Dispersed camping across this expansive Forest Service area accommodates both drive-in and boat-in access, with big rigs able to navigate the terrain. The Powder River Basin section spans forested areas near creeks, rivers, and lakes within Whitman National Forest. Campers can access basic amenities including toilets and trash service, while cell service remains available throughout much of the region.
Fishing opportunities exist at nearby water sources, and hiking and biking trails connect through the surrounding forest. The area prohibits pets, which helps maintain wildlife habitat. One reviewer noted the ease of finding suitable boondocking spots with reasonable privacy while staying within reach of services. For additional options, campers can explore places to camp around Sumpter or check out Union Creek Campground (Phillips Lake) for a more structured camping experience.
Description
The Southern Elkhorn Mountain/Powder River Basin recreation area is located south of the Anthony Lakes Highway (Forest Road 73) to the Monument Rock Wilderness area. It includes__all of the developed recreation sites and trails in the Blue and Elkhorn Mountains__generally west of Baker City and Unity, Oregon.Popular recreation areas include__Anthony Lakes, Phillips Lake, North Fork John Day Wilderness (Baldy Unit),__the Elkhorn Scenic Byway,__the North Fork John Day River, the North Powder Wild and Scenic River, Dooley Mountain, Monument Rock Wilderness, the North and South Forks of Burnt River, the campgrounds along Highway 26, and Camp Creek. It also includes parts of the old__Baker and Unity Ranger Districts that have been__incorporated into the Whitman Ranger District.Local communities that have__a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are Baker City, Sumpter, Granite, Unity, Greenhorn and Haines. These communities are within one hour of the__recreation area.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingSouthern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area is located in Oregon
Coordinates
44.71010398986555 N
118.02589203299681 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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 Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 1 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 22 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 3 hrs 28 min from Kennewick, WA
- 4 hrs 3 min from Lewiston, ID
