Clear Springs Campground

Hello, fellow Oregonians! If your idea of a perfect getaway involves disconnecting from the digital world and immersing yourself in the raw, untamed beauty of our state's vast wilderness, then Clear Springs Campground in the Fremont-Winema National Forest is a destination calling your name. This isn't a bustling resort with endless amenities; instead, it offers a truly rustic and peaceful camping experience for those who appreciate simplicity, quietude, and the authentic sounds of nature. It’s a treasured spot for locals who seek a genuine escape into the Oregon Outback.

Clear Springs Campground is an "undeveloped forest camp" that provides a back-to-basics approach to camping. Situated along Dairy Creek, it offers a serene environment perfect for unwinding. While it may not feature flush toilets or paved sites, its allure lies in its natural, unadorned setting. It’s particularly popular during hunting season, but its quiet charm and natural beauty draw visitors throughout its open season. This campground embodies the spirit of primitive camping with just a few helpful additions, making it an excellent choice for Oregonians eager to explore the less-traveled paths and experience the true tranquility of our state's expansive forests. Imagine setting up camp where the only sounds are the gentle murmur of the creek and the rustle of leaves – that’s the essence of Clear Springs.

Clear Springs Campground is located in Oregon, USA, specifically within the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Its address is generally cited as being within "Oregon, USA," highlighting its remote, wilderness setting rather than a precise street address. More specifically, it is situated approximately one hour and 10 minutes southwest of Paisley, Oregon. It can also be accessed from Lakeview and Bly, offering various routes depending on your starting point in the state.

Accessing Clear Springs Campground involves traveling on Forest Service (FS) roads, which are typically unpaved. From Paisley, you would head west on Mill Street (which becomes FS Road 33), continue for about 20 miles, then take FS Road 28 for two miles, and finally turn right onto FS Road 047 for about four miles to reach the pull-off marked "Clear Spring." From Lakeview, you would take Highway 140 west, turn onto County Road 2-16, then 2-16A (which becomes FS Road 28), and then a left onto FS Road 047. The journey on these unpaved roads is part of the experience, leading you deeper into the tranquil forest. This remoteness contributes significantly to the campground's appeal for Oregon locals looking to truly get off the grid and enjoy an authentic wilderness experience, far from the crowds. Always check current road conditions and weather advisories with the Forest Service before planning your trip, especially during shoulder seasons.

Clear Springs Campground offers very basic, yet essential, services that cater to a primitive camping experience. The emphasis here is on self-sufficiency and enjoying the natural environment.

Services Offered:

• No Fee Camping: A significant highlight, as camping at Clear Springs typically does not require a fee, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious adventurers.
• One Picnic Table: A single picnic table is available, providing a designated area for meals.
• One Fire Ring: A fire ring is provided for campfires and cooking, allowing for the classic camping experience (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• One Vault Toilet: A single vault toilet is available, offering a basic restroom facility.
• Natural Spring Access: While there is no direct potable water at the main campground site, a natural spring that "bubbles up about 1/4 mile down the road" offers a source of fresh water, which visitors may choose to use (it is always recommended to filter or treat any natural water sources).
• Dispersed Camping Spaces: In addition to the single developed site, there are a variety of dispersed camping spaces available in the surrounding area for those who prefer an even more isolated experience.

Clear Springs Campground, though simple in its offerings, provides several appealing features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for specific types of campers in Oregon.

Features / Highlights:

• Genuine Wilderness Immersion: The undeveloped nature of the camp and its remote location ensure a true feeling of being deep within the forest, away from urban distractions.
• Quiet and Secluded: It is known for its quiet ambiance and often experiences light usage, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and tranquility.
• Fishing Opportunities: Situated along Dairy Creek, which is known for rainbow trout, it offers excellent opportunities for stream fishing.
• Hunting Base Camp: Primarily used by hunters during hunting season, indicating a rich wildlife presence in the surrounding Fremont-Winema National Forest.
• Scenic Beauty: The landscape features a mix of forested areas and open spaces, with elevations around 5400 feet, providing pleasant temperatures in summer.
• Access to Natural Spring: The nearby natural spring is a unique and appreciated feature, offering a fresh water source in a primitive setting.
• Rustic, No-Frills Experience: Appealing to campers who prefer to be self-sufficient and value the raw beauty of nature over modern amenities.
• Pet-Friendly: While specific rules aren't detailed, National Forest campgrounds generally allow leashed pets, making it a good spot for outdoor adventures with your furry companions.

For inquiries regarding Clear Springs Campground, including current conditions, accessibility, or general information about the Fremont-Winema National Forest, it is best to contact the managing Ranger District.

Contact Information:

Address: Oregon, USA (Specific location is within the Fremont-Winema National Forest, accessed via Forest Service roads near Paisley, OR.)

Phone: (541) 943-3114 (This is the phone number for the Paisley Ranger District, which manages the campground.)

For more detailed information or current conditions, it is always recommended to contact the Paisley Ranger District directly before your visit, especially concerning road conditions and fire restrictions.

For us Oregonians, Clear Springs Campground is an exceptional choice for those who truly embrace the spirit of primitive and quiet camping. It's perfectly suited for locals seeking an authentic wilderness experience, far from the hustle and bustle of more developed sites. If your ideal camping trip involves a peaceful setting by a creek, the chance to fish for trout, and the opportunity to truly disconnect and appreciate nature's tranquility, then Clear Springs is an ideal destination.

The fact that it's a no-fee campground and operates on a first-come, first-served basis adds to its appeal for spontaneous adventurers looking for an accessible escape. It's a place where you'll need to be self-sufficient, bringing your own water for drinking and cooking (or treating water from the nearby spring) and packing out all your trash, but these aspects are precisely what makes it so appealing to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Clear Springs Campground offers a genuine taste of Oregon's rugged beauty, inviting you to create your own adventure in the heart of the Fremont-Winema National Forest.