Twin Springs Campground is the most remote campground managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), offering a primitive yet tranquil retreat in the middle of wild steppe landscape. The campground provides basic amenities, including a vault toilet, shaded picnic tables nestled among poplar and aspen trees, and a hand-pump providing spring water suitable for washing purposes only.
This secluded campground serves as an ideal base for exploring three of the most remote rock collecting areas: Twin Springs, Haystack Butte, and Negro Rocks. Additionally, the road south from the campground provides access to Grassy Mountain, Dry Creek Canyon, and Freezout Ridge, situated west of the Owyhee Reservoir.
Know Before You Go
Twin Springs Campground is a remote desert destination that requires careful preparations.
Travelers should be aware that there are no services available within a 36-mile radius, including gas stations, drinking water sources, or cell phone reception. The desert environment poses risks of extreme summer heat and dehydration. Carry ample water and avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Rattlesnakes are common here, so pay attention to your surroundings.
If your intention to travel further, be especially careful exploring spur roads, as many may be washed out or deeply rutted, potentially posing challenges for all types of vehicles.
When going to the area, ensure you have spare tires, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Since there's no cell service in the area, inform someone about your trip or have satellite communication for your safety.
Check desert safety tips before heading out.
Twin Springs Campground | Facts
Best time: May through October
Managed by: Bureau Land of Management (BLM)
Amenities: Vault toilet, hand-pump water for washing only, picnic table, and fire ring
Activities: Camping, rockhounding, and wildlife observing
Road access: A high-clearance 4WD vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 3,100 ft (950 m)
Twin Springs Campground is located:
- 36 miles southeast of Nyssa
- 260 miles east of Bend
- 420 miles southeast of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Driving Directions to Twin Springs Campground
The road from Vale (Highway 20/26) is longer and more bumpy. We recommend to use Nyssa as a start point.
From Nyssa,
- Take Highway OR 201 and drive for 8 miles to Owyhee Avenue
- Turn right onto Owyhee Avenue and head 6 miles east to Mitchel Butte Road
- Turn left onto Mitchel Butte Road and continue 0.5 miles to a fork; at the fork, bear right
- Drive 4.9 miles to another fork and take the right road, and after 0.3 miles keep right
- Continue 0.9 miles to the next fork and go straight
- Drive 2.4 miles to Twin Springs Road
- Turn left onto Twin Springs Road and follow for about 12.8 miles to the campground.