Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Baker City, OR is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Baker City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Baker City, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"Great little dispersed spot with a clean outhouse.
There looks to be 4 sites in the trees, but if you keep driving down it’ll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped."
"I really like this location. I wanted to pa down by the water, but we are pulling a small camper and the road looked way too rough to go all the way down."
"Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas."
"There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring."
"Not the most scenic of campsites, and it is right next to the road so there was some noice at night, as well as lots of coyote howling. but I appreciated the convenient location, that it's free, and right"
"It’s right along the Snake River and borders an established campground to the east. There are two picnic tables/fire rings, one on either side of the boat launch."
"Many options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV."
"Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."
"I'm just now getting around to reviewing some places that I've enjoyed and plan to return to. "
"We walked along the path to check it out before attempting it in our 26ft class c and I’m glad we did. The path was too narrow for us, and the road rose up a bit too high along the middle."
"No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway."
"This backpacking trip is a very accessible hike."
LegendBoondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas. It earns a good review at the end of the day for being conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it’s the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes.
GuideThis is not an official campground. There is a lot of space for campers, though, and it is not heavily trafficked. The trek to Echo Lake is about 8 miles (one-way) from the start of the Hurricane Creek Trail. When you arrive at Echo Lake, beauty awaits you! This location is a remote and peaceful retreat. The lake is so clear and serene. The views of the mountainside are breathtaking. This is a great site for groups and there is enough space to spread out. The stars are vivid and you can see the movement of the stars and moon along the mountains. The trek to the lake is SO WORTH IT! This is probably one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to. It gave me the wilderness escape that I needed. It is a hidden gem! Whenever you visit, leave your stressors behind you and enjoy the preserved beauty. The lake is very cold, but I definitely enjoyed the shock after the hike in!
The hike into Echo Lake is an intense incline! We tracked about 3,500 feet of elevation gain in about 5 hours during our hike in. The way back only took us about 3.5 hours and is mostly downhill. I would not recommend this hike for a beginner hiker/backpacker. I carried 60 lbs on my back up and down this trek and it was A LOT for me as a relatively new backpacker (with endurance conditioning). It is a hike that one should work towards, for sure! This trek is would be great crosstraining for an endurance athlete (like me!). At times, the incline felt like a 10-15% grade, but I do not know this for sure. It is pretty steep and challenging if you are carrying a lot of weight. I recommend going as minimalist as possible to avoid extra weight, if possible. I brought my bull mastiff dog along with me and she had a blast! I would recommend conditioning your dog for a trek like this. It can be pretty gnarly and steep at times! My dog wouldn't have made it if she had not done treks like this before. There are creeks along the route to the lake and I would bring extra water to hydrate your dog in between water sources. As always, leave no trace and keep this spot pristine and clean :)
GuideDirections: About 13 miles from Medical Springs on a gravel road (half hour or so). Take Big Creek Rd to Collins Lane. That turns into USFS 67, then 72. The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher. Probably not a good place for a big nice camp trailer.
Camping is dispersed, mostly on the west side of the reservoir. The east side has a few spots but the road is really rough toward the dam. Fish are stocked. Boats with oars, paddles or electric motors are allowed. There are no improvements. Check fire restrictions. Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September. Cattle graze here. The water level gets pretty low by August.
GuideThere are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.
I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.
GuideMany options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV. Tons of great hiking around.
GuideAneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton). The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout.
The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day.
GuideEasy and vacant find for a last minute change to our route. Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste. Would have driven further down into the woods if I had more time to set up as we got here late. All in all its an easy find just off the highway.
RangerThe water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest. Stayed two nights. Elevation is ~8,000 feet. Got altitude sickness on day two.
No fires allowed. No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway.
LegendSweet little spot for smaller vehicles. We walked along the path to check it out before attempting it in our 26ft class c and I’m glad we did. The path was too narrow for us, and the road rose up a bit too high along the middle. A smaller vehicle shouldn’t have a problem. There’s a nice little clearing at the end of the path right along the little creek. Very peaceful and green when we came here in July.
At the main road there IS a spot large enough for our RV (that’s where we parked when we got out to walk to the creek spot) but we decided not to stay the night there. It wasn’t flat at all and a little too noisy and close to the main road. But it would definitely do in a pinch- very easy to get to- just off the main road to the right. There’s a fire pit marking the spot.
Zero cell reception in this entire area for verizon and ATT. No amenities here, this is a FS dispersed camping spot so please keep the area clean and pack out your waste.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Baker City, Oregon, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Baker City, OR is Social Security Point Trailhead with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Baker City, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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