Fishing, walking the lake loop, and paddling non-motorized watercraft are the main draws at Morgan Lake, a free city-managed campground set above La Grande in the Blue Mountains foothills of northeastern Oregon. The campground sits at elevation, which means open sightlines toward the sky rather than a canopied forest feel. Most sites have direct lake frontage, and the walk around the lake is short enough for an easy morning outing. Locals fish here regularly.
The road in deserves attention before you go. It is steep and runs on rough gravel, and at least one reviewer reported smelling their brakes on the descent, though two-wheel-drive vehicles have made the climb without issue. Once up, the roughly 15 sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are close together, but a couple of more secluded spots exist if you arrive early enough to claim one.
No potable water is available on site. Pit toilets are provided, and the campground allows pets, campfires, and alcohol. A three-day camping limit applies, and the season typically runs through October 31. Zachary notes that "almost every site has lake frontage," which holds up across multiple reviews. Bug spray is worth packing, particularly in summer. Nearby alternatives include La Grande Rendezvous RV Park for campers who want hookups or a more developed setup. Morgan Lake works best for self-sufficient campers who want free overnight access to a small fishing and paddling lake, and who are comfortable on a steep approach road.
Description
TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE RISK - JULY 31, 2024
Atop a mountain just a few minutes' driving time from the heart of the city, Morgan Lake offers a quiet, motor-free respite from daily cares, with camping, fishing and hiking opportunities.
Morgan Lake is located just a few miles outside of La Grande and provides the citizens of Union County an inexpensive, easily accessible area for a broad range of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, camping and nature hikes.
The Lake is stocked annually with 23,000 finger length and up to 2,000 legal size rainbow trout. No motors are allowed on the Lake.
Please stop at the registration kiosk and complete a registration form and proceed to a marked camp site. All sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Fires are only allowed in those rings and seasonal fire restrictions are normal during the late summer months.
Currently, there is no fee for camping at the Lake, although there is a limitation of 3 nights per visitor to give everyone a chance to enjoy the facility. The entry gate closes each night at 10:00 p.m.
Campground is open April 22 - October 31.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMorgan Lake is located in Oregon near La Grande
Coordinates
45.3016402 N
118.1392181 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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 Morgan Lake - TEMPORARILY CLOSED needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 43 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 1 hr 58 min from Kennewick, WA
- 3 hrs 7 min from Yakima, WA
- 3 hrs 19 min from Lewiston, ID
