Camper submitted image from Minam State Recreation Area - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Minam State Recreation Area - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Minam State Recreation Area - 3
Water
Camper submitted image from Minam State Recreation Area - 4
People
Camper submitted image from Minam State Recreation Area - 5
Camping

Established Camping

Minam State Recreation Area

Review Campground Win Gear

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing

Minam State Recreation Area, near Wallowa, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some quality camping time. With its picturesque backdrop along the Minam River, this campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and even yurts for a unique experience.

The area is known for its clean facilities and well-maintained bathrooms, which visitors appreciate after a day of outdoor activities. Many campers have enjoyed fishing in the river, with one noting, “This place is amazing. Clean, convenient, and right on a productive stretch of the Minam River.” You’ll also find picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings and roasting marshmallows under the stars.

If you’re up for some exploration, the surrounding landscape is ripe for hiking and wildlife watching. Campers have spotted deer and even enjoyed the unexpected treat of apple trees lining the area, attracting butterflies and bees. Just keep an eye out for the occasional rattle snake, as some visitors have mentioned their presence.

While the campground can get busy, especially on weekends, many have found it to be a great place to unwind and connect with fellow campers. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the serene river views, Minam State Recreation Area is a solid choice for your next outdoor adventure.

Description

State Park

First-come, first-served This park is located in a remote steep valley. Large pine trees dominate the landscape. More than 20 primitive sites with water Vault toilet River rafting access Riverside trail for anglers

Suggest an Edit

Location

Minam State Recreation Area is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located on the banks of the Wallowa River, Minam offers a pristine environment for rafters and anglers. The park is 2 miles north of Highway 82 below the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa rivers.

Address

72505 OR 82
Wallowa, OR 97885

Coordinates

45.62130812 N
117.72485436 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
40%
10%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed May. 14, 2023

River tent camping

We stayed in one of the few tent spots on the water. The backdrop is stunning and the water is close enough falling asleep to it is relaxing. It’s a little small overall and would be cramped if the park was full.

Site5
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2021

Minam State Campground

What a gem to find while looking for a place to stay without reservations. This state park is first come first serve and cost $10/night. There are four great spots by the river for RV's. There are a couple of nice spots for tenting and a couple RV spots in the grass. There are about 6 spots for RV's to back into with water near by. There is no power in any of the spots. There is usually enough space in the trees to allow for solar to recharge the batteries. Only one person ran a generator while we were there for 4 nights. Will be going back again! Great fishing along the river. Need to be on the look out for bears, as this was a homestead place many years ago and they have apple trees on the property. Saw one dead rattle snake and a small baby one on the road while walking. There is no cell service at the campground.

Site#4
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Rod D., September 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Rod D., September 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Rod D., September 20, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Beautiful Location

Quiet spot on a beautiful river. No hookups. Some of the sites had concrete pads, but I took a grassy spot. Walked down to the river where there's a short trail. Watched the osprey fish and saw some rafters float by. Was told to look out for rattle snakes, but didn't see any.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Kathy B., July 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Kathy B., July 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Kathy B., July 9, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2021

Love The Fishing

I always love camping and fishing the valley, this camping ground is free to use. It is very clean and has great fishing during trout season. Make sure you get here early if you have a rv or trailer during the summer as it’s first come, first serve and locals love the place.

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Great Stop Over Location

This was a great stop over on our way to Wallowa Lake. We stayed for two nights just to explore the area. We found a spot on the weekend and enjoyed a refreshing dip in the river after a hot drive. The park is open so there’s not much privacy between camps. There’s a fair amount of activity with the day use area, rafters and fishermen so you’re not going to be alone if you prefer company of others. During the weekdays it cleared out considerably. The vault toilet bathrooms were cleaned daily and garbage picked up.

Reviewed Aug. 19, 2019

Very clean, nice campground

The location of the campground is off to the left-hand side of highway 82 (if coming from Elgin) and down a long gravel road. The sites are spaced enough to where you aren't crowded but there still isn't much privacy. Apple trees are everywhere, bringing tons of butterflies and bees to the campground. The bathrooms looked well maintained. The river is nice to swim in or for rafts/kayaks but as for fishing, we didn't have much luck aside from mountain whitefish. Overall a good campground for overnight.

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2018

Wow, wow, wow!!!!!!

I had originally intended on staying at one of three closer campgrounds that I ultimately rejected and made the decision to drive on to Minam State Park. Was I ever happy I did. The only downside was the 2 mile, narrow, gravel road into the park. A little bit of a nail biter with a bigger rig. Once there it was a nice size, dry campground with lots of sites to choose from and right next to the gorgeous Minam River. Whitetail doe with 2 fawns frequented the campground. Lots of fishing, some small trails and wound up walking down the dirt road with dogs as there was literally no traffic and the views were so outstanding. Apple trees alongside the dirt road provided a wonderful, unexpected snack.

Site19
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Jill R., October 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Jill R., October 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Jill R., October 3, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Perfect for the fisherman

This place is amazing. Clean, convenient, and right on a productive stretch of the Minam River. Near the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa rivers, this is a perfect base camp for exploring the waters and towns of the Wallowa mountains. An outfitter/camp store sits a half mile upriver, and the towns of Lostine, Wallowa, Enterprise, Joseph, and Elgin are nearby. For $6 (!) you get a great spot literally just a few dozen feet from the water. Fan-freaking-tastic! Oregon parks are the best.

  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Tom B., August 31, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Access to water, but limited privacy between sites

The views from this campsite are great! There is access to great swimming holes from this campground. It is a first come, first serve site with limited vegetation between campers. It can be loud depending on neighboards. Toilets are available, so are build in grills with grates at the bottom on the hill.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Kelly N., July 17, 2018
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Kelly N., July 17, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2016

Favorite campsite

This was our favorite campsite on our roadtrip last year. We did not see the pull off for this one and ended up in a small town that helped us out. there is a building at the front where you can rent stuff and buy stuff. the campsite is huge and open in the middle with trees and beautiful green grass everywhere. we went on a little walking trail that led us down the river. the campground supervisor warned us she had seen a bear miles away. We didnt get to see it. the bathrooms were the usual. a lot of deer got pretty close. It was a quiet spot back off the road with one side being a river and the other being a mountainside. just beautiful and calm .

  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Carter W., July 5, 2016
  • little path
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Minam State Recreation Area by Carter W., July 5, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Minam State Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Minam State Recreation Area has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Minam State Recreation Area?

    Minam State Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 50 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Minam State Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Minam State Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.