Thielsen Forest Camp

Closed

Closed for the season. The campground typically closes in late fall or early winter due to snow and reopens in late spring or early summer, depending on snowpack and road conditions.

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.…

National Forest Service Road 1758-161 and Hardesty Way Trail Construction

Road and trail work is occurring on National Forest Service Road 1758-161 and Hardesty Way Trail on the Cottage Grove Ranger District. Work is expected to continue until the end of May 2026.

112-acre Long Prairie Prescribed Burn Planned for May 4 - May 10

The Long Prairie Unit 710 prescribed burn is planned for next week, May 4 -10. The 112-acre prescribed fire will take place on the Tiller Ranger District along National Forest Service Road 3201-300, west of Threehorn Campground starting tomorrow. If needed and conditions allow, burning may still…

Slight Delays on County Road 34

Hazard tree falling will occur on County Road 46 on Wednesday, April 15 through Friday, April 17 and Monday and Tuesday, April 20 and 21. Visitors traveling in the area on the Tiller Ranger District should slow down, watch for flaggers, obey posted speed limits, and expect 20-minute delays.

Forest-operated Developed Recreation are No Longer Accepting Cash or Check

All Forest-operated developed recreation sites will no longer accept cash or check. Scan & Pay will be available at campgrounds, trailheads, showers, RV dump stations, boat ramps, and picnic day use areas across the Forest.  How will this impact how you recreate in summer 2026?  With limited…

Umpqua Hot Springs Rules and Regulations

The area of the Umpqua Hot Springs is designated day-use only. Prohibited actions in or around the Umpqua Hot Springs include:Being in the area after sundown or before sunriseCampingParking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions

14-Day Stay Limit Across Umpqua National Forest

Camping within a five-mile radius for longer than 14 days and staying longer than 28 calendar days in a given year is prohibited.

About

Thielsen Forest Camp is a small, free camping area featuring five sites situated along Highway 138 in the Diamond Lake Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest. This historic location served as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and now provides rustic camping opportunities for visitors exploring the southern Oregon Cascades. The campground's location makes it an ideal staging point for outdoor recreation. Hikers can access the Mount Thielsen Trail nearby, leading to spectacular views of this dramatic volcanic peak known as the "Lightning Rod of the Cascades." The campground is also conveniently located for day trips to Crater Lake National Park and the numerous waterfalls along the scenic Highway 138 corridor, including the famous Toketee Falls and Watson Falls. As a primitive forest camp, amenities are basic but adequate for self-sufficient campers. The site offers vault toilets but no potable water, so visitors must bring their own supply. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system and no fees. Maximum stay is 14 days, and the campground is accessible to vehicles up to 25 feet in length. Due to winter snow and road conditions at this elevation, the campground operates seasonally and closes during winter months.

Directions

From Glide, OR, take Highway 138 eastbound toward Diamond Lake for 55.5 miles. Thielsen Forest Camp is on the left side of the highway.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length 25ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (541) 496-3532

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!