Steens Mountain Wilderness
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Steens Mountain Wilderness is the largest fault-block mountain in the Great Basin, with dramatic glacial gorges and a direct connection to the Alvord Desert. The mountain stretches nearly 50 miles and rises to 9,700 feet, with extreme contrasts and stark alkali playas. You'll see abundant wildlife, including mustangs and bighorn sheep. RVers who love mountain ranges will appreciate the natural beauty and stillness. RV camping is available nearby in South Steens and at private RV resorts, and dispersed sites don't require reservations. Roads directly off the highway are paved, though most routes within the area are loose gravel or rocky, so smaller RVs are the best fit. Dispersed and primitive camping can help you save money on your trip; however, you'll also find resorts with amenities nearby.
Quick Facts About RVing in Steens Mountain Wilderness
● RV Friendly: Limited ● Max RV Length: Recommended maximum length 90 feet at resorts ● Camping Type: Both ● Reservations: Not at dispersed camping options ● Hookups: Full and partial hookups at resorts; none at dispersed areas ● Dump Station: Nearest dump station is at Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort ● Potable Water: Available at the RV resort ● Cell Service: None ● Pets: Allowed, must be on a leash ● Roads: Loose gravel ● Best Season: Summer through early fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
● Dramatic views of glacial gorges ● Wild mustangs roaming freely and abundant wildlife ● The 52-mile Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway, made for a scenic RV drive ● Wide open dispersed camping and boondocking opportunities ● Full-hookup resort options nearby when you want to recharge ● Beautiful flora, including wildflowers ● Stargazing and peaceful solitude far from crowds
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Big Indian Gorge
Big Indian Gorge is one of the most spectacular canyons within the Steens Mountain wilderness. This dog-friendly trail starts 1.9 miles below the wide-open sky on an old road. It's mainly used for camping, hiking, backpacking, and nature trips. Travelers can best use this trail from June to October.
Length: 16.9 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Pike Creek Canyon
This out-and-back route is situated near Fields, OR and offers a chance to view wildlife. Dogs are allowed on this hiking trail, but you need to keep them on a leash at all times.
Length: 5.59 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Wildhorse Lake Trail
Located below the Steens Mountain summit near Frenchglen, this hike scrambles down a winding trail into a big basin full of wildflowers. Although the moderately trafficked trail is rough and remote, it's well-defined and pretty easy to follow.
Length: 2.48 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Kiger Gorge Overlook
This lightly trafficked trail is located near Frenchglen. It's mainly used for hiking and is ideal for all skill levels.
Length: 0.2 mile
Intensity: Easy
Fishing
Fishing is incredibly popular at the Donner ünd Blitzen River and in several lakes such as Fish Lake. You'll find a variety of trout at this BLM site, with red band trout being the most prominent. The fishing experience may be hit or miss at times, but if you're not getting some bites, you can head upstream, where you can find several remote fishing spots.
Wildlife Viewing
The trees and rich vegetation along the rivers and lakes within the Steens Mountain Wilderness provide a good habitat for many types of wild animals. Travelers with a keen eye can watch for coyotes, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, and Rocky Mountain elk. Bird-watchers can also spot a variety of avian species including hawks, eagles, and sage grouse.
Picnicking
Steens Mountain Wilderness has several picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Each campsite in South Steens Campground offers a grill and picnic table. You can also head to Page Springs Campground, where you'll find a well-covered picnic site available for day use.
Hunting
Visitors can pursue various hunting opportunities throughout the fall. The Steens Mountain area is part of Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Unit 69, and hunting enthusiasts commonly seek deer and elk in the wilderness area. Management allows tags during hunting, but always keep an eye out for equestrians and hikers that might be passing by.
Snowshoeing and Skiing
Once snow covers Steens Mountain, visitors can find many cross-country and snowshoeing opportunities throughout the site. The available trails provide many hours of exploration and fun on the snow-covered mountain. However, it's wise to watch out for wildlife tracks since some wild animals are also winter residents.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
There are several Bureau of Land Management campgrounds within Steens Mountain Wilderness where RV camping enthusiasts can park their trailers and motorhomes. One of them is South Steens Campground, offering 36 campsites for RV and tent use and 15 additional campsites for equestrians. While there are no hookups at this Bureau of Land Management campground, you'll find grills, picnic tables, vault toilets, and drinking water. Page Springs Campground also offers 36 campsites and is popular among anglers and hikers. This campground doesn't offer hookups and showers, but you'll find a well-covered picnic site, drinking water, restrooms, and vault toilets.
Developed Campgrounds
Developed campgrounds near Steens Mountain Wilderness include South Steens, Page Springs, and Fish Lake Campgrounds, which offer picnic tables, vaulted toilets, and drinking water. They do not offer any RV hookups. Reservations aren't required at these BLM lands, and the nightly camping fee is $16. Page Springs Campground is year-round. South Steens is open from mid-May to mid-November, and Fish Lake operates from mid-June to October.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is available at Steens Mountain Loop Road pull-offs and in open spaces close to the Alvord Desert flats. The stay limit is 14 days within a 28-day period, and you must follow a leave-no-trace policy. Access roads directly off the highway are paved; however, most roads in the area are loose gravel or rocky. Fire restrictions in the Burns District change with conditions and can limit or ban campfires, even at some developed campgrounds, so check current fire restrictions before you go.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
● Camper Vans: Camper vans, especially 4x4s, are the best choices for navigating this area because they offer an excellent turning radius. They have higher clearance and help avoid washboard and rock-related damage. ● Travel Trailers: A smaller travel trailer can handle this terrain, especially with independent suspension and a 4x4 tow vehicle for extra clearance. However, severe washboards can cause interior damage, and they don't perform well in tight spaces. ● Fifth Wheels: A fifth wheel isn't recommended for this area. Their weight and length will work against them and can lead to damage when traveling over steep terrain. They are also harder to turn around on primitive campgrounds. ● Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are not recommended for this terrain. They're better suited to parking at an RV resort and exploring by car instead. They have low clearance, severe overhang, and a wider turning radius, which raises the risk of getting stuck on loose gravel and rocky dirt roads. ● Class B Motorhomes: If you choose a smaller Class B motorhome model, you get the same benefits as a camper van. These models are easier to turn around and manage in steep areas. They won't become damaged because of scraping or rock strikes. ● Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes often have significant rear overhang, so watch for scraping on dips, uneven campsites, or steep driveways along the Loop Road. Engines also lose some power as you climb toward the mountain's higher elevations, so expect a bit less pep on the steeper grades.
Free Camping 
Steens Mountain Wilderness area offers an excellent camping site for primitive campers exploring the BLM land. However, visitors should only camp in designated and pre-used sites on durable surfaces like sand, dry grass, compacted dirt, or rocks. Also, you want to ensure that you're at least 200 feet away from trails and water. This Bureau of Land Management free camping area allows travelers to stay at a single site for a maximum of 14 days, after which they need to move to a different site.
RV Rentals Near Steens Mountain Wilderness Plan your next adventure
Planning your Steens Mountain Wilderness BLM trip
Steens Mountain Wilderness Area is located in a very remote area of southeastern Oregon. Visitors need to come prepared for the journey with a map for easy route planning and navigation. Gas stations are few and far between, and phone service is intermittent near the BLM site. The roads in this wilderness area can be challenging for recreational vehicles due to the bumps and steep elevation changes. Therefore, if you plan on taking an RV, remember to proceed slowly. Also, exercise caution on the road and be ready to stop for any wild animals that may be crossing or blocking the way. Remember to check road conditions and water availability on the local BLM website before your road trip to avoid any surprises.
The Steens Mountain Protection Area comprises both private and public lands. Respect landowners, and always ask for permission before driving through private property. 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
RVers can get potable water at developed campgrounds, but they should bring their own if dispersed camping. There are gas stations and general stores within 30 to 45 minutes of Steens Mountain Wilderness and nearby BLM public lands. The cell service is spotty at best, and you can use generators at the campgrounds. However, you must adhere to BLM quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. You are responsible for your own trash, and there is a dump station at Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort. The roads are rocky dirt and gravel, and extreme weather could impact your stay during the summer. Frenchglen, Fields, and Burns are nearby, and Harney County Emergency Management Services are available via 911 dispatch. Read our Packing Checklist Blog for additional advice.
Leave No Trace 
The BLM requires all visitors to clean up after themselves to help maintain all the natural resources within the Steens Mountain Wilderness. Inspect the rest areas and your campsite for spilled food or trash and pack everything out. Observe wild animals from a safe distance, and do not feed, approach, or follow them. Keep your campfires small and under control at all times. Do not touch or interfere with historical or cultural artifacts on the site. Lastly, respect other travelers and allow them to have rewarding experiences by being courteous and accommodating to everyone on the trail.
Steens Mountain Wilderness Location
To reach the BLM site, take State Hwy 78 southeast for around 2 miles from Burns. From there, turn right onto Hwy 205, and drive south for approximately 60 miles to Frenchglen. Turn left past Frenchglen onto Steens Mountain Road.
Ready to visit the Steens Mountain Wilderness? 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 Steens Mountain Wilderness
● Morning: Start your day with a healthy breakfast and then drive to Kiger Gorge Overlook, about a 45-minute drive up the Loop Road. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the U-shaped glacial valley. You can continue on to East Rim Viewpoint to see scenic views of the Alvord Desert. ● Afternoon: Drive to the south side of the loop to see the roaming mustangs. You can stop at Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District to explore. You'll learn about pioneer ranching. ● Evening: Drive to Frenchglen for local cuisine and indulge in fresh pies at the Historic Frenchglen Hotel. Take a stroll through the Wilderness Nature Trail and then return to your RV for rest and relaxation.
Nearby Attractions
● Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway: Starting right near Frenchglen, this 52-mile loop offers scenic overlooks. The best views are available at East Rim and Kiger Gorge. ● Alvord Desert: About a 1.5-hour drive from the Loop Road via East Steens Road, the Alvord Desert is a flat alkali playa that spans roughly 12 by 7 miles. It's a terrific place to boondock and view open horizons. ● Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: Roughly a 30-minute drive north of Frenchglen, this refuge offers expansive wetlands and many vantage points for viewing wildlife and birds. You'll find paved roads that make it more accessible for RVers. ● Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District: About a 15-minute drive from South Steens Campground, you'll find a preserved 19th-century ranch structure, offering insight into high desert homesteading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any motorized vehicles allowed inside Steens Mountain Wilderness? Currently, no motorized vehicles are allowed inside Steens Mountain Wilderness. The BLM doesn't allow bicycles within the wilderness boundaries. You must park in the designated parking lot and travel by foot. When is the best time to visit Steens Mountain Wilderness? It is best to visit Steens Mountain Wilderness from July to October. Heavy snowfall during the winter can block the loop road until the early weeks of July. The temperatures can become extreme in summer, so if you prefer cooler temperatures, you should visit during early fall. How long can you stay in the dispersed campgrounds? Currently, the maximum stay limit is 14 days within any given 28 days. However, you can move to other BLM public lands, an RV resort, or a developed campground after a 14-day stay. Some campgrounds may require a nightly fee. Is generator use restricted at Steens Mountain Wilderness? You cannot use a generator inside Steens Mountain Wilderness. However, you can use a generator on dispersed or developed campgrounds. You must adhere to the BLM quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Is Steens Mountain an actual mountain range? Actually, no, it is one huge, contiguous monolith and is considered the largest fault-block mountain in the Great Basin. It stretches nearly 50 miles and rises 1 mile above the Alvord Desert floor.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Renting the right RV is necessary to get the best experience during your trip to Steens Mountain Wilderness. The loose gravel and rocky dirt roads mean a camper van or a small Class B motorhome is the perfect choice for this terrain. These models offer a better turn radius and higher clearance. You won't become stuck or face significant inconveniences. Renting an RV can also reduce wear and tear on your own RV. Many RV owners offering rentals will provide setup and delivery to your preferred location. It's the perfect solution for a worry-free trip. Browse our RV rentals in Burns, OR, to find the best model for your Steens Mountain Wilderness adventure.