Best Campgrounds near Elgin, OR

Camping options surrounding Elgin, Oregon range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The Umatilla National Forest offers several developed campgrounds, including Woodland Campground with tent and RV spaces, while North Elgin Dispersed Camp provides free primitive camping opportunities. Minam State Recreation Area sits approximately 15 miles northeast of Elgin along the Minam River, offering tent sites, RV spaces, and water access. Within Elgin itself, Hu-Na-Ha RV Park provides full hookups for RVs and tent camping areas with electrical service.

Road access varies significantly across the region, with some dispersed areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "Great free place to camp [at North Elgin], 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible." Many forest service roads become impassable during winter months, with several feet of snow blocking access to sites like McDougall Dispersed Camping into spring. Developed campgrounds generally operate seasonally, with most open from late spring through early fall. Woodland Campground typically operates from July 4th through Labor Day, while sites at higher elevations may have shorter seasons due to snowfall.

Waterfront camping receives particularly high ratings from visitors, especially along the Minam and Wallowa Rivers. Several campgrounds provide direct river access, with one visitor describing Minam State Recreation Area as having "sites literally just a few dozen feet from the water." Swimming holes and fishing opportunities enhance the camping experience at places like Umatilla Forks Campground, which features secluded sites along the river. A visitor observed that "most sites are right on the river [and] are spread out with lots of trees so you can't see the other sites at all." Mixed-use campgrounds in the area typically offer picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings, though amenities are limited at dispersed sites. Most developed campgrounds have drinking water available during operating seasons, with full-service options like Hu-Na-Ha RV Park providing showers, laundry facilities, and electrical hookups year-round.

Best Camping Sites Near Elgin, Oregon (128)

    1. Grande Hot Springs RV Resort

    42 Reviews
    Union, OR
    22 miles
    Website

    "We enjoyed the great walking paths around the perimeter of the park to walk our dogs. The pool and hot tub are heated geothermally and are warm, soothing, and oh, so relaxing."

    "The tent and yurt sites are beautifully situated next to a stream full of cattails and lily pads. Wild deer roam nearby and horses graze in the fields around the park. Not far from town either."

    2. Minam State Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Wallowa, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 551-6949

    "The location of the campground is off to the left-hand side of highway 82 (if coming from Elgin) and down a long gravel road."

    "Near the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa rivers, this is a perfect base camp for exploring the waters and towns of the Wallowa mountains."

    3. Hu - Na - Ha RV Park

    1 Review
    Elgin, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (541) 437-2253

    "The park is right on the edge of town. Nestled between a river and a horse farm he will hear a rooster everyday you will hear a donkey. There are wild turkey in the area but they're quite quiet."

    4. Jubilee Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Elgin, OR
    19 miles
    +1 (509) 522-6290

    $17 - $24 / night

    "The bugs were not bad even though we were close to the water and it was late summer. We could walk to the water from our campsite in just a minute or so which was awesome!"

    "The campsites are a decent size, however when it is busy you do feel like you are right next to your neighbor. This really didn't bother my family and I because we were gone most of the day."

    5. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    26 Reviews
    Meacham, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 983-2277

    $20 - $74 / night

    "Oregon always has beautiful state parks. This one is no different. It is close to Hwy 84, so there is road noise. The campsites don't seem to be as on top of each other as some places."

    "It was a welcome dose of green after a long day of brown along the interstate through Idaho and western Oregon. The cabin was rustic, the shower house was in good repair with nice hot showers."

    6. Woodland Campground

    2 Reviews
    Umatilla National Forest, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 522-6290

    $8 / night

    "Only issue is it’s close to the road so you can hear when truckers go by, otherwise perfect primitive camping spot"

    7. Hilgard Junction State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 551-6949

    $10 / night

    "There is a trail if you head North that winds up and puts you on the Oregon trail, I biked it on my ebike, it is pretty strenuous and bumpy."

    "Hilgard Junction is a small, Riverside day use area, travel rest-stop and campground at the junction of I-84 and Highway 244 on the Grande Ronde river at the base of Mt. Emily."

    8. McDougall Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Weston, OR
    18 miles

    "McDougall is a small mountain community located in the blue mountains above Weston, Oregon. There is a small neighborhood consisting of permanent RVs, cabins and shanties."

    "Either these are not the correct coordinates, or the trail has been overgrown. We’re car camping here for one night and it’s a lovely spot!"

    10. Umatilla Forks Campground

    3 Reviews
    Umatilla National Forest, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 522-6290

    "The campground is divided into 2 sets of 4 with one set of spots further up the road in a different unmarked entrance."

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Recent Reviews near Elgin, OR

379 Reviews of 128 Elgin Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    RV Resort Four Seasons

    Great location to all of Walla Walla

    conveniently located , Large sites.

  • Tim The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Pendleton KOA

    Nice well kept park

    Quite, nicely maintained,

  • Matt B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Quick and easy

    Quickly and easy stop close to 84 if you are traveling through. Does the trick for an overnighter. Lots of dispersed pullouts. No amenities.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Wolf Creek Reservoir

    Great views and cool weather

    Awesome camp spot, off the main road so no one is here. Love that it’s by the water

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Hurricane Creek Campground

    Secluded, right by the river

    Close to town and service but back in far enough you lose the service and all you hear is the river. There are several sites, we came on a Sunday night and most were full besides a few. We took site 9 which was close to the bathroom and right beside the river, it does however have no shade on the site itself so keep that in mind. We were fine since it was a cloudy day. The river is shallow in most places but right off this site it has a deep area where you can dip, the water is freezing even in late August, and there's a 3 foot jump down onto the bank. Saw two bucks together early in the morning grazing.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    RV Resort Four Seasons

    Very comfortable

    I called from 40 miles out on a Friday night on the 22 nd of August. High summer season. They were nearly full. They held a spot. Grass pad full hook up. Most of the sites are shaded by trees due to my starlink sat needs a clear shot at the sky I took a space in the sun. I was just traveling thru if I was staying longer go for shade. Its 85-90 this time of year. The people who run the place were very nice and the grounds are very well kept.

    I recommend it anytime of year!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Wallowa Lake State Park Campground

    A large full and bustling spot- but still magic

    There are plenty of places to park, camp, swim, hike and adventure in the Wallowas. This park and surrounding area is a goldmine for the nature and nature adjacent lovers alike. We will return and soon!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Hurricane Creek Campground

    Lovely simple campground

    Small campground by a beautiful but loud creek. Several sites along the creek, some accessible by car only (no trailer turnaround). Sites private. Only a couple of people there on a Sunday evening. No water. Lovely stay!


Guide to Elgin

Camping sites near Elgin, Oregon range from forested retreats to riverside havens, with elevations between 2,700-4,800 feet creating distinct seasonal camping experiences. The area sits where the Blue Mountains meet the Grande Ronde River valley, creating diverse camping terrain. Winter brings significant snowfall that blocks access to higher elevation campgrounds into spring, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 48-85°F.

What to do

Soak in natural hot springs: Grande Hot Springs RV Resort offers two mineral-rich pools for relaxation. According to a camper, "The soaking pools were amazing. They even had a twilight soak. Very peaceful and relaxing campground. Nature trail along the creek was cool. Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer."

Fishing opportunities: Minam State Recreation Area provides excellent trout fishing access on the Minam River. One visitor noted, "I always love camping and fishing the valley, this camping ground is free to use. It is very clean and has great fishing during trout season."

Hiking trails: Explore the trail system around Jubilee Lake Campground with its 2.8-mile path circling the water. A camper reports, "There is a 2.8 mile trail circling the lake with breathtaking views all along. A rope swing into the water awaits the daring, an easy 20+ ft arc with a variable drop."

Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer wildlife watching opportunities. One visitor at Minam State Recreation Area shared, "Whitetail doe with 2 fawns frequented the campground," while another noted seeing wild turkeys around Hu-Na-Ha RV Park.

What campers like

Secluded riverside campsites: Umatilla Forks Campground receives high marks for privacy and water access. One camper reported, "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."

Natural swimming areas: Campers value the water access for cooling off. At Jubilee Lake, visitors appreciate that "The lake water is semi murky in the muddy areas but clear and beautiful in the pebble beach areas. This body of water makes for a beautiful backdrop that glistens in the sun."

Affordability: Many camping options near Elgin are budget-friendly. A Minam State Recreation Area visitor noted, "For $6 (!) you get a great spot literally just a few dozen feet from the water."

Fruit trees: Several camping areas feature fruit trees that attract wildlife and provide seasonal treats. At Minam State Recreation Area, a camper mentioned, "Apple trees alongside the dirt road provided a wonderful, unexpected snack."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to some dispersed camping requires appropriate vehicles. At North Elgin Dispersed Camp, a visitor warns, "Great free place to camp 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible. Down side no water near by, not even a creek."

Highway noise: Certain campgrounds near major roads experience traffic noise. At Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, campers note, "The road noise is extreme; very loud. If you can get past that the place is really sweet."

Winter accessibility: Snow blocks many forest roads during colder months. One visitor attempting to reach McDougall Dispersed Camping reported, "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."

Insects: Bug activity varies by season and location. One camper at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort mentioned "Lots of mosquitos!" while another at McDougall Dispersed Camping advised, "Flying insects during the day. There are many so take appropriate action. Mostly flies and a couple different types of bees. By sunset, the insects went to sleep."

Tips for camping with families

Consider campground layouts: Family-friendly options provide open spaces for kids. A visitor at Jubilee Lake Campground noted, "This campground is really big and spread out so even when it's busy it doesn't feel cramped."

Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning programs. A visitor at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area shared, "They had informed classes about animals in the forest. The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on."

Wildlife encounters: Kids enjoy spotting local animals. As one Grande Hot Springs RV Resort visitor reported, "Visiting in April on a Sunday to do day use has defined my idea of heavenly. The snow-covered peaks, the clean air, the sounds of the spring birds, and the silence are magical."

Plan for temperature changes: Even summer nights can be cool. A Jubilee Lake visitor advised, "The nights get chilly, so be prepared with warm socks and a beenie, especially if you're tent camping."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Hilgard Junction State Park offers limited services. A camper noted, "There are no hook ups but there are water spickets and restrooms."

Site configurations: At Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, an RVer reported, "Roads and all sites are gravel. Lots of green grass areas and dog areas. All sites are pull through and can accommodate large RVs."

Power options: Bring alternative power sources where hookups aren't available. One visitor at Hilgard Junction State Park advised, "The RV park has no connections so bring your generator and solar panels with you."

Seasonal timing: Many campgrounds operate within limited seasons. A visitor at Woodland Campground mentioned it's a "Beautiful little pull off campground, single loop with 6 sites - pit toilets, fire pit, and picnic table," but it's only open from July 4th to Labor Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elgin, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elgin, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Elgin, OR and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Elgin, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elgin, OR is Grande Hot Springs RV Resort with a 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elgin, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Elgin, OR.

What parks are near Elgin, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Elgin, OR that allow camping, notably Umatilla National Forest and Wallowa Whitman National Forest.