The Mud Creek Forest Camp is a convenient place to use as a basecamp for explorations of the Fremont-Winema National Forest north of Highway 140. The campground has seven campsites, each with fire ring and picnic table. A vault toilet is located in the middle of the campground. A water pump is located at the south entrance to campground. The campsites along the southern side of the campground and at the east end are the flattest and most spacious. Those on the creek side of the campground are sloped and perhaps more suited to a camper or small trailer, although the pullouts might be too sloped to get the camper or trailer level. There are mosquitoes early in the season (at least into mid July), so it doesn't hurt to bring a bug tent to eat meals in.
There are interesting plants to be viewed in the dry and moist meadows between the campgrond and Mud Creek. See the plant list below. We found the bird life to be quite entertaining during meals. Sandhill cranes can frequently be heard calling on nearby Bull Prairie.
The campground is lightly to moderatelly used mid-week. However, it should be noted that crews who are actively thinning the forest in the vicinity of the campground have been camping there, taking up 2-3 of the best campsites from Sunday night through mid-afternoon on Friday. They also tend to get up early and one can hear the whine of chainsaws and trees falling by 6:30 am, so keep that in mind when considering to camp here. The Aspen Cabin rental is about 2 miles north along FS Road 3615 and Can Springs and Vee Lake are primitive campgrounds located further north that might provide more solitude. Obtain drinking water at Mud Springs CG when camping at both those locations. In addition, some people will often sleep in their vehicles at the South Fork Crooked Creek Trailhead.
From Lakeview, drive north on US Highway 395. Turn right onto Oregon Highway 140 and drive east. Turn left onto paved FS Rd 3615 and drive uphill north, passing Bull Prairie on the left. Signed Mud Creek Forest Camp will be on the right where Mud Creek passes under the road. The campground is about 35 minutes north of Lakeview, OR.
Comprehensive Plant List for Mud Creek Forest Camp
July 18, 2022: Mud Creek Forest Camp, North Warner Mountains, Fremont-Winema National Forest
August 3, 2020: Mud Creek Forest Camp, North Warner Mountains, Fremont-Winema National Forest
June 27-July 1, 2019: Mud Creek Forest Camp, North Warner Mts, Fremont-Winema National Forest
June 12, 2016: Forest Road #3615 from Oregon Highway 140 north to North Warner Viewpoint (Fremont National Forest) - Floral highlights.
Mud Creek Campground: USFS website info.
Aspen Cabin Recreation Rental: USFS info about renting the Aspen Cabin which is located between Bull Prairie and Drake Peak Lookout, about one mile north of Mud Creek Forest Camp. Be prepared to book this popular site as much as 6 months in advance.