Buck Spring Campground

Introduction / Overview: True Oregon Wilderness Camping

For Oregon residents who prioritize solitude, rugged natural beauty, and a genuine "unplugged" experience, Buck Spring Campground in the expansive Malheur National Forest is an exceptional find. Located off the beaten path near the small community of Riley, this U.S. Forest Service site is the definition of a primitive, wooded getaway. It is highly valued by local campers for its peaceful atmosphere, offering a deep immersion into the forests of Eastern Oregon. With only a handful of well-spaced sites, Buck Spring promises a quiet environment where the sounds of nature replace the noise of crowds. It is essential for visitors to understand that this is a rustic facility, designed for the self-sufficient camper. The management of the Malheur National Forest maintains the site with minimal services, upholding its status as a pristine and preserved natural area. As one reviewer noted, the campground is "Quiet, pretty, out of the way," confirming its draw for those seeking true tranquility. It’s a perfect base for exploring the diverse landscapes of Harney County and surrounding areas, including nearby fishing opportunities.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Malheur National Forest

Buck Spring Campground is situated deep within the Malheur National Forest, placing it firmly in the high desert, conifer-forested country of Harney County, Oregon. The campground is officially administered by the Emigrant Creek Ranger District.

The core address used for mapping is:

Buck Reservoir Rd, Riley, OR 97758, USA

Accessibility is a key part of the experience, as reaching Buck Spring requires a commitment to travel. From the town of Riley, OR, travelers must head east on U.S. Highway 20 for approximately 2.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road (FR) 45. From there, the route follows FR 45 for about 14.7 miles, turning onto FR 4540 for 8.2 miles, and finally onto FR 4545 for the last mile. This route involves traveling on narrow dirt or gravel forest roads, making a detailed Forest Service map highly recommended for the local user. While the remoteness guarantees peace—with one reviewer noting they "only saw one car go by!"—it also means visitors must be prepared for potential road conditions and the necessity of self-reliance. This location is an excellent base for accessing vast tracts of the Malheur National Forest and exploring the larger Harney Basin, known for its wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.

Services Offered: Essential and Primitive

Buck Spring Campground operates with a "less is more" philosophy regarding services, focusing on providing the bare essentials for a safe, low-impact camping experience. This is part of the appeal for the self-sufficient Oregon outdoor enthusiast.

Campsites: The campground features a limited number of single-unit sites, generally around seven, which can accommodate both tents and smaller RVs/trailers (typically with a maximum length of 20 ft).Restroom Facilities: Basic sanitation is provided through vault toilets (outhouses), which are regularly maintained by the Forest Service.Fire Rings and Grills: Each campsite is equipped with a metal fire ring and a grill grate for cooking and campfires (when local fire restrictions allow).Picnic Tables: All designated sites include a picnic table.Drinking Water: No potable drinking water is supplied at the campground. Campers must bring all necessary water for drinking, cooking, and washing.Waste Management: No trash service is provided. The official policy is strictly "Pack it in/Pack it out." Visitors are responsible for carrying out everything they bring into the forest, including all garbage.Fee Collection: A nominal fee is required for overnight use ($6 per night for a single site, with an additional vehicle fee), collected on-site through a fee station.Firewood Availability: A unique natural service noted by visitors is the abundance of "dry twigs and branches laying around," meaning campers often do not need to bring their own firewood, though gathering dead and downed wood must follow Malheur National Forest rules.

Features / Highlights: Solitude and Natural Resources

The features of Buck Spring Campground are its natural attributes and its deliberate lack of development, which contribute to a high-quality, wilderness-like experience.

Secluded Setting: The campground is described as "off the beaten path," often resulting in low occupancy. Being the "only ones there the first night" is a common experience, making it perfect for those seeking ultimate quiet and privacy.Wooded Environment: The sites are nestled within a beautiful mixed conifer forest, providing shade and the classic Oregon forest atmosphere.Proximity to Fishing: While the campground is not directly on a major body of water, prime fishing opportunities are located within reasonable driving distance at nearby Delintment Lake Campground or Chickahominy Reservoir, making it an excellent base camp for local anglers.Fee Structure: The low nightly fee ($6 per night) makes it one of the most affordable official campgrounds in the Oregon National Forest system, appealing to budget-conscious locals who do not mind paying a minimal fee to camp on public lands.Cold Nights: The high elevation and remote location mean the air is clean and temperatures drop significantly after dark, providing comfortable sleeping conditions even during summer—a definite plus for enjoying Oregon's cool nights.First-Come, First-Served Access: The lack of reservations simplifies planning for spontaneous Oregon road trips, ensuring that a site is accessible as long as the campground is officially open for the season (typically May through October).

Contact Information: U.S. Forest Service Management

As an official site within the Malheur National Forest, all management, current condition updates, and rules are provided by the Forest Service's local Ranger District.

Address (General Area):

Buck Reservoir Rd, Riley, OR 97758, USA

Managing District Office (Contact for Information):

Emigrant Creek Ranger District

Address: 265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Phone (Malheur National Forest Supervisor's Office):

(541) 575-3000

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Email (Public Information):

SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov

What is Worth Choosing: Seclusion, Affordability, and Preparedness

For the seasoned Oregon camper, Buck Spring Campground is absolutely worth choosing because it embodies the spirit of the state’s rugged, accessible public lands while demanding a high degree of self-reliance.

Its primary competitive advantage is the unmatched solitude and peace it offers. The remote location and limited number of sites guarantee a level of tranquility that is impossible to find at crowded state or private parks. The very challenge of its "off the beaten path" nature filters out casual visitors, leaving the space open for those who truly respect the quietude of the forest. The low nightly fee (only $6) represents an exceptional value proposition for local users, offering beautiful, well-maintained natural space for minimal cost.

Choosing Buck Spring is an active choice to embrace the "Pack it in/Pack it out" ethos, a foundational principle of responsible outdoor recreation in Oregon. This site is the perfect fit for the local adventurer who is fully prepared—carrying their own water, comfortable with vault toilets, and ready to respect the wilderness environment. It's the ideal destination for anyone seeking tranquility, nearby fishing, and a deep connection to the vast, open, and beautiful Malheur National Forest.