Free dispersed camping off NF-490 puts campers about two minutes on foot from the Hells Canyon Overlook, with sunrise views over the canyon available without leaving camp. The area features flat, hard-packed ground with enough space for multiple tents across several sites. A drivable track leads to a nearby pond where fishing is possible, and a handful of Hells Canyon - Oregon/Wallowa Valley campers tend to spread out back there. Toilets are on-site, campfires and pets are allowed, and cell service is available. Traffic on NF-490 is light, particularly after dark. Campers who want a no-cost base for exploring the canyon rim will find this spot worth the detour.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDispersed Sites Near Hells Canyon Overlook is located in Oregon near Oxbow
Coordinates
45.11740531870897 N
116.84510202662452 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- 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 Dispersed Sites Near Hells Canyon Overlook needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 58 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 1 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 5 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 3 hrs 50 min from Kennewick, WA







