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Established Camping

Elk Creek Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Elk Creek Campground, near Prairie City, Oregon, is a straightforward spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills. It’s a no-fuss place where you can pitch a tent or park your RV, and enjoy the great outdoors year-round.

This campground offers basic amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a decent choice for a quick camping trip. Visitors have mentioned the scenic views and the proximity to Elk Creek, which adds a nice touch to your stay. Just keep in mind that there are no electric hookups or showers, so come prepared for a more rustic experience.

While some campers have noted that the sites can be a bit close to one another, the atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming. If you’re up for a little adventure, you might find yourself lugging your gear a bit, but the surrounding nature and the sound of the creek can make it worthwhile. As one camper put it, “We were quite pleased with the scenery.”

For those who enjoy hiking, the area offers plenty of trails to explore, and you can always unwind by the campfire at night. Just remember, it’s a first-come, first-served situation, so plan accordingly. Elk Creek Campground is a solid choice for a simple getaway where you can kick back and enjoy the outdoors.

Fee Info

No fee.

Reservation Info

All campgrounds on the Malheur National Forest are first come first serve.

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Location

Elk Creek Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the town of Prairie City, OR., turn onto South Main Street to the junction with Bridge Street, turn left onto Bridge Street. Follow Bridge Street past the cemetary, the road becomes County Road 62, continue on County Road 62 for approximately 8 miles to the junction with Forest Road 13 the turn will be on the left. Follow Forest Road 13 for approximately 22 miles the campground will be on the right.

Coordinates

44.14795086 N
118.23904097 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Elk Creek Campground needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 13, 2022

not real!!

Spent an hour driving to this spot, the pin took us through private properties and even after trekking through some rough roads it stopped us at a closed road. Don’t be like us! Don’t do it!

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2021

A walk-in campsite near the highway.

The only site that was available when we went was #14. It was a long way from our vehicle lugging our gear to the campsite. On the plus side, our site was adjoining Elk Creek. On the con side there wasn’t much privacy from other campers, and we heard a lot of traffic noise from the highway nearby.

Site#14
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2020

Quick camping trip 2019

My friend and I snagged a beautiful FCFS site here on out way out towards Tillamook and a coastal hike. We were quite please with the scenery. All sites were pack in, but we had backpacking gear so it worked out. Pit toilets and the ranger comes by daily.

  • Review photo of Elk Creek Campground by Jennifer A., July 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Elk Creek Campground by Jennifer A., July 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Elk Creek Campground by Jennifer A., July 24, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2020

Looking for campsites

Dropped in to check out the site. Was listed as closed (due to covid) there’s discrepancies with what is open/closed. Good luck! (7/2/20)

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Elk Creek Campground?

Elk Creek Campground offers primitive camping with basic facilities. The campground features pit toilets and is regularly patrolled by a ranger. Most sites are pack-in style, requiring campers to carry their gear from their vehicles to the campsites. Some sites are situated adjacent to Elk Creek, offering pleasant water views, though privacy between sites can be limited. There's no potable water or electrical hookups available, so campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies.

Are there photo galleries or virtual tours of Elk Creek Campground?

There are no official virtual tours of Elk Creek Campground. For photos and visual information, check the Forest Service website, which may provide basic images of the campground. The campground features scenic creek-side sites and wooded surroundings that make for beautiful photography opportunities. Visitors planning a trip should contact the managing agency directly for the most current visual information about the campground's layout and setting.

Is Elk Creek Campground near Tillamook and what activities are available in the area?

Yes, Elk Creek Campground is situated on a route toward Tillamook, making it a convenient stopover for travelers heading to the coast. The area offers excellent hiking opportunities, with coastal trails accessible from Tillamook. The campground's creekside setting provides a peaceful environment for nature observation, fishing, and relaxation. The surrounding region features scenic drives through forested areas. Highway proximity means easy access to other attractions, though some campers may notice traffic noise from the nearby road.

Where is Elk Creek Campground located in Oregon?

Elk Creek Campground is located in Oregon near Unity. The campground sits alongside Elk Creek, providing a scenic natural setting. The location is somewhat remote, with some visitors reporting access challenges on forest roads. Some navigation systems may lead to closed roads or through private property, so it's advisable to get clear directions from the Forest Service or other official sources before heading out.