Remote camping in the Cascades? (Prairie City: appointed, insurance, cabins)

[Juxtaposition109]

Hello,
Now that summer is finally here I'm hoping to do a lot of camping. The only thing is that everyone else has the exact same idea. I'm wondering if anyone on here has any suggestions on some good areas in the Cascades that offer remote campsites that are less frequented by the huge crowds?

[PNW-type-gal]

This is a pretty good book, I've used it for decades (it's been updated many times):

Outdoor Guidebooks by Tom Stienstra - Pacific Northwest Camping

Over the years it's gotten a bit more focused on RVs and trailers, but there are still a lot of "primitive" sites mentioned. It's always wise to check with the forest service for the area to make sure camps haven't been closed or updated since the books were written.

[haggardhouseelf]

The forest lookouts are remote if you can find one that's not booked already - Find Campgrounds - ReserveAmerica

That should take you to a listing of Federal Lookouts and Guard Stations that you can rent. Some you have to hike several miles just to get to them. If the link doesn't work, go to Campgrounds and Camping Reservations - ReserveAmerica enter in the state you want to camp in , choose "looking for cabins or lodgings" and then when it brings up the first list click on the "federal" tab.

Or if you want to tent camp/backpack your choices are wide open. Just get out there and go. Check the BLM website, I have heard that camping on BLM lands is free but we've never done it...

[pdxMIKEpdx]

Another good book for finding camping spots is "Fishing in Oregon".
You can find it at Fred Meyers.
It's main focus is fishing spots, but it has tons of listings for small hike-in lakes with primitive camping.
Couple that with a DeLorme Oregon Atlas, and you got it made.
Also stop by a National Forest Ranger station and pick up a ranger district Topo map for about 5 to 10 bucks and you're all set for adventure.
BTW, you can camp just about anywhere you want in the National Forests. If you are looking for a "feature" such as a lake or something, you might be disappointed, but there are tons of forest roads that will take you to some pretty remote places that are quite beautiful.
Just be careful! Primitive and remote means just that.
You will have to depend on yourself if you get into a bad situation.
A small survival kit in addition to your camping gear is good insurance.
Make sure your vehicle is in excellent mechanical shape.

And even though quite a few people on this board will freak out at this suggestion, if you are by yourself in a remote primitive area, it's not a bad idea to be armed.
It's a whole new ball game when you are a hundred miles in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone coverage, public safety personnel or animal control. City rules don't apply.

I know you are probably thinking that I'm getting paranoid and preachy, but I spend an awful lot of time out in the woods and am constantly amazed how many city people I run across that have no clue and not prepared for things as small as a flat tire or minor first aid.
Several times I've run across folks that don't even know where they are after a day of driving around "exploring" with no maps, and are almost out of gas.

[skinem]

Hit the designated wilderness areas and backpack in. You can get away from people that way.

Don't limit yourself to the Cascades. Gorgeous getaways in the Eagle Cap in NE Oregon, The Strawberries outside of Prairie City and to really get away, check out Steens Mountain in SE Oregon.

If you aren't willing or able to walk in, there are still some more remote areas, but you'll have better luck getting away from folks in eastern Oregon.

[Juxtaposition109]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. PDX Mike. I totally agree with you on being prepared. I grew up in rural Kentucky so I've always had my OH S&#t stuff in my trunk just in case I need it. Everyone always made fun of me for having all of my OH S(&t stuff until of course something happened to one of them and they needed my help. I don't own a gun but I have a compound bow so I'll at least take that w/ me. Have a good one guys.

[Hawk J]

This looks like it might be Fun


Facility Details - Recreation.gov, Whisky Camp Guard Station (OR) - Recreation.gov


http://www.reserveamerica.com/campin...ex=CampingSpot