Delintment Lake Campground

For Oregonians who treasure remote beauty and a genuine, unplugged forest experience, the Delintment Lake Campground is a must-visit destination. Tucked away within the vast and beautiful Malheur National Forest in Eastern Oregon, this U.S. Forest Service-managed site offers a tranquil escape centered around a clear, 62-acre reservoir.

Delintment Lake Campground is known for its well-maintained sites and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect, cool retreat for hot summer days. The setting, surrounded by Ponderosa pine and other coniferous trees, provides a genuine mountain-lake feel at an elevation of over 5,500 feet. Visitors consistently praise the condition of the lake and the quiet seclusion the campground provides, noting that the sites are well maintained and the lake is very clean. This is the place to be for families, anglers, and anyone who appreciates a pristine, uncrowded, first-come, first-served camping experience in the heart of Oregon's high country.

The camp provides a wide variety of recreation facilities, focusing on activities on and around the non-motorized-friendly lake, ensuring a low-impact and deeply relaxing visit.

Delintment Lake Campground is located in a secluded area of Harney County, Oregon, USA, deep within the Malheur National Forest. Its closest major community is Burns, Oregon, from which the drive takes approximately one hour.

Directions from Burns, OR: Campers typically travel west on U.S. Highway 20 to the junction with the Burns-Izee Road (County Road 127). They then continue on the Burns-Izee Road for approximately 11-12 miles before turning onto Forest Road 41. Following Forest Road 41 for about 31 miles leads directly to the campground area. While the road access from Burns is initially paved, it transitions to a National Forest Road, which, while usually in good condition, requires attention.

The remote nature of this location is its greatest asset, offering a true backcountry feel and ensuring that the campground is rarely overcrowded. Visitors should be aware that the drive is significant and should arrive with ample fuel, food, and supplies, as nearby towns are not quickly accessed. It is a dedicated journey into the Oregon wilderness, but one that is amply rewarded by the serenity of the lake.

As a US Forest Service facility, Delintment Lake Campground provides essential, basic services to support a rustic and enjoyable camping trip. There are 29 individual campsites and a separate group camping area available.

• Site Configuration: Sites are designed to accommodate both tents and RVs/trailers, though no hookups (electric, water, or sewer) are available, promoting a primitive camping style.
• Water Access (Seasonal): Potable water is available via pumps or spigots, but only during the warmer months. Water service is typically shut off from early to mid-October until mid to late May or early June, depending on temperatures.
• Restrooms: The campground provides vault toilets (non-flush restrooms) which are generally well-maintained.
• Campground Hosts: Camp hosts are on-site during the summer months, providing local knowledge and general assistance.
• Picnic Facilities: The area includes picnic tables and fire rings at the campsites, as well as a separate day-use area with 12 picnic sites by the lake.
• No Garbage Service: It is important to note the "pack it in/pack it out" policy. Campers must take all trash, including food waste and garbage, with them when they leave, maintaining the cleanliness that customers consistently praise.

The Delintment Lake experience is defined by its beautiful setting and the quality of the recreational opportunities it offers, especially for those seeking peace and a connection with nature.

• Pristine Lake Conditions: Customer reviews highlight that the lake is very clean and clear, a result of good maintenance and naturally higher water levels in recent years. This clean water is vital for all water-based activities.
• Privacy and Quiet: The campground layout, combined with its remote location, allows for sites to be very private, especially during the shoulder seasons. Visitors confirm it can be very private on off seasons, providing a true wilderness solitude.
• Fishing Destination: The lake is regularly restocked and is a popular destination for fishing, particularly for trout. Anglers can fish from the shoreline, the dam, a designated fishing pier, or from a small watercraft.
• Non-Motorized Water Activities: The lake is relatively small (62 acres) and has a 5 m.p.h. speed limit, making it ideal for non-motorized boating such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A natural boat launch is provided for easy access.
• Well-Maintained Site: The US Forest Service consistently ensures the facilities and campsites are well kept and maintained, encouraging all visitors to help keep it that way.
• Scenic Hiking and Wildlife: The surrounding Malheur National Forest offers ample opportunities for hiking the trails along the banks, and the varied forest cover and proximity to water make the area excellent for wildlife viewing and bird watching.

For the most accurate and current information regarding water availability, fire restrictions, and operating season dates, contact the managing US Forest Service District Office.

General Campground Location: Oregon, USA (Located in Harney County, Malheur National Forest)

Managing Agency Office (Malheur National Forest - Emigrant Creek Ranger District):

Address: 265 Highway 20 South Hines, OR 97738

Phone: (541) 573-4300

Note: Since the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are not accepted, making direct inquiries about current operating conditions essential.

Delintment Lake Campground is absolutely worth choosing for the Oregonian seeking an authentic, quiet, and unspoiled mountain lake experience. If you are looking to escape the crowds typical of coastal or popular cascade campgrounds, this secluded Eastern Oregon gem delivers.

It is particularly ideal for those who enjoy primitive camping (no hookups) and non-motorized water recreation. The consistent reports of the lake being clean and clear, combined with the dedication of the Forest Service to keep the sites well maintained, make it a safe bet for a relaxing trip. Whether you are an avid angler looking for productive trout fishing from the pier, or a family seeking a cool retreat during the hottest parts of the summer, Delintment Lake provides a peaceful backdrop. The chance to secure a private site away from noise and light pollution by arriving during off-peak times or shoulder seasons is a major draw for any Oregon camper yearning for true solitude.