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Dispersed Camping

Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping is located in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The area features forested terrain with a reservoir nearby. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Visitors can explore the nearby Eagle Cap Wilderness and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

Description

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.

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Location

Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.97143166449027 N
117.49244414692879 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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3.0

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2 Reviews

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 VisitJuly
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 VisitJuly
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping does not have wifi.