connection to Oregon's diverse landscapes, and Frazier Springs delivers on that promise.

Frazier Springs Campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing escape. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, surrounded by tall grasses and towering ponderosa pines. It's a place where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of camping, whether that involves sitting by a crackling campfire, exploring nearby trails, or simply soaking in the tranquility. This campground is particularly favored by those who enjoy hunting and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding, serving as a gateway to extensive trail systems and abundant wildlife.

While it offers a back-to-basics experience with limited amenities, Frazier Springs provides the essentials for a comfortable primitive stay. Its first-come, first-served policy adds an element of spontaneity to your adventure, allowing you to discover this hidden gem when the timing is right. For many Oregonians, this kind of authentic outdoor experience, combined with opportunities for wildlife viewing and recreational activities, makes Frazier Springs Campground a truly special and cherished destination in the heart of Eastern Oregon.

Frazier Springs Campground is located near Dayville, OR 97825, USA, placing it within the vast and beautiful Ochoco National Forest in Eastern Oregon. This region is characterized by its rolling hills, diverse forests, and a sense of remote tranquility, offering a distinctly different landscape from Oregon's coastal or Cascade regions. The campground is situated near the headwaters of Frazier Creek, providing a calm setting among tall grasses and large ponderosa pine trees.

Access to Frazier Springs Campground requires navigating forest service roads. From Paulina, Oregon, one common route involves taking County Road 112 east for about 3.5 miles to Beaver Creek Road (County Road 113). Continue northeast on Beaver Creek Road for approximately 2 miles, then turn right onto County Road 135 and head east for about 10 miles. Finally, turn right onto Forest Service Road 58 and continue for 7 miles, then a left onto Forest Service Road 500 for about 1.5 miles. Frazier Campground will be down a spur road on your left, so keeping an eye out for signs is crucial.

While the roads are generally suitable for most recreational vehicles or cars with trailers, they are unpaved. Checking current road conditions, especially during the off-season or after heavy rainfall or snow, is highly recommended as the campground can be closed due to snow after late fall. It's important to be prepared for rural driving conditions. The relative remoteness contributes to the campground's quiet and peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to truly escape. Despite its secluded feel, its location provides access to nearby areas like the Sunflower area and the South Fork of the John Day River, offering additional recreational opportunities. This blend of accessibility and serene wilderness makes Frazier Springs an appealing destination for Oregonians looking for an authentic outdoor experience.

• Ten individual campsites available.
• Picnic table at each campsite.
• Fire pit/grill at each campsite (subject to current fire restrictions).
• Variously sized parking spurs, accommodating tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles (though no hook-ups are provided).
• One vault toilet facility available for use.
• First-come, first-served basis; no reservations are taken.
• Free to use (no overnight fees).
• Direct access to or proximity to the Winom-Frazier OHV trail system for motorized recreation.
• Wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised by visitors for its tranquility, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and escaping urban noise.
• Abundant Wildlife: Offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with reports of deer, elk, and possibly bears, appealing to nature lovers and photographers.
• OHV Trail Access: Serves as a northern gateway to the extensive Winom-Frazier Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) trail system, providing over 100 miles of backcountry trails for UTV and 4-wheeler enthusiasts.
• Primitive, Free Camping: A key highlight is that it’s a free campground, offering a genuine primitive camping experience without modern hook-ups, appealing to self-sufficient campers.
• Hunting Base: Very popular during the fall hunting season, providing a convenient and quiet base camp for hunters.
• Natural Shade: Sites are set among tall ponderosa pines, offering natural shade and enhancing the overall camping environment.
• First-Come, First-Served: While it means no reservations, it allows for spontaneous trips and can lead to a more secluded experience, particularly during weekdays.
• Spacious Sites: Campsites are generally large enough to accommodate various setups, including tents, trailers, and RVs (though without hookups).
• Accessible for Various Vehicles: Parking spurs are mostly larger in size, allowing for easier parking of recreational vehicles or trailers.
• Close to Recreational Areas: Provides access to nearby areas like the Sunflower area and the South Fork of the John Day River, expanding recreational options beyond the campground itself.

Address: Dayville, OR 97825, USA

Please note: As a primitive campground managed by the Forest Service, Frazier Springs Campground does not have a direct phone number for specific site inquiries. For general information, current conditions, fire restrictions, or road closures within the Ochoco National Forest, you should contact the Ochoco National Forest Supervisor's Office.

Ochoco National Forest Supervisor's Office:

Phone: (541) 416-6500

Address: 3160 NE Third Street, Prineville, Oregon 97754

It is always recommended to check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Ochoco National Forest for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

For us Oregonians, Frazier Springs Campground near Dayville embodies the spirit of genuine outdoor adventure and peaceful seclusion that we often seek in our state's vast natural areas. We understand the appeal of getting away from it all, and this primitive, free campground in the Ochoco National Forest offers just that. It's not about luxury, but about connecting deeply with Oregon's stunning high desert and forested landscapes.

The quiet and peaceful atmosphere is a major draw, allowing us to truly unwind and enjoy the therapeutic sounds of nature. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast hoping to spot deer, elk, or other forest creatures, or an avid off-roader looking to explore the extensive Winom-Frazier OHV trail system, this campground serves as an excellent base. Its popularity during hunting season further highlights its suitability for locals who engage in these traditional outdoor pursuits.

The fact that Frazier Springs is a first-come, first-served and free campground makes it incredibly accessible for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, budget-friendly excursions. While it requires campers to be self-sufficient – bringing their own water and packing out all trash – these are common practices for many of us who are seasoned in responsible outdoor ethics. Camping here means embracing the rustic charm of Eastern Oregon, experiencing unadulterated nature, and creating lasting memories in a truly serene setting. For Oregonians seeking an authentic, unpretentious, and deeply rewarding outdoor escape, Frazier Springs Campground is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and cherished.

Frazier Springs Campground

Dayville, OR 97825, USA