Camping sites near Adams, Oregon range from forest service campgrounds to RV resorts with full hookups. The Blue Mountains area sits at elevations between 3,000-5,000 feet, creating distinct camping seasons with snow-closed roads in winter months. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 85°F during peak daytime hours, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature fluctuations even during summer visits.
What to do
Mushroom hunting near McDougall: Springtime in the Blue Mountains offers excellent morel mushroom hunting. A camper at McDougall Dispersed Camping notes, "Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming." Foraging permits may be required depending on quantity.
Swimming in forest streams: The South Fork Walla Walla River provides cooling relief during summer months. At Harris Park, campsites are "angled nicely to allow views of the river with vegetation between sites to add a little extra privacy." Note that water levels and current strength vary seasonally.
Wildlife watching in meadows: Early morning and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor to McDougall Dispersed Camping mentions, "You'll see many types of wildlife here and hundreds of varieties of meadow wildflowers." Elk bugling can often be heard in fall, with one camper at Woodward Campground noting, "We were the only campers here when we pulled in... Super quiet until dark when the elk started their singing!"
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Campers consistently mention the natural settings along waterways as highlights. At Umatilla Forks Campground, a visitor reported, "Amazing peaceful secluded sites right on the river... They are spread out with lots of trees so you can't see the other sites at all. The sounds of the river have me in a meditative state all the time."
Clean facilities at established sites: Even at more developed areas, cleanliness stands out. One camper at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area mentioned, "The bathrooms were very clean, great trails and the interpretive center was very educational." Another noted, "The sites have water, fire pit and picnic table and lots of trees for privacy."
Historic significance: The region's Oregon Trail history appeals to many visitors. A camper at Emigrant Springs shared, "This has been a historic place to stop on the way through the Blue Mountains since the Oregon Trail." Another family mentioned, "The park rangers were so nice. They had informed classes about animals in the forest. The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on."
What you should know
Highway noise at some locations: Proximity to interstate traffic affects certain campgrounds. At Emigrant Springs, one camper warned, "The road noise is extreme; very loud. If you can get past that the place is really sweet." Another noted, "It's a shame that the campsites are directly by the highway. A half-mile into the forest would have made all the difference!"
Seasonal closures and accessibility: Many forest service areas become inaccessible during winter. A recent visitor to McDougall Dispersed Camping found "The road to the site was not plowed. Several feet of snow. Not many alternatives in the area so plan accordingly if you hope to stay here."
Availability can be misleading: Some campgrounds show limited availability online but have many open sites. A camper at Emigrant Springs reported, "During booking I was told there was only one site available and it was a full hook up RV site that was the most expensive rate... When I arrived I found 95% of the campground empty and saw only 3 other campers over the course of the weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Junior ranger programs: Educational activities engage children while teaching about local ecology. A family at Emigrant Springs shared, "The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on. Our families came from all over Oregon and Washington, even California. We came from Missouri. What an amazing family reunion."
Swimming holes for hot days: Natural water features provide cooling recreation. At Harris Park, "The South Fork of the Walla Walla River runs along the campground but current is too strong for young children to play in." Parents should assess water conditions carefully, especially after spring runoff.
Limited cell service: Most forest campgrounds lack connectivity. One camper at Umatilla Forks Campground reported, "No cell service at all with TMobile." Prepare offline activities and emergency communication plans when camping with children in remote areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations and leveling: Check placement of utilities before setting up. At Wildhorse Casino, a camper noted, "The site was level, power checked out good and sewer and water were also provided. There is a picnic table. The pads are gravel, and there is a substantial amount of groomed lawn."
Accessibility for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big rigs. At Harris Park, one visitor mentioned the campground "has 14 private campsites... All spots have water and electrical hook ups." However, they noted "the target customer" seemed to be "larger RVs with bathrooms" rather than smaller units.
Casino camping convenience: Several RV parks near casinos offer shuttle services. At Wildhorse Casino, "The casino and golf course are adjacent - but it's a good hike; use the shuttle or just drive over. The casino facility has several restaurants and movie theaters."
