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South Steens Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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South Steens Campground

South Steens Campground is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site nestled among juniper trees and sagebrush in Oregon's high desert. Located in the unspoiled Steens Mountain Wilderness, each campsite has access to picnic tables, grills, vault toilets, and drinking water. An adjacent equestrian site was designed specifically for horseback riders. This campground is maintained by the BLM, a federal agency that cares for public lands across the U.S., including 16.1 million acres of the Pacific Northwest. South Steels Campground is located 89 miles south of the town of Burns. You'll find Crater Lake National Park 308 miles from the campground, while Fremont National Forest is 246 miles away. The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is a 60-mile drive from the campground. This refuge is a haven for species like pronghorn antelope and mule deer.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Little Blitzen Gorge Trail

This trail is a popular spot on Steens Mountain for hiking, backpacking, and camping. The best time to visit is between April and September. Length: 19-mile loop Intensity: Moderately Challenging

Big Indian Gorge Trail

The first seven miles of this Steens Mountain trail are easy, but the last mile is more challenging. You'll pass through meadows and aspen and cottonwood groves with views of beautiful wildflowers, waterfalls, and stunning U-shaped gorges. There are several primitive campsites along the trail. Length: 8 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Fish Lake Recreation Site is only 20 miles from the South Steens Campground. Here, 23 campsites border Fish Lake, where you can enjoy fishing and swimming on the western slope of Steens Mountain. Note that this area is open seasonally from July 15 to November 1.

Climbing

Steens Mountain is one of Oregon's tallest peaks with a summit of over 9,700 feet. Most of the mountain is BLM land and open to the public. The mountain range spans an area measuring 60 miles by 18 miles, with several opportunities for climbing. Highlands are found within hiking distance of the main road. Devine Rock is one popular spot on the mountain for mountain climbing.

Wildlife Viewing

The land surrounding South Steens Campground is home to coyotes and antelope. You'll see Kiger Mustangs and mule deer grazing on the high slopes and endangered sage grouse in the canyons. Eagles, hawks, and peregrine falcons are among the area's raptors. Bighorn sheep are found on the eastern face of the mountain, and Roaring Springs along the Catlow Valley attracts bighorn sheep and mule deer to the water, which can be seen from the highway.

Picnicking

Each of the campsites in South Steens Campground includes a metal picnic table. There are also fire pits with grills on each site for cooking.

Horseback Riding

South Steens Campground's equestrian trails provide you with amazing views of glacier-carved gorges on the west face of Steens Mountain. You're welcome to explore the Little Blitzen Gorges and Big Indian Trails and visit the historic Riddle Brothers Ranch. Fifteen of the campground's sites are designed for equestrians, with sturdy hitching rails. Five of them include two-horse corrals.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The sites at South Steens Campground don't offer full hookups, but each of the 36 sites is big enough for an RV. All campsites are first come, first served. South Steens Campground includes two loops: one for those with horses and one for guests without them. The ones on the south side of each loop offer the most shade.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found in several areas around Steens Mountain near South Steens Campground, especially along Big Indian Gorge Trail. Dispersed camping is limited to tent camping. Campers must ensure they aren't on private property before setting up.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your South Steens Campground BLM trip

Summer and fall are the best times of the year to visit South Steens Campground due to the warmer temperatures and less snow. The typical camping season runs from mid-May through mid-November. You'll want to bring your own fuel for cooking and campfires. Note that guests are not permitted to cut trees. The camping fee for South Steens Campground is $16 per night for an RV and up to one towed vehicle. Additional cars cost $5 more. All sites are first-come, first-served, so it's best to occupy your campsite before heading to the payment kiosk near the entrance. Cash and checks are acceptable forms of payment. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Once you leave South Steens Campground, there shouldn't be any evidence left from your stay. Take all of your trash and camping gear with you, as the "Leave No Trace " policy implies. Only camp on established sites, and avoid destroying the surrounding vegetation. Before leaving, walk around your campsite and look for items you may have forgotten. When litter is left behind at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, park officials, volunteers, and other guests are forced to clean up after you. By following the rules, you're ensuring that the area stays in good condition for future guests. If you are bringing horses, note that pelletized or certified weed-free hay is required on all BLM public land in Oregon to prevent the spread of invasive species.

South Steens Campground Location

When searching for BLM camping near me, you'll find South Steens Campground in Princeton, Oregon, near the city of Burns. From Burns, follow State Highway 78 southeast for two miles. Take a right onto State Highway 205, and head south for 60 miles. When you reach the town of Frenchglen, continue on 205 up "P" Hill. Take a left on Steens Mountain Loop Road. The campground's turn-off is 18 miles from 205. Address: Steens Mountain Loop Road, Princeton, OR 97721 Ready to visit South Steens Campground? 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.

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