Thielsen Forest Camp
The campground was closed for the 2025 season. The 2026 operating status has not been confirmed by official sources. This is a seasonal campground in a high-elevation area that typically opens in late spring or early summer depending on snow 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.…
Fall Creek Falls Trailhead and Trail Closure - May 27
Danger tree work will be occurring on National Forest Service Road 4710 and will impact Fall Creek Falls Trail. Fall Creek Falls Trail will be closed for one full day on May 27.We appreciate your patience as we work to improve Forest infrastructure.
Steamboat Road Closures and Delays
To inform a design for a future project on National Forest System Road 38, Steamboat Road, a geotechnical investigation will begin May 19 with work continuing through May 28. This involves a truck mounted drill rig setting up along the road to extract soil and rock samples below the roadway.Delays…
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.
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 primitive campground located along Highway 138 in Umpqua National Forest at an elevation of approximately 4,800 feet. Originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this five-site campground offers a quiet alternative to the busier developed campgrounds around Diamond Lake. The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the area's many attractions. Mount Thielsen, known as the "Lightning Rod of the Cascades," rises to the east with trailhead access nearby. Crater Lake National Park lies just a short drive south, and the scenic North Umpqua River corridor to the west features numerous waterfalls accessible from Highway 138. Facilities are minimal, with vault toilets being the only amenity provided. Campers must bring their own drinking water as none is available on site. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees or reservations required.
Directions
From Glide, Oregon, take Highway 138 East toward Diamond Lake for 55.5 miles. Thielsen Forest Camp is on the left side of the highway.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 |
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