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Elk Creek Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free and open year-round, Elk Creek Campground sits on BLM land outside Prairie City, Oregon, managed by the Bureau of Land Management with no reservation system. Sites are first-come, first-served. Getting here can be tricky: at least one visitor reports that navigation apps routed them through private property and onto a closed road, so confirming current road access before heading out is worth the effort.

All sites are walk-in or hike-in, which means packing gear to your spot rather than pulling a vehicle alongside it. Site 14, noted in one review, sits directly alongside Elk Creek, which is a draw for campers who want water nearby. Proximity to a highway is audible from some sites, and the campground can fill up enough that privacy between sites becomes limited. A ranger passes through daily. The campground provides drinking water, picnic tables, pit toilets, and trash service, which is a solid amenity set for a free site.

"On the plus side, our site was adjoining Elk Creek," notes Erico, capturing the main appeal for many visitors. Pets are allowed, and campfires are permitted. Nearby options for comparison include Crane Crossing to the west and North Fork Malheur to the northwest, both within the campgrounds near BLM Land — Vale Malheur Field Office. This campground works best for self-sufficient campers with backpacking gear who want a no-cost base near moving water in eastern Oregon.

Fee Info

No fee.

Reservation Info

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

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsElk Creek Campground is located in Oregon near Unity

Detail location of campground
Public 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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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-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

Drive Time


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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Elk Creek Campground

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3.0

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4 Reviews

This pack-in campground offers creek-side sites but has notable challenges with accessibility and road access issues. Visitors frequently mentioned highway noise and limited privacy between sites.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
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.