Rock Springs Campground
Open for the season. Fee campgrounds on Malheur National Forest operate May 1 through October 31. First-come, first-served only; no reservations. Camping limited to 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period. No potable water available; bring your own. Pack out all trash.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Stancliff Bridge FSR31 Closure for Repair
This Closure is necessary to facilitate emergency repairs to roads and bridges within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. Road maintenance on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District will commence on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Stancliff bridge must be closed to protect the public during the repair…
Magone Trail Closure Continuation 2026
Due to precommercial thinning operations that are planned around Magone Bike trail paths, for the safety of the public these trails need to be closed to the public while falling activities take place. Trails and Trailheads affected:Porcupine Springs #5089Phlo #5091Pumphouse #5091
14 Day Stay Limit
Prohibition of Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period. 36 CFR § 261.58(a)
About
Rock Springs Campground is a quiet, primitive campground located in the Emigrant Creek Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest. With just 12 sites nestled among mature ponderosa pine trees, it offers a secluded atmosphere ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful overnight stop between Burns and John Day, Oregon. Each site is equipped with a raised fire ring, picnic table, and compressed gravel pad. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water on site so campers must bring their own supply. Trash service is not provided; visitors must pack out all garbage. The campground sees relatively light use throughout most of the season, though occupancy increases during big game hunting seasons. Nearby recreational opportunities include fishing at Poison Creek Reservoir and access to local trails for hiking and horseback riding, including the Malheur River Trail #303 and Craft Cabin Trail #319. Check-in time is 2:00 PM, check-out is noon, and quiet hours are observed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Directions
From Burns, OR, travel east on US Highway 20 approximately 2.8 miles to US Highway 395 north. Turn right onto US Highway 395 north toward John Day. Follow US Highway 395 for approximately 30.8 miles to the junction with Forest Road 17. Turn right onto Forest Road 17, travel 4.8 miles to the junction with Forest Road 054. Follow Forest Road 054 for approximately 1 mile; the campground will be on the right.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 573-4300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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