Top Free Dispersed Camping near Elgin, OR

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Elgin? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Elgin just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Elgin, OR (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping

    1. McDougall Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    23 Photos
    79 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    2. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    13 Photos
    94 Saves

    Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.

    It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.

    There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.

    Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents. To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa Falls Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa Falls Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa Falls Campground

        7. Wallowa Falls Campground

        1 Review
        3 Photos
        4 Saves

        Note: Directions listed here are to the park entrance. Please call 800-551-6949 for detailed directions. The walk-in, tent only campground is nestled at the base of the Wallowa Mountains and surrounded by cliffs, tall pine trees, and wildlife. Relax to the sound of the Wallowa River and a small brook that runs through the campground. Take a hike on nearby trails that lead into the Eagle Cap Wilderness or picnic at the Little Alps Day-use Area. Wallowa Lake State Park is north of the campground.

        Seasonal Camping

        10 walk-in sites are first-come, first-served. Potable water available from spigots in the campground. Park overnight at the Little Alps Day-use Area. $10 per night. Pay at the self-pay station. Cash, check, and credit cards welcome. Firewood is available for $5/bundle. Two vault toilets located in the campground and a full restroom located just north of the campground in the Little Alps Day-use Area.

        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Firewood Available
        • Drinking Water
        Camper-submitted photo from Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
        • No image available
          Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

          10. Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

          2 Reviews
          8 Photos
          14 Saves

          Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.

          It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.

          There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.

          Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents. To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Dispersed
          • Alcohol
        Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Elgin

        17 Reviews of 11 Elgin Campgrounds


        • Nick J.
          Camper-submitted photo from Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
          Oct. 11, 2024

          Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

          Great Backcountry High Alpine Lake

          Aneroid 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.

        • mThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
          Jul. 11, 2024

          Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

          Well maintained roads

          Sites are far apart but some lack privacy. I saw Lots of elk and turkeys(?) and a rattlesnake. Outside of the lack of privacy there are some people who it appears that they live there(I a have no issues with that) my issue is the drive up and down the road multiple multiple time a day at high rates of speed leaving dust flying. When I was out walking I walked past one of their campsites on accident I didn’t get close and they started firing a gun in the air. I slept in my car that night and left the next morning. Also trash is an issue as well as people using the bathroom right on the ground and leaving used baby wipes everywhere. So watch out for human waste if you use a tent.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
          Jul. 10, 2024

          Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

          Easy Nature

          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. Tons of great hiking around.

        • Jodie E.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
          Apr. 2, 2024

          Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

          Great spot for overnight.

          We just needed a quick tent soot on a monday night on the way to moab. better than expected. bit muddy. some shells. but lots of space. drove in to about 45.35967, -118.30846

        • Hayley M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
          Mar. 9, 2024

          Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

          Good Quick Overnight Spot in the Off Season

          Stayed one night on my way to Seattle. I drove up the road some and found it pretty passable in my van, although most of the sites were too muddy and I was worried about getting stuck. Camped in the first spots behind the Spring Creek Info sign and had good phone service (verizon) and a uneventful night. But area had a ton of broken glass, nails and shotgun shells and a decent amount of litter. Don't know how rowdy it gets in the warmer months but it might be wise to skip this place or camp further up the road at the campground then, especially if you're a solo female.

        • Michael W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
          Jul. 4, 2023

          Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

          Hasty overnight

          Easy 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.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
          Sep. 10, 2022

          McDougall Dispersed Camping

          Over grown and no place to park without working about a grass fire

          Drove to the location based on GPS. It was over grown and not well cleared. I decide to go to the NP campground. Glad I did.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 8, 2022

          Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

          Boondocking

          Directions:  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.

        • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
          Jul. 4, 2021

          Ice Lake

          Nine-Mile Hike

          The 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.

        • J
          Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 30, 2021

          McDougall Dispersed Camping

          Many nice places to camp, lots of trash

          I was disappointed when I was checking out this area for camping (June 27th) I didn't get any pictures, but there was trash everywhere. Every time we found a good spot, full of poopy toilet paper, litter, beer cans, cigarette butts ect. It was overall disappointing and we decided to go elsewhere instead 😔

        • Chris
          Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 21, 2021

          McDougall Dispersed Camping

          McDougall camping

          Primitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle. Go about 2 miles on the dirt road and watch out for the dirt pot holes. At my site, you could fit 2 vehicles comfortably, but 3 is a little crowded. 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.

        • lauren C.
          Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 20, 2021

          McDougall Dispersed Camping

          Cute place in the woods

          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! Could not find the trail and just pulled off to camp on the side of the road. Dispersed & free & very wooded area!

        • Arielle W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
          Oct. 4, 2020

          Echo Lake Dispersed Camping

          Gorgeous and remote. Be prepared to CLIMB!

          This 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 :)

        • Brandon K.
          Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 13, 2020

          McDougall Dispersed Camping

          McDougall Mushroom Wonderland

          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. There are a number of mountain man type locals that call this area home.

          Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming. The camping is unrestricted, just be respectful and careful. This is not RV camping, but tent and bag only.

          Tall pines and firs shade the eastern Oregon forest floor provided a nice region to explore, continuing up the forest road you’ll reach a large meadow the rolls for miles downhill into the valley. The views here are breathtaking - this is an amazing location to bring your family.

          You’ll see many types of wildlife here are hundreds of varieties of meadow wildflowers.

          Spend a few days in the blues and shake off those blues.



        Guide to Elgin

        Camping near Elgin, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a cozy cabin, there are plenty of options to explore.

        What to do:

        • Hot Springs Relaxation: Enjoy the natural hot springs at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort. One visitor said, "The pools that are fed by the springs are great, especially after a long day on the road."
        • Hiking Adventures: Explore the trails around Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area. A camper noted, "We had a nice walk through the campground. It was not crowded, being a weekday in October."
        • Fishing and Wildlife Watching: At Minam State Recreation Area, you can fish and spot wildlife. One reviewer mentioned, "Great fishing during trout season. Make sure you get here early if you have an RV or trailer during the summer."

        What campers like:

        • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A visitor at Pilcher Creek Reservoir said, "Super quiet spot that has beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges."
        • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Hilgard Junction State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were clean and providing all needed functionality."
        • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One guest at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort shared, "The staff was great and helpful, and a full-time RV family shared their wisdom with this first-time RV-er."

        What you should know:

        • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area warned, "I was amazed at the freeway noise. Very loud."
        • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Bird Track Springs noted, "If you don't need much, this campground is awesome and affordable."
        • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Minam State Recreation Area. One camper advised, "Need to be on the lookout for bears, as this was a homestead place many years ago."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with play areas. One reviewer at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort mentioned, "There is a horseshoe area, but otherwise, no play equipment."
        • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Hurricane Creek Campground cautioned, "If they were to get in the creek, that would be all she wrote."
        • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Jubilee Lake Campground said, "The trash surrounding the lake was rampant."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Space for Big Rigs: Many campgrounds are big rig friendly. A camper at Pilcher Creek Reservoir noted, "Good roads to the campsite. There are pull-through and back-in sites that would accommodate good-sized rigs."
        • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park mentioned, "Sites have sewer. There is a shuttle that will pick you up and take you to the casino."
        • Quiet Spots: Look for quieter campgrounds if you prefer peace. A reviewer at Hurricane Creek Campground said, "Spent one night in that spot then took another closer to the river for the second night where I had to use my leveling blocks."

        Camping near Elgin, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specific amenities and features of each campground to find the perfect spot for your trip!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Elgin, OR?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elgin, OR is McDougall Dispersed Camping with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Elgin, OR?

          TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Elgin, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.