Camper submitted image from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping  - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping  - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping  - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping  - 4
Buildings
Camper submitted image from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping  - 5
Water

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

2 Reviews

About

National Forest

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.

It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.

There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.

Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents. To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.

Suggest an Edit

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Rent an RV near Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon

Find RVs Nearby

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%

3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

S
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2023

Very difficult road

Do not try and tow a trailer up this road!!! I made that mistake and barely made it out. Didn’t make it up to the reservoir

Month of VisitAugust
JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2022

Boondocking

Directions:  About 13 miles from Medical Springs on a gravel road (half hour or so). Take Big Creek Rd to Collins Lane.  That turns into USFS 67, then 72.  The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher.  Probably not a good place for a big nice camp trailer.  

Camping is dispersed, mostly on the west side of the reservoir. The east side has a few spots but the road is really rough toward the dam. Fish are stocked. Boats with oars, paddles or electric motors are allowed. There are no improvements.  Check fire restrictions.  Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September.  Cattle graze here.  The water level gets pretty low by August.

Sitewest side of reservoir, about half way around
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping  by Judy W., August 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping  by Judy W., August 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping  by Judy W., August 8, 2022
  • (8) View All

Location

Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.97143166449027 N
117.49244414692879 W

Open in Google Maps