Join the fun near Sumpter. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Sumpter, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Sumpter camping trip.
One of Eastern Oregons largest Forest Service campgrounds, Union Creek Campground is located 18 miles South of Baker City. Sitting along Phillips Reservoirs North shore, Union Creek Campground boasts many amenities including over 60 tent/trailer sites, some with full hookups. There is access to boating, mountain biking, hiking and more. This campground is part of the Union Creek Recreation Area, which includes a picnic and day-use area. Union Creek Campground is set on three loops with separate walk-in tent camping, and it has four group sites that can accommodate large groups up to 60 people. PLEASE NOTE: This Union Creek Campground is located in northeastern Oregon in the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. This is not the Union Creek Campground located in southwestern Oregon near Medford.
The campground is near a boat launch and a small, rocky swim beach. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing. Anglers can fish for bass, trout and perch. There's an access point for the Phillips Lake Shoreline Trail, a scenic trail for hiking and mountain biking. This trail can be connected to make a 16 mile loop around the lake.
Phillips Reservoir is a popular destination within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest because it offers scenic views of the surrounding Elkhorn Mountains. The shoreline is forested with a mix of Ponderosa pine and various firs interspersed with small grasslands. Visitors enjoy several varieties of colorful wildflowers in the spring.
The historic gold mining town of Sumpter is about 10 miles away, West of Hwy 7. Visitors can explore the Sumpter Dredge State Heritage Park, browse the holiday weekend flea markets or take a ride on a historic steam locomotive.
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy
$40 - $46 / night
The reservoir is owned and operated by the Powder Valley Water Control District who allow for recreation facilities located on the southeast portion of the reservoir. Maintenance and operations are provided by the Union County Parks Department with support from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Oregon State Marine Board. The park offers 17 primitive camping sites, vaulted toilets, dock and boat ramp (5mph speed limit). Pilcher Creek Reservoir is nestled in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountains with picturesque scenery, a choice destination for camping enthusiasts. The fishing is great and wildlife is abundant. An elk feeding/viewing station is nearby and elk can typically be seen during the winter months.
Nestled on the edge of a lake, high in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, this popular campground is only 8 miles west of the historic Fremont Powerhouse and 12 miles west of the old mining town of Granite. The campground features 28 campsites and 7 accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and 2 docks. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home.____ Besides beautiful scenery, the lake offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing--particularly a nesting pair of osprey that return annually. Activities in this area include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, and photography. Within 20 miles are several historic sites.
A 2-mile hiking trail encircles the lake, providing access to more secluded spots where solitude can be enjoyed. Bicyclists can also enjoy the trail although there are a couple of spots bikes might need to be walked, depending on skill level. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee and crawfish boils are a popular dinner option. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but wakes and jet skis are not allowed. There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. Mushroom and berry picking are available in season. Other nearby trails access the North John Day Wilderness Area and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. An interpretive sign about the beetle infestation is located in a few spots within the campground.
A 2-mile hiking trail encircles the lake, providing access to more secluded spots where solitude can be enjoyed. Bicyclists can also enjoy the trail although there are a couple of spots bikes might need to be walked, depending on skill level. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee and crawfish boils are a popular dinner option. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but wakes and jet skis are not allowed. There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. Mushroom and berry picking are available in season. Other nearby trails access the North John Day Wilderness Area and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. An interpretive sign about the beetle infestation is located in a few spots within the campground.
The area around Olive Lake is rich in history. The dam and gates on the north side of the lake were constructed as part of a hydroelectric system to support gold mining activities within the northern Blue Mountain Region. Historically, water from the lake flowed through a wooden pipeline to the Fremont Powerhouse, where it was used to produce electricity for mines and towns in the area. Fremont Powerhouse is located approximately 7 miles east and the historic moning town of Granite is 12 miles east of Olive Lake along Forest Road 73.__
$25 / night
Southwest Shore Campground is one of 3 campgrounds located around Phillips Lake. This campground usually opens up first in the Spring and has a warm open pine tree setting. Due to fluctuating water levels, the lake may be a short hike down from the campground. Popular activities include; fishing, hiking Phillips Lake South Shoreline Trail #1610, boating, and watching wildlife.
$10 - $12 / night
Located along the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway, the McCully Forks Campground is set near a small stream in a forested setting. Popular activities include; visiting the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Park, day hikes, relaxing, visiting the historic town of Sumpter, and exploring along the byway.
At an elevation of 7,100 feet, this campground keeps cool in the summertime heat. The sites sit among boulders and mixed conifers on a bluff over Anthony Lake. For questions for Anthony Lake, Grande Ronde Lake, Mud Lake, Peavey Cabin, and Anthony Lake Guard Station call (541) 894-2332None of the sites offer lake views, but campers can enjoy gazing on Gunsight Mountain and the surrounding peaks of the Elkhorn range. Anthony Lakes Campgrounds Website
There is a boat ramp available at the camp. Activities on Anthony Lake include boating, canoeing, kayaking and trout fishing. Trails in the area include the 22.6-mile Elkhorn Crest (foot and equestrian), 1-mile Black Lake (foot and equestrian) and the 1-mile Shoreline (foot).
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, 2.3 million acres of varied landscape, extends from the Blue Mountains and rugged Wallowa Mountains down to the spectacular canyon country of the Snake River on the Idaho border. Anthony Lake Campground is located in the Southern Elkhorn Mountain/Powder River Basin Area, with the highest peak in the Elkhorn Mountains at 9,108 feet. The area around the lake is known for conifer forests, wildflower meadows and the resident mountain goats.
The Elkhorn Scenic Byway is a 106-mile drive through the Elkhorn Mountains. Along this drive are ghost towns and an abundance of lakes and rivers.
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy
$50 - $100 / night
The reservoir is owned and operated by the Powder Valley Water Control District who allow for recreation facilities located on the southeast portion of the reservoir. Maintenance and operations are provided by the Union County Parks Department with support from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Oregon State Marine Board. The park offers 17 primitive camping sites, vaulted toilets, dock and boat ramp (5mph speed limit). Pilcher Creek Reservoir is nestled in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountains with picturesque scenery, a choice destination for camping enthusiasts. The fishing is great and wildlife is abundant. An elk feeding/viewing station is nearby and elk can typically be seen during the winter months.
Nestled on the edge of a lake, high in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, this popular campground is only 8 miles west of the historic Fremont Powerhouse and 12 miles west of the old mining town of Granite. The campground features 28 campsites and 7 accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and 2 docks. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home.____ Besides beautiful scenery, the lake offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing--particularly a nesting pair of osprey that return annually. Activities in this area include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, and photography. Within 20 miles are several historic sites.
A 2-mile hiking trail encircles the lake, providing access to more secluded spots where solitude can be enjoyed. Bicyclists can also enjoy the trail although there are a couple of spots bikes might need to be walked, depending on skill level. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee and crawfish boils are a popular dinner option. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but wakes and jet skis are not allowed. There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. Mushroom and berry picking are available in season. Other nearby trails access the North John Day Wilderness Area and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. An interpretive sign about the beetle infestation is located in a few spots within the campground.
A 2-mile hiking trail encircles the lake, providing access to more secluded spots where solitude can be enjoyed. Bicyclists can also enjoy the trail although there are a couple of spots bikes might need to be walked, depending on skill level. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee and crawfish boils are a popular dinner option. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but wakes and jet skis are not allowed. There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. Mushroom and berry picking are available in season. Other nearby trails access the North John Day Wilderness Area and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. An interpretive sign about the beetle infestation is located in a few spots within the campground.
The area around Olive Lake is rich in history. The dam and gates on the north side of the lake were constructed as part of a hydroelectric system to support gold mining activities within the northern Blue Mountain Region. Historically, water from the lake flowed through a wooden pipeline to the Fremont Powerhouse, where it was used to produce electricity for mines and towns in the area. Fremont Powerhouse is located approximately 7 miles east and the historic moning town of Granite is 12 miles east of Olive Lake along Forest Road 73.__
$25 / night
Southwest Shore Campground is one of 3 campgrounds located around Phillips Lake. This campground usually opens up first in the Spring and has a warm open pine tree setting. Due to fluctuating water levels, the lake may be a short hike down from the campground. Popular activities include; fishing, hiking Phillips Lake South Shoreline Trail #1610, boating, and watching wildlife.
$10 - $12 / night
Scout
Easy access off of I-84, mostly pull through full hookup sites, nicely landscaped with beautiful views! It has a small fenced-in dog park, pool and spa.
Traveler
Beautiful forested campsite with clean flush toilets next to a creek.
Traveler
Was a small but clean and tidy park with lots of shade trees around. I arrived there after hours but had made a reservation over the phone prior. Park staff were nice enough to have a park map ready for me when I arrived directing me to my site in the back corner of the park. They actually had a really cool sign at my camp spot made up for me. The spot itself was a bit small, but clean and under a nice shade tree. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained. The only minor gripe I would have is they are a bit small and cramped, but for one night it worked just fine. Would definitely camp here again if I'm the area.
Scout
For years Yellow Pine was our last resort to camp on Memorial weekend, July 4-th and Labor Day when all the popular campgrounds were full. There is not much to do there, but you can relax in a hammock drinking beer and sit by the firepit when fire is allowed. On regular weekends the campground is empty, on holidays usually half full. There is always the host with a few trailers living there, seems like the same person. I am not sure does he has any duties or just allowed to stay there for free, I have never seen him doing anything like cleaning campsites or bathrooms. There is a sign at the front “NO DOGS ALLOWED OTHER THAN ON A LEASH” which everyone ignores. The host doesn’t care either obviously. On Labor weekend 2024 we spent two nights at Yellow Pine and had a bad incident. There is a nature trail connecting Yellow Pine and Wetmore campgrounds, the only hiking option for campers. The trail is located next to campsite#6 which was occupied by a company with three vehicles, a few tents, one RV, multiple kids and dogs. On Sunday morning my husband and I were walking past that campsite to the trail. My husband had our little puppy on a leash. Passing campsite 6 we were attacked by three dogs that were aiming at our puppy. My husband pushed the biggest dog away, fell, our puppy rolled over, the dogs slid under my husband’s feet, he fell on asphalt, rolled over, our puppy fell and rolled over…..it was a mess….everything happened so fast so we couldn’t reconstruct the sequence of the events later being in shock. Dog owners never apologized and refused to provide their information even seeing that my husband couldn’t get up from the ground for a few minutes. I took pictures of their license plates, that’s all I could do. I wanted the host to be our witness, but his truck was gone. The whole of next week my husband couldn’t lift his right arm and therefore couldn’t work. He went to the family doctor, had x-ray done, then was sent in for a CT scan. At this point he has appointments with the orthopedic specialist and MRI. CT scan showed torn tendon and bicep, and impact fracture. We don’t know yet but there is a chance he will have to have surgery done. We will see what amount we will end up and probably will have to hire a law firm to search the dog owners by their license plates and sue them. I wrote all this to warn people about what can happen in a campground where is no law and order and the host is not doing his job. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when you camp at Yellow Pine campground.
Guide
There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.
I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.
Guide
Great little dispersed spot with a clean outhouse.
There looks to be 4 sites in the trees, but if you keep driving down it’ll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped. Wide open, great sunset views! The lake is dammed, so I assume the water levels vary, but when I was there, there was room for a few more vehicles down by the water. Careful going too far, as some tire tracks looked to have maybe gotten stuck in mud by venturing too far out. 😂
Great spot, would definitely return!
LegendThis review is based on an overnight or short stay versus destination campground (CG). Our GPS took us right into this CG. Check-in was easy and we headed to pull through site 118 with FHUs. The pad was plenty long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel and our F450. The utilities were in the middle of the pad, which made it nice for our one-night stay. As the water pressure here is around 100 psi, you need to use a reducer. Sites are close to one another but you still have a grass yard with some separation. We stayed here back in 2019 and not much had changed. They added a small fenced dog area inside the CG. They still have the field behind the park where you go out a gate into a small industrial area. There’s a poop bag dispenser and trashcan. Happily, people were picking up after their dogs. There were a mix of overnighters to long-stay residents and the CG did not have trashy sites. We could not get the CG Wifi to connect, but we did have 2 bars on Verizon. The CG has cable but we did not use it as we were able to stream on our Verizon MiFi. There are a lot of mature trees so satellite could be iffy depending on your site. They have a nice little store with sundry and gift items. Across the street from the office/store is a nice laundry facility. We again enjoyed our time here.
Scout
This is always such a great place to stop when traveling between Idaho and western Oregon. It has lots of shade, lawn, and hedges that offer privacy between the large camp sites. Super clean showers and restrooms, dog friendly, and a nice trail to walk along next to the river. Yes, the sites closer to the road are noisier due to traffic, while the ones closer to the river are the buggiest in the summer, but if you want hook ups, easy access, and an RV dump and don't mind paying for all these amenities, this is the place. We stayed in site 9, which has a super long paved and level driveway giving you lots of peace and quiet.
GuideWe spent one night here in July 2024. Did not feel crowded. Showers were hot. Bathrooms were ok. Very quiet even though it was close to highway.
Traveler
The sites are nice and most are lake front. There were a few other campers but none near our site. The road up is steep and bumpy gravel but we managed in our two wheel drive van. Would definitely stop by again.
GuideI camped here during the summer season of 2023. When I pulled into the campground it was just me and the camp hosts. They gave me the pick of what site I wanted. I swooped on one next to the river. The campground was beautiful and sites were good distances from each other. There are bathrooms and areas to top off your water. I choose this campground due to driving the 395 as my choice of route to explore. I would 100% recommend this campsite again.
Traveler
Nice little campground right on the Middle Fork John Day River. Fairly close to the highway, so there's some road noise, but this highway doesn't have much traffic. Clean vault toilets.
GuideWe were surprised how quiet this state park was during our visit. Very clean and beautiful green grass through campground. Enjoyed the river trail along the John Day river. Perfect to cool off in during the hot summer months. Mosquitoes definitely come out at night and we were tent camping. A little highway noise at night but not bad.
Guide
This place had such good reviews but it was pretty trashed. Broken glass, trash in the fire pits, trash in the campsites, the pit toilet was shockingly clean. Quiet place to camp, not full but plenty of other campers. Wouldn’t seek this camp spot out. Reservoir pretty small and marshy.
Guide
Sites are far apart but some lack privacy. I saw Lots of elk and turkeys(?) and a rattlesnake. Outside of the lack of privacy there are some people who it appears that they live there(I a have no issues with that) my issue is the drive up and down the road multiple multiple time a day at high rates of speed leaving dust flying. When I was out walking I walked past one of their campsites on accident I didn’t get close and they started firing a gun in the air. I slept in my car that night and left the next morning. Also trash is an issue as well as people using the bathroom right on the ground and leaving used baby wipes everywhere. So watch out for human waste if you use a tent.
Guide
I came around 3pm on a Wednesday and there were ample spaces available. The sites feel private and the campground is very clean. The pit toilets are also clean. Some road noise. $5 per night if you have one of the veteran, disabled or senior passes. No water and no trash.
GuideMany options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV. Tons of great hiking around.
Traveler
What a beautiful site for camping. Saw several deer there when we arrived. It was very peaceful.
GuideSpent the night here on a road trip from Utah to Arizona. Although there’s not a ton of spots, it’s lovely and was a quiet solitude away from the road but not too far. Saw a ton of wildlife too (bring your bear spray). Service was good too and road wasn’t bad at all
GuideBig trees, lots of shade, full hook ups. Pic-Nic tables at each spot. Very friendly staff. Easy check in. Good price. Some road noise but not loud enough to be problematic. We have a 36ft travel trailer with slides on both sides. Was able to fit into the pull through no problem with truck parked in front (stayed hooked up so we can leave the following day)
ScoutSuper quiet spot that has beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges. If you are passing through, this would be a great place stop off for the night. No services here, so bring your own water.
GuideFree camping on a lake not too far from the freeway. Good roads to the campsite. There are pull through and back in sites that would accommodate good-sized rigs, although some of the sites aren't terribly level. Surprisingly, there weren't any bugs. T-Mobile was good. Able to stream. As you come into the campground, there are campsites to the right and left with easy turn arounds.
Guide
Dry camping with a put toilet, very clean. The camping sites were pretty level. Site 11 we feel was the best. Baker city was just about 20 minutes away along with the old gold mining town of Sumpter about 10 minutes away
Scout
Had a great time here. There are small things I'd change that would make it a 5 star park, but they are small.
The pools that are fed by the springs are great, especially after a long day on the road.
The staff was great and helpful, and a full-time RV family shared their wisdom with this first-time RV-er.
Hookups are well labeled, and RV sites are all 90-foot pull through, which, again, for this first time RV-er was clutch!
The views are great, the nature walk is nice, and the weather was a nice 70ish!
Cons, for me, are that there is no off leash dog area, this is due to the abundant wildlife, but i just wish there was somewhere to let them run and stretch their legs. Additionally, there is no area for the kids to play, there is a horseshoe area, but otherwisr, no play equipment. But otherwise, a great stop, and really, a better stop for a more mature crowd.
Lastly, no wood fires at the camp sites (at least on the rv side) so bring a propane pit for marshmallows!
Guide
Very pretty and open for camping, but without services, when I visited in April. There is a sweet hike that starts right at the bridge. It's right on the road, which could be busy in the summer. Not much for Verizon cell signal.
GuideVisiting in April on a Sunday to do day use has defined my idea of heavenly. The snow-covered peaks, the clean air, the sounds of the spring birds, and the silence are magical. The hot tubs are small, but it really doesn't matter if no one is there. They are pool noodle friendly when it's not high occupancy. The Verizon signal is strong. Day use is open until 5:00 p.m. and next door there's a lodge that has even more hot springs that I'm going to have to visit sometime. The setting is pretty incredible with views all around of lovely Eastern Oregon mountains and valley. Spring green is abundant and it is an enchanting time. Very cute tent campsites, as well as a variety of lodging. This place is wonderful.
Ranger
Just arrived today. I’ll update after our full stay. Come here to explore Sumpter and the mines. Dispersed but tables and fire rings. Some pull throughs. No hookups or trash service. Beautiful setting. 3 bars AT&T.
Sites are not level. Large rigs will be fine, ours is 30’ TT
After stay review. Had a great time. Cranes were hanging at the lake, two Bald Eagles were close by. Great location with a lot to explore.
Camping near Sumpter, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Sumpter, Oregon, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Sumpter, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sumpter, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Sumpter, OR and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Sumpter, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sumpter, OR is Union Creek Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sumpter, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Sumpter, OR.
What parks are near Sumpter, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Sumpter, OR that allow camping, notably Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Malheur National Forest.
