Alvord Desert
Fields, OR
A dry lakebed about 12 miles long below the east face of Steens Mountain, flat and silent. Only drive on the playa when it is completely dry.
The Alvord Desert is a playa, a dried-up lakebed, about 18 km (11 miles) long and almost 10 km (6 miles) wide. Tens of thousands of years ago a lake nearly 60 m (200 ft) deep covered the area. Steens Mountain rises to the west. The surface is fine clay that is firm when dry but extremely slippery when wet; vehicles can get stuck in the sticky mud. Drive onto the playa only when it is completely dry, usually from June to November.
The nearest community is Fields, about an hour’s drive away. There is no drinking water, no cell service and no facilities on the playa. Camping is possible, but there are no designated sites. Bring water, shade and wind protection, because strong wind is common. Borax Lake is nearby.
- Nearest town
- Fields, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.5300, -118.5100
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Pike Creek Primitive CampCampsite3 mi from Alvord DesertTentsCaravans
- South Steens CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Alvord Desert · 36 pitches
- South Steens Horse CampCampsite14 mi from Alvord Desert · 15 pitches
- Jackman Park CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Alvord Desert · 6 pitches
- Lily Lake Primitive Camping AreaCampsite17 mi from Alvord DesertFree
- Mann Lake CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Alvord DesertTentsCaravansFree
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Alvord Desert?
Alvord Desert is in Fields, OR, at GPS 42.5300, -118.5100. It is about 8 mi from Steens Mountain.
Can you camp near Alvord Desert?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pike Creek Primitive Camp, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Alvord Desert?
Alvord Desert is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Steens Mountain and the Alvord Desert and Space, desert and juniper: by camper through Oregon’s High Desert.
What is there to see near Alvord Desert?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kiger Gorge Overlook (14 mi), Pete French Round Barn (37 mi), Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (54 mi) and Summer Lake Wildlife Area (119 mi).
When is the best time to visit Alvord Desert?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)