Lake Abert and Abert Rim
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Lake Abert and Abert Rim are home to North America's longest exposed fault and scarp. The rim rises next to Lake Abert, which is Oregon's only saltwater lake. BLM dispersed camping is available without reservations at designated roadside pullouts along U.S. Route 395. This highway runs alongside the lake for 25 miles. It's a well-maintained, paved road, but driving to the upper overlooks requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance. Wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous hikers will love this area.
Quick Facts About RVing in Lake Abert and Abert Rim
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Recommended length up to 36 feet • Camping Type: Dispersed camping • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed on a leash • Roads: Paved main road with unpaved forest service roads to upper overlooks • Best Season: Spring or fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Easy RV accessibility with paved roads • Great area for boondocking • Exceptional wildlife and bird watching • Pristine dark skies for stargazing • Ideal location for hang gliding and paragliding
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Bullard Canyon Trail
This trail is located in Lakeview, which is a half-hour southwest of Abert Lake and Abert Rim, and it offers beautiful views of the landscape.
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Cottonwood Meadows Trail
This peaceful trail, an hour southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim, meanders through both woods and meadows and is a great way to view wildlife.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Guano Creek Trail
This trail offers a quiet, secluded hike through a more remote region of the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Abert Rim Trail
This trail can be a bit steep, but it offers stunning views of both the surrounding landscape and the wildlife at Abert Lake.
Length: 3.6 miles
Intensity: Hard
Fishing and Boating
Since Lake Abert is a saltwater lake, it’s not ideal for fishing. However, fishing enthusiasts can stop at the nearby Campbell and Deadhorse Lakes, both of which offer excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Brown and rainbow trout are some of the most commonly caught fish in the area.
Wildlife Viewing
There is a designated Watchable Wildlife Area not far from Lake Abert and Abert Rim on Route 395. This area is perfect for observing migratory birds. The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is also located near Abert Lake. Visitors to the area can spot antelope but also cranes, Canada geese, bighorn sheep, ducks, mule deer, and sage grouse.
Picnicking
Chandler State Wayside, located just 12 minutes southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim, is a quiet spot for a picnic. There are a few picnic tables, and the wayside is conveniently located on the way from Lakeview to Lake Abert. Visitors can also picnic at the Abert Lake Watchable Wildlife Area, although there are no tables or fire rings.
Snowmobiling and Skiing
During the winter months, many snow activities are popular in the region. Snowmobilers can ride along any wide trail, and cross-country skiing is popular along many of the local hiking trails.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
There are several excellent options for RV camping near Lake Abert and Abert Rim. Oregon Outback RV Park, which is 10 minutes southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim, offers full hookups and a dump station plus a laundry facility. Ana Reservoir RV Park, an hour northwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim, also has large spots, beautiful views of the scenery, full hookups, and a laundry facility. Junipers Reservoir RV Park, which is 40 minutes to the southwest, offers a laundry area, a dump station, and spacious areas for picnics that include grills and fire pits.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM public lands surrounding Abert Lake and Abert Rim, specifically at established pullouts along U.S. Route 395. You can stay a maximum of 14 days within a 28-day period. Follow the Leave No Trace principles, including disposing of waste properly and leaving what you find. The highway is open year-round and is suitable for all sizes of RVs under normal weather conditions. Be aware that there's no formal layout for campsites and very little privacy. Open campfires are not permitted. There's also no fuel, drinking water, or food available, so bring these with you.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
Lake Abert and Abert Rim are beautiful places to visit with an RV. The main highway is paved, which makes it ideal for even large rigs. Watch for gravel pull-offs that often accommodate RVs. • Camper Vans: Camper vans equipped with four-wheel drive can safely access some of the rougher dirt tracks. It's also easier to set up camp in dispersed camping sites with this type of RV. • Travel Trailers: Travel trailers handle well along U.S. Route 395. However, watch out for the sudden high winds off the lake. • Fifth Wheels: For larger models, you will need to use caution if you pull off the paved highway. Similar to travel trailers, the advantage of this type of RV is that you can set up camp and then use your personal vehicle to explore. • Class A Motorhomes: Class A motor coaches may be too large to make roadside camping practical. Their size may also make them too difficult to fit in the pull-offs for day trips. • Class B Motorhomes: If you attempt to climb unpaved, steep side tracks, you risk bottoming out or getting stuck in the soft alkali dust. However, they are usually compact enough to take advantage of the dispersed camping spots. • Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes handle similarly to Class B motorhomes and are generally suitable for camping along U.S. Route 395. However, you should avoid steep, unpaved side tracks.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is permitted in Lake Abert and Abert Rim as there are numerous pullouts on US Route 395 where you can park your RV. Be advised that, as with most Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, there are no restrooms or drinking water available. Ten minutes southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim is Chewaucan Crossing Campground. There are five campsites, each with a fire ring and picnic table, and a vault toilet. Another free place to stay is Cox Pass Trailhead, 34 minutes southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim.
RV Rentals Near Lake Abert and Abert Rim Plan your next adventure
Planning your Lake Abert and Abert Rim BLM trip
The Lake Abert and Abert Rim area mostly experiences mild weather during the spring, summer and fall months. Summer temperatures can reach the mid-80s, but because the area is so arid, the nights can become chilly very quickly, even after a warm day. Winter temperatures usually dip below freezing, but daytime highs can be in the 40s even in December and January. If you’re planning on BLM RV camping in the area, however, it’s always a good idea to dress in layers and pack for varying temperatures.
Lake Abert is relatively remote, and there are few amenities. The area doesn’t provide any water, so make sure to always carry everything you need with you.
Whenever you plan to go Bureau of Land Management camping, it’s a smart idea to double-check policies before you head out. Most BLM campgrounds allow for stays of up to 14 days within a month. And, usually, two tents and up to eight people can stay at one site, but this can vary from location to location. Most BLM sites don’t take reservations, so call ahead to make sure there’s enough space. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Lake Abert and Abert Rim are remote. Cell service and internet access are extremely limited. Expect a mostly remote dead zone with weak and unreliable signals. You won't be able to rely on your smartphone for emergencies, navigation updates, or streaming. There's also no potable water, dump stations, restrooms, or propane available on-site. Get your fuel and supplies before arriving. Fuel stations can be found along Highway 31 in Paisley or Lakeview, OR. These places are about a 30-minute drive from Lake Abert and Abert Rim. You'll also find grocery stores in these towns.
Leave No Trace 
If you’re staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or exploring a natural area, it’s crucial to leave as little trace as possible in order to protect those wild spaces. There are few amenities available at Lake Abert and Abert Rim, so take all your trash with you when you leave if a trash can isn’t available. Only camp or make fires in designated areas, and only make fires when the fire danger is low. It’s always best to disturb the plants and animals in the area as little as possible, so observe animals from a distance, and don’t take any plants or rocks home with you.
Lake Abert and Abert Rim Location
From Lakeview, take US Route 395 north for about 25 miles until you reach the lake and rim area. There are several pullouts along Route 395 that provide access to the area.
Ready to visit Lake Abert and Abert Rim? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Lake Abert and Abert Rim
Morning: After breakfast in the RV, do some birdwatching. Look for migrating species, such as the American avocets or eared grebes. Take a walk along the shoreline to enjoy the scenery and snap some photos. Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in your RV with views of the water. Afterward, explore the rugged 3.6-mile Abert Rim hiking trail. Evening: Watch the stunning sunset as it casts orange and pink light across the cliff face. After dinner, grab a blanket to sit outside for some fantastic stargazing.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Abert and Abert Rim provide the perfect overnight spot when traveling through Oregon in an RV. Dispersed camping allows you to enjoy the area fully. You may also want to visit these nearby locations. • Summer Lake Hot Springs: Visit the mineral-rich waters of Summer Lake Hot Springs and enjoy the stunning desert views. This is a 50-minute drive away. • Paisley Caves: This system of eight basalt caves includes human archeological features dating back more than 14,000 years. The caves are a 43-minute drive from Lake Abert and Abert Rim. • Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge: At the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge you'll find pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and high desert hiking. It's located 81 miles from Lake Abert and Abert Rim. • Fremont National Recreation Trail: Enjoy scenic vistas of the Fremont-Wineman National Forest while hiking this trail. While a little longer drive of 1 hour and 50 minutes, it's well worth the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this area suitable for large RVs? While large RVs can access this area, smaller models and travel trailers may work best. The main highway along the lake is paved, but the offshoots are dirt and gravel. Furthermore, the areas where dispersed camping is allowed can be a tight fit for larger motorhomes. Are generators allowed? There are no specific rules at Lake Abert and Abert Rim saying that generators are not allowed. Since this is BLM land that you'll be sharing with other campers, be respectful. Keep all noise down during hours when people are sleeping. Can I have a campfire? No, you cannot have a campfire at Lake Abert and Abert Rim. This includes charcoal grills and fire pits. The BLM's seasonal public use fire restrictions prohibit fires in dispersed and backcountry areas. However, propane grills and stoves are permitted for cooking up tasty meals during your trip. What is the best season for RV camping at Lake Abert and Abert Rim? Spring or fall are the best seasons for camping at this BLM area. Daytime temperatures are much more comfortable than during the summer or winter season. These shoulder seasons are also ideal for viewing migratory birds and waterfowl on Lake Abert. You'll find fewer crowds during these times too, which makes it easier to find a spot at the designated dispersed camping areas. Can I bring my pets to Lake Abert and Abert Rim? Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Abert and Abert Rim. Keep them on a leash to protect local wildlife and prevent them from wandering off. Bring extra water for them as well. Water sources are scarce, and Lake Abert isn't safe for drinking or swimming. Watch for sharp rocks, unstable shoreline edges, rattlesnakes, and ticks while visiting with your pet.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Renting the right RV for your trip to Lake Abert and Abert Rim will help make your visit comfortable. A smaller RV or travel trailer is the best option. These are compact enough to easily maneuver and make dispersed camping convenient without having to sacrifice any of the luxuries RV travel provides. Browse RV rentals near Paisley, Oregon for your trip to Lake Abert and Abert Rim.