Summer Lake State Wildlife Area

We didn't camp here but just stumbled on it while driving around looking for birds. Odd community of older trailers and campers, some of which looked like they were long-timers. Apparently this is a bird-hunting hang-out? That said, looked like lots of space available and very serene location in the middle of the wetlands far from civilization. It looked like there were several campgrounds, some further into the swamp. The road in is terrible washboard, but solid.

We were here in late May, and we're very impressed. Camping is quite basic; there are 4 camping area, each with a clean vault toilet, and trash barrels. No homeless people.
The last reviewer must have been here in the fall during duck hunting season.

To camp here, you must have a parking permit, which are obtained online at MyODW.com. I think it's $10/ day, $30 annually. Print it out and put on your dashboard. Our stay was free as hubby is an Oregon resident and a disabled veteran, and the pass came with his free fishing licence.Camping is limited to 14 days in a 30 period. An employee did empty trash during our stay and checked our permit.

The coordinates on campendium are not how you enter by the office, use Google maps. Website has a downloadable map which we found helpful.

We stayed at the River Ranch cg, which has the old barn.

Most people, at least when we were here, come to birdwatch. And we may take that up too. Saw lots of birds, American Avocet, Coots, Barn Owl and juvenile, barn swallows, Spotted Redshank, Sandhill Crane among others. It's best to get off the gravel roads and walk on the roads they use to control the water levels.

September 27, 2022. We are camping here for the second time. Beautiful setting,easy camping. Prefer to come in late spring when there is more water and bird activity, but we will stop whenever we are near. Duck hunting opens October 1, and they will close the auto loops. Free with the ODFW Parking Pass.

Very simple, but flat ground with fire rings and pit toilets. Obviously no amenities but an absolutely stunning location. Very quiet unless perhaps you’re here during duck hunting season.

Fabulous overnight camping area right off the road, but far enough to allow dogs off leash. Cute campsites spaced well apart with picnic tables and fire rings. Gorgeous night sky, quiet, and peaceful. Decent cell and 4g coverage, especially with booster. GPS link takes you to old closed entrance. Look for paved road entrance with sign a few hundred feet to the north and follow road behind buildings to get there.