Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers distinct glamping accommodations in eastern Oregon with sites nestled among ponderosa pines. Located 25 miles east of Pendleton at an elevation of 4,000 feet in the Blue Mountains, the area serves as a strategic base for exploring the region. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, dropping to 45-55°F at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The area around Echo provides access to multiple fishing spots, including Camas Creek at Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. "We spent a fun weekend here. Site was easy to back into. Clean and level. Lots of shade and grass. Fun little park for the kids and nice little beach for swimming," shares a visitor to Crow Butte Park.
Golfing excursions: Several campgrounds offer proximity to golf courses for those wanting to combine outdoor recreation with camping. According to one camper at Wildhorse Resort and Casino, "Amazing golf course, super friendly staff, great clean pool! Breakfast at the course is awesome, within walking distance and great bang for the buck."
Wine tasting: The Echo region provides access to numerous wineries, particularly around Prosser. "This could be a nice basecamp spot for people who love exploring wineries. The small town of Prosser has almost 30 wineries and tasting rooms in the immediate area," notes a visitor to Wine Country RV Park.
What campers like
Riverside relaxation: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for cooling off during summer months. A visitor to Hood Park shares, "Lots of options in this campground from drive through big trailer spots to back in spots to tent only areas. Tons of wide green lawns with lots of space, camp sites end up pretty well spaced apart so you might only have 2 or 3 neighbors then a ton of lawn before another neighbor."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region provide well-spaced sites with shade. "There is a lot of light in the rv area, and it's not very quiet from both the close road and the trucks on the freeway," notes one camper about their stay at Wildhorse Resort and Casino, providing important context about site conditions.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds throughout the area maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. "Clean, quiet, and lots to do! Golf, museum, movies, walking trails, nature and special events!" enthuses a reviewer about their glamping experience near Echo, Oregon.
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds in the region experience traffic noise due to proximity to major highways. A visitor to Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor advised, "The sites by the road are actually best IMHO because they are biggest and offer the best shade."
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife may include various insects and even larger animals. "I don't think I've ever seen so many spiders in one place. In the morning, I had spiders in each of my door handles, my mirrors, when I turned on my car they started crawling out of the hood of my car," reports one camper at Crow Butte Park.
Water quality varies: Not all water access points are suitable for swimming. According to a visitor at Penland Lake, "We found a nice place to wade our feet in the water and play fetch with the puppers. It smelled awful and wasn't really the ideal wading water but we made it work. Unfortunately, when we got out of the water we found leeches attached to our feet."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Hood Park mentioned, "This campground offers developed sites with hookups for campers. There is a playground and interpretive events for kids in the evenings. They even had some movies on the weekends."
Educational opportunities: Some sites offer ranger-led programs specifically for children. "The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on," shares a camper about their family glamping experience near Echo at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas when camping with kids during summer months. "A pleasant facility that is easy to drive and maneuver with a tow behind trailer. Sites were fairly level with lawn and a picnic table. Property is well maintained," notes a reviewer about a family-friendly campground in the area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Many campgrounds offer varied site types with different amenities. "There are a ton of pull through sites. It's not far off the highway which makes it great for a quick stop. Bathrooms and showers are clean, staff is friendly and helpful," advises an RVer at Wildhorse Resort and Casino.
Level sites availability: Most RV sites in the area provide level parking. "Sites are narrow/small. Full hook ups. Very easy roads/maneuvering in and out. All paved. Very convenient to the freeway," shares an experienced RVer about their glamping setup near Echo.
Shuttle services: Some campgrounds offer shuttle services to nearby attractions. "The casino offers a free shuttle to the casino, or the golf course club house," notes a camper who stayed at one of the resort-style glamping options in the region.
