Read about how our past guests feel about their stay and experience with Steens Mountain Packers and Lake Creek Base Camp.

"We found you by accident, but were sure glad we did! Kelsey was a fabulous hostess, the grounds are beautiful and we loved the tent cabin! We traveled a long way and planned on camping, but when we read your ad down in Frenchglen we decided to stay here. We had great food at short notice and enjoyed the quiet and the comfort. I hope we'll be back soon."-George, Angela, & Krista

"We spent our last night in the Steens Mt. cabins. We had 4 wonderful days in these amazing high desert mountains. We were familiar with the area-my husband spent many hunting seasons at Veltie Pruitt's camp in the 70's & 80's and he is always anxious to return here at any opportunity. He found these cabins on the Internet and immediately scheduled a time to come. Neither one of us had ridden horses in a very long time so the horse riding was quite an adventure. We survived a six hour and a five hour ride and could even walk the following day! The meals were incredible. Every meal was absolutely delicious! Everything was served up fresh and tasty. We especially enjoyed the pear pie (and everything else!) The owners and all the help were friendly and so much fun. You really feel like part of the family. Colton & Wilson both stole our hearts. They are the cutest cowboys we've ever laid our eyes on...Fred & John were both great guides. We learned a lot about the Steens and of course want to come back. This is such a different world over here. We left every "worldly" concern behind and just relaxed and enjoyed ourselves! Thanks for a very special time!"-Jack & Pam

"One doesn't have to travel far from home to find something wonderful. This is remarkably beautiful country and the camp you've set up here is well designed. The staff and family however are the true gems. Fred's stories of local events and histories are priceless. The boys warm personalities and abilities to share with adults is unique. Kelsey and Joni's hospitality and cooking unmatched and many thinks to Cindy and John whose vision make this all possible. We are looking forward to a return."-Mike & Nancy

"This is our last night in your beautiful camp. We have enjoyed every minute of our stay. We hadn't spent a lot of time on horseback and the ride was fantastic, the horses are a joy to be with and the beauty of the Steens is incredible. Everyone made us feel so welcome that we really felt a part of the family. We had a little car trouble on the way but once here the troubles all disappeared, especially while out on the excursions. Kelsey and Joni were the best, very personable and hard workers. We will come back again to this gorgeous place. Thank you."-Dan & Linda

"We had a wonderful stay and an exciting horseback ride during our visit to your base camp. The hospitality, accommodations and meals were exceptional. The entire family (kids included) were great hosts and John was a very good instructor regarding our horsemanship. Brian provided great meals and good service. We are looking forward to a future visit and pack trip."-Gerry & Mary

"What a wonderful place-we'll definitely be back again! The cabins and facilities are great and the horse ride on Saturday was such an experience. I certainly learned a lot and can even walk the day after! Thanks to Chino for a great ride...We had a rousting game of UNO in the cabin on Friday night and we all slept well. ... The campfire- fire, stories, and songs- was the highlight on Saturday night. Thanks!"-Carolyn & Colleen

"Can't wait to share your place with my family. Thank you."-Vanessa

"What a place to celebrate our 20th anniversary! Brian is a gem-great food & conversation."-Nan & Daryl

"We've had a wonderful stay! Your accommodations are the perfect blend of rustic and elegant. The food was great! Brian was a perfect host. We'll be back. Thank you"-Greg & Valerie

"Today was our first real day on this trip and we went horseback riding. I had so much fun... Just sitting here around the cabin is so relaxing. I love how at night you can look up and see millions of stars and the air is so fresh. There isn't one thing about this place that I don't love."-Katie

"I am very impressed:

• With the 'tent' design and layout. I really appreciate the distance between them, and the perfect proportions. The whole place has a charm that is overwhelming and wonderful. The restraint is what makes you truly feel transported to another realm.
• With our hosts-Cindy, Fred, and the crew things were efficient but not rushed; friendly, but not closing, and they seem truly to be enjoying themselves which is infectious.
• With the integrity of the whole place-good food, comfortable attractive furnishings, and all accomplished 'off the grid', no small feat.

I am looking forward to a return visit that includes a pack trip. I can't thing of a better group of people to do that with. Thank you for a wonderful stay."-Betsi

"My family and I love taking trips and this one has been a great one. I plan to come again with more people, many others wanted to come but couldn't make it so it's another great excuse to come again. I'm ready for tomorrow's horseback ride."-Minda & Garon

"6-23-04-Started from Wildhorse Ranch. Rode up Wildhorse, topped out at noon, ate lunch under a juniper tree. We rode probably another 9 miles, ended up at the Newton Cabin. Camp was all set up. Let the horses graze in the meadow. Great dinner good company.

6-24-04-Had another great breakfast, left camp headed up Big Indian, went to the waterfalls. Beautiful ride with waterfalls running, snowbanks melting. Meal time was super, we played guitars, drank a few brews, had fun.

6-25-04-Ate a good healthy breakfast, left camp went to the Riddle Ranch. Pretty green, lots of water, great dinner.

6-26-04-Saddled up, headed for Lake Creek. Real good ride with lots of flowers, grass up the gazoo. Good people, Great time! Thanks"-Cindy

"A truly wonderful mind vacation! We had such an enjoyable trail ride and we did well on the all day trip even with our new boots and ancient riding skills. I have never met more hospitable hosts, willing to share their family, their knowledge, and their love of the area. Now we are pondering a five day pack trip or maybe even a winter visit! The lure of the delicious meals, comfortable accommodations and above all, wonderful people, is so tempting."-Susan and Hilary

"Our family had a truly enjoyable adventure! There does not exist a more engaging and gracious clan than the Witzel's-the perfect hosts to guide us through and share this very special place. You are always welcome at our campfire! All the best"-Mark

"What a great time we had but much too short. Enjoyed meeting all the family and Joni. We look forward to coming back and doing some backpacking. Will certainly recommend Lake Creek to all our friends."

"What a truly peaceful place on earth. You have an amazing family who made us feel at home. Our trail ride was incredible and it's something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Not to mention I felt like I was eating at a gourmet restaurant every meal. Thanks again for sharing this beautiful country and your wonderful family and especially the 'Western Feature.' Hope to see you again."-Kirsten

"We arrived at 12:30 at night-they left the lights on for us!! As I lay in my cozy bed-I saw the fire light flickering on the tent. I heard the fire crackling, a moth beating on the window; I smelled the wood smoke and the clean fresh air and felt so thankful to be able to have and share this experience with my two peacefully sleeping daughters. What a memorable weekend. Thank you."-Roxann

"A magnificent setting in 'God's Country'. We enjoyed the cabins, the hospitality and the guitar players around the campfire! Thank you John for providing such an opportunity for us to enjoy. Brian was a great host."

"What a beautiful setting in the aspens! About 28 of us from Portland have been hiking, biking, kayaking, and horseback riding too. We've seen antelope, hawks, rattlesnakes at lower elevations, and deer. We've been in snow (the cabin was cozy) and tank to temperatures. Really love all the work you have put into making the cabins fit into the environment. We'll tell everyone back in Portland and hope to bring my children here next year."-Katherine

"Culmination as a real nice trip from Wildhorse Canyon and ending up here after four days of camping. We bought the two year old mule, Smokey, from Fred who hated to see her go. We intend to keep her for the next 35 years! Grandson Ian has had the time of his life."-Dick & Marti

"Stumbled on this place while going for a two day "ride" from Vale, Oregon. Drove down the road and met Cindy & family. Loved the seclusion. Decided to stay. Sure beats an air mattress in the back of a van! This cabin is so nice. Can't say enough about the hospitality and surroundings."-Alan & Dorothy

"The cabin is wonderful. The trail rides were great-everything is beautiful here. We enjoyed our visit with Wilson & Colton. Of course, Jim didn't pick on them. The meals are great, we ate way too much. We will be back and will tell all of our friends to come. We would really like it if we didn't have to go back to civilization."-Jim & Vicki

"This entire establishment is wonderful! What a beautiful getaway from the chaos of the city. Dinner was absolutely delicious...The sunset this evening was unbelievable. I am sure my family and my brother and I will be back sometime in the future. Wonderful food and hospitality, truly a one of a kind vacation. I must come back."-Tim & Erik

"Very peaceful to be nestled here amongst the aspens. Have enjoyed relaxing with all the friendly people and especially the Witzel family. This is really living. Already dreaming of our return and perhaps venturing out on the horses. Food and fresh air invigorating. Cabin and woodstove most comfortable. We thank you again for your warm hospitality and making this truly a rare experience. Until next time."-Marilyn & David

"Thank you so much for providing great hospitality, conversation, food & fun! We enjoyed the great location and getting to know Cindy & John. We look forward to returning next year."-Emilie & Paul

"First time here. We went on our first ever horseback ride which was a very fun experience. Clarice enjoyed riding Booger. The food each day here was super! We have never eaten so well anywhere we have ever stayed as we ate here. Joni was a super cook, and she was a great caretaker of Jake while we were on our trail ride. He enjoyed her, too. Fred and Cindy were great on the trail ride. And Fred gave a great tour of the Steens. Our thanks to everyone! We will tell all of our friends about this place! And, we will be back again."-Jim, Theresa, Clarice, & Jacob

"This has been a wonderful vacation. The bad side is the week has come to an end way too fast. The history of this Steens Mountain is so exciting that there is no way you can see it all in one week. Fish Lake was a great place to fish. The best part of the trip was getting to know John and Cindy. We really enjoyed Wilson and Colton were such great children; from the entertainment to their work habits; they are just great children. If our health holds out we plan on returning one of these years if for nothing else but to see the family again."-Ken & Connie

"This was an exceptional visit through Becoming An Outdoor Woman. It was great getting back on a horse. Spot was a great horse! The accommodations were super. The food was unbelievable! So good to meet John & Cindy, Wilson, Colton, & Laurel, and "the grandparents". ... Thank you so much for a stupendous two days."-Charlotte & Mary Lu

"We had a wonderful adventure, but we really didn't expect you to put on a "snow show" for us. Thank you so much."-Dona & Kristin

"Wow! What a spectacular place! John & Cindy-thank you for hosting such a special occasion. The Barnes family cannot thank you enough! You have a wonderful place."-Dana

"I had the most amazing time at your resort. I can't remember when I had as much fun as I had this past weekend. I just felt like taking the time to write and tell you how very wonderful everything was. It must be amazing to live in a place that is so beautiful and close to God and nature. Everything was perfect, the food, the hospitality, the cabins and the scenery was the most beautiful I've seen in a long time. Thank you,"-Jerry

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SMP offers lodging and outdoor adventure trips on Steens Mountain in Frenchglen, Oregon, including horseback riding, horse pack trips, winter activities, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, van tours, ski trips and an online catalog with area maps, books, gift items and western art.

Call us at 800-977-3995 or 541-495-2315