Part of Whitman National Forest, Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area provides dispersed camping opportunities across a broad section of national forest land near Sumpter. The US Forest Service manages this boondocking area where camper vans and tent setups can find spots along forest roads. No pets are permitted.
The area offers fishing access to lakes and connects to hiking and biking trail systems throughout the region. Campers report finding privacy along the various access points, with the flexibility to locate sites that suit different camping styles. For additional options, see campgrounds near Sumpter. The dispersed format means amenities are limited to what campers bring, but the forest setting provides a hassle-free camping experience within reasonable distance of town services.
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
