Best Tent Camping near Elgin, OR

Dispersed camping options dominate the tent camping landscape near Elgin, Oregon, with sites spread throughout Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Free primitive tent sites can be found along forest service roads, particularly at Wallowa-Whitman NF 21, which features numerous dispersed sites with established fire rings. Hurricane Creek Campground provides more established tent camping with picnic tables and toilets for those seeking basic amenities, while several small Forest Service campgrounds like Williamson offer creek-side camping in more remote settings.

Road conditions vary significantly across tent campgrounds in the Elgin area, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. Most primitive tent sites lack drinking water, flush toilets, or trash service, so campers must pack in all supplies and pack out waste. Sites typically feature minimal improvements beyond fire rings, though some established campgrounds provide vault toilets. Seasonal considerations include spring mud that can make sites inaccessible and potential fire restrictions during summer months. Campers should check forest service announcements before trips, as some areas may have temporary closures or restricted access.

Tent campsites near Elgin offer varying levels of privacy and natural features. Areas farther from highways provide more secluded experiences with opportunities to observe wildlife including deer and elk. Many tent areas feature tree cover for shade and natural buffers between sites. Campers seeking solitude may prefer more remote locations accessible via forest service roads rather than sites near I-84. A camper described the experience at one dispersed area: "Lots of free camping! There are hundreds of spots to camp." Those willing to venture deeper into the national forest will find more isolated tent camping opportunities with fewer neighbors and highway noise, though the trade-off is reduced cell service and longer drives to amenities.

Best Tent Sites Near Elgin, Oregon (44)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Elgin, OR

344 Reviews of 44 Elgin Campgrounds


  • Paige P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Wolf Creek Reservoir

    Sweet Spot

    A handful of great places to camp for the night- very clean and well taken care of so please leave no trace. Just a spot and a table, no water, restrooms ect.

  • Cindy U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2018

    Lane Creek

    Small but great for hunting

    Lane Creek campground is in the Umatilla Forest off Hwy 244 (Between HWY 395 & I-84). Between milepost 10 & 12. It has 7 camp sites with vaulted toilet. No water or garabage, but have picnic table and fire ring, with level gravel site for trailers (can pitch a tent). One out of the 7 sites can hold a large RV of 35ft. Town of Ukiah is west about 8 miles and has a dump station for RV at a park in middle of town off HWY 244. Great Elk hunting area lots of forest road to drive around.

  • Jim B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2021

    Hurricane Creek Campground

    A lovely place

    We scheduled three nights here but after two nights of amazing lightning storms, we skipped the third night. Still, this is a beautiful place, very private, secluded, and shady. The fast-moving creek creates a soothing white noise that we found calming. The campsites are spaced quite far apart, some only large enough for a tent. No hookups, but there is a clean vault toilet. We planned to hit the nearby hiking trail, but when we got to the trailhead, the parking lot was completely packed. When we go there again, we will stay and relax at the campground.

  • John 'n Sara D.
    Aug. 2, 2018

    Jubilee Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest

    Peace & Quiet!

    The campground is somewhat primitive. There are flushing toilets on the lower loop, vault toilets on the upper loop. no showers, but you can refresh in the lake. The nights get chilly, so be prepared with warm socks and a beenie, especially if you’re tent camping.

    There are no power boats allowed on the lake, so it is raft, kayak paddle board friendly.

    The path around the lake is an easy walk, just don’t expect to sit on a bench and enjoy the view of the lake, the trees have grown up.

  • S
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Minam State Recreation Area

    Very clean, nice campground

    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. The sites are spaced enough to where you aren't crowded but there still isn't much privacy. Apple trees are everywhere, bringing tons of butterflies and bees to the campground. The bathrooms looked well maintained. The river is nice to swim in or for rafts/kayaks but as for fishing, we didn't have much luck aside from mountain whitefish. Overall a good campground for overnight.

  • allison W.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Umapine

    Middle of Nowhere!

    I like remote campgrounds but man, this one felt especially far away from everything. If coming here, I would say you should allocate at least two days if not more to take advantage of everything nearby.

    Campground is in a ponderosa forest right in between two creeks, Squaw and Umapine, so anglers were happy and it’s easy to get a nice cool respite if the weather is oppressive.

    Picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, but no hookups.

    This campground seems to be an increasingly significant favorite for ATVers (there are a bazillion trails around, you can see them on the maps downloadable for Pro Dyrt members) but it does not open until May, so leave your snowmobile at home.

    There are eight sites of varying sizes, but only one is a pull through.

  • Nick B.
    Jul. 15, 2019

    Target Meadows Campground — Umatilla National Forest

    Rustic campground with a neat history

    We tent camped for the weekend in mid-July. The plan was to camp at Jubilee Lake, but it was full when we arrived Friday evening. Target Meadows is just a short drive from the lake, but there were plenty of sites available. The campground is heavily wooded with beautiful evergreens. Sites are private and well spaced. This is a rustic campground, so there is no water or power. Amenities include (very clean!) pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits with cooking grates. There is a lot of dry timber on the ground, so it is easy to collect your own firewood. There is easy access to hiking, including Burnt Cabin trailhead. Most campsites are trailer friendly, including a few with drive-through access. We really enjoyed the area and will be back again!

  • Emily C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Spring Creek Campground

    Good free FS campground

    Came here for an overnight stop while traveling through the area. Solid spot - 4 large sites with level spots, fire ring, picnic tables, vault toilet. Arrived around 5pm on a Saturday in October and 3 spots were available - the others filled up after me. Quiet and beautiful while being close to the highway. Perfect and pleasant for my overnight stop

  • J
    Apr. 18, 2018

    Bird Track Springs

    Excellent place to dry camp...

    Every time we camp here it has been quiet, wild life comes around to say hi. Vault toilets, no water, no trash pickup. Always clean,,, Nice place...


Guide to Elgin

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Oregon, Elgin offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Elgin

  • For a peaceful experience, consider staying at Mottet, where you'll find spacious sites and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
  • If you're looking for a more rugged experience, Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed provides numerous spots, but be prepared for limited amenities and potential privacy issues.
  • Always check road conditions before heading to Bone Spring Campground, as access can be challenging without a high-clearance vehicle.

Local Attractions for Campers

  • Explore the stunning trails around Moss Springs Campground, which serves as a great base for hiking into the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
  • The Williamson Campground offers beautiful river views, making it an ideal spot for fishing and enjoying nature.
  • Visit the nearby Walla Walla Forest Camp for a chance to dip your feet in the river and enjoy the serene forest surroundings.

Activities to Enjoy While Camping

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the access to trails from Mottet, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
  • Wildlife watchers can spot elk and other animals while camping at Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed, adding excitement to your outdoor adventure.
  • For a unique experience, consider horseback riding from Moss Springs Campground, which is equipped for equestrian activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Elgin, Oregon campgrounds for tent campers?

Tent campers near Elgin can find basic but functional amenities at several campgrounds. West Eagle Meadow Campground offers sites arranged around a paved loop in the trees, equipped with one clean vault toilet, though there's no water, electricity, or sewer connections. At Big Springs Campground, you'll find dry camping with vault toilets, and each site includes picnic tables and fire pits. Most campgrounds in the area are rustic, focusing on natural settings rather than modern conveniences.

Where are the best tent camping spots near Elgin, Oregon?

The Elgin area offers excellent tent camping in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Hurricane Creek Campground provides beautiful, secluded sites with spacious layouts and the soothing sounds of a fast-moving creek. For those seeking more remote experiences, Two Pan offers four spots with picnic tables and fire pits, serving as an excellent gateway to wilderness trails. The campground includes horse tie-ups and is located about 11 miles down a gravel road, providing true forest immersion.

When is the best season for tent camping in Elgin, Oregon?

Late spring through early fall offers the best tent camping near Elgin. Moss Springs Campground, located about 9 miles up a forest service road from Cove, is particularly beautiful during spring and summer when accessing the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Late spring brings moderate daytime temperatures with cooler nights and blooming wildflowers at Thief Valley Reservoir Campground, though be prepared for wind. Summer provides warm weather for exploration, while early fall offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds before winter snowfall makes access difficult.