Best Equestrian Camping near Durkee, OR

We were able to find an available spot on Labor Day weekend 2021. Most campsites between the town of Lostine and Irondyke campground were taken by 7pm on Friday. The access road was narrow and in pretty rough shape, lots of horse trailers hauling livestock up and down the road. The road remained busy until late at night and during the weekend with other campers and day hikers… we stayed in a tent camp site that allowed horses, so it was ample with a clearing that provided sunny areas. Picnic table and rock fire pit were available at the site. A toilet is Located on the opposite side of road and shares with other 4 or 5 sites. If you want a quiet, peaceful camping spot, this is not for you!

These coordinates are one of the first sites on the right, when arriving from Two Pan Trailhead, but there are dozens around the lake if you follow the trail.

This was my second time backpacking in the Wallowas, and my first time at Mirror Lake. The lake is big with lots of dispersed sites, but when we arrived on Friday evening we felt lucky to find a place. (Some folks resorted to camping on vegetation areas—please don't do this!) The lake was so full and the sound carried over the water so much that you could hear conversations. Luckily it seemed to clear out by Saturday morning, for whatever reason.

We clocked the hike in from Two Pan Trailhead at 7.3 miles. The incline is mostly gradual with a nice break of mostly flat trail in a beautiful valley meadow area. Lots of horse traffic on this trail, so watch your step! The lake is super clear, and worth a swim. The trail to summit Eagle Cap is close by and a great day-hike for amazing views.

If you're looking for a secluded place in the Wallowas, I would head elsewhere. If you want an easy backpack in, and don't mind being around lots of other people, Mirror Lake is a great choice.

About 15 minutes in blacktop off of 20. $15/night for electric(20/30/50 Amp) & real toilets and showers. I bet this place is nice on a clear night. We were there when it was smokey from the fires in Western Oregon.

Most of these designated campgrounds are right off the fire roads which can be a bit exposed and tricky if you have children or dogs with you. As you continue to drive there are a few areas on the east side of the road which provide more privacy. Make sure to bring all gear for dispersed camping and pack out everything! The creek is fast running, echoing throughout the canyon so fishing or swimming are not an option.

This place is quiet, comfortable, and secluded. It’s near the end of 18 miles of unpaved mountain road and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery along the way. The bunkhouse is beginning to show its age but it accommodates a large group and the enclosed porch on the back of the building is a treat. The grounds are enormous and close to Eagle Creek. Plenty of room and flat ground for several tent. Vault toilet only, but it’s clean. Bring your own water.

This area offers incredible dispersed camping opportunities alongside West Eagle Creek south of the West Eagle Meadows trailhead on NF-77 (aka Eagle Creek Rd). Just drive down the road and explore the many turnoffs to find one that suits your needs. Don’t forget to leave time for a day hike up to Echo Lake!

This campsite is OK considering there aren’t many choices in the area. My big complaints were the campsite didn’t have any shade, and when I spoke to the reservation person, she promised me during two different phone calls that I would have shade, and there was none to be had at my site. Luckily I found a nice big shady tree to park my car under since I was car camping and wait under until it got cool enough to move to my site.

A big thing to make note of is that they do have water, but it is a very high concentration of arsenic in it, which they don’t tell you about when you make a reservation or an any signage other than the bathroom door. This can be a real issue for people in RVs, who will be filling up their tanks with their water and may never hit the bathroom, so be aware!!!

The sites are nicely spaced out. It can be very hot in the summer here and my experience was it was very windy in the late afternoon and evening.

Bring your own water!!!!