It sometimes takes a little research to find the small campgrounds on Forest Service land. When one doesn’t have access to the Internet, the absolute best source is the DeLorme State Atlas.
We picked up the Oregon State Atlas at Crater Lake National Park. Each individual state’s atlas has amazing data for “the utmost in trip planning and backcountry access.” It contains topographic maps with unbeatable detail. Each paperback is 11″ x 15-1/2″.
The Dixie Campground is one of those wayside places located just off the highway for those of us who are traveling through and just need a conveniently place to boondock.
Near the Dixie Summit in Malheur National Forest, it is 11 miles NE of Prairie City, Ore., on US 26. Turn at the brown campground sign and go 0.2 mile to campground.
There are eleven sites for tents or RVs up to 20 feet, along with picnic tables, fire grills, and vault toilets. No reservations/fee. Pack it in, pack it out. Open May through Nov. For more information, contact the Blue Mountain Ranger District. The elevation is 5,200 ft.
The only drawback was the abundance of flying insects … however it is spring in the middle of a Lodgepole pine, Douglas and White fir forest. Cost is $8 per day ($4 for Senior Pass). Maximum Stay is 14 days.
– When you do have Internet access, the best online source for Forest Service campgrounds is www.forestcamping.com.
– Boondocking expert Bob Difley talks about “How to find dispersed boondocking campsites on public land” in a post on RV Net.
Photo: Jimmy Smith setting up camp at Dixie Campground site #9. (Julianne G. Crane)
