Camping spots near Haines, Oregon include numerous dispersed areas across the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest at elevations ranging from 3,700 to 7,000 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature swings, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Road access to many campgrounds becomes difficult or impossible between November and May due to snow accumulation.
What to do
Fishing in spring and summer: Wolf Creek Reservoir offers free shoreline fishing from April through October. "Awesome camp spot, off the main road so no one is here. Love that it's by the water," notes camper Rory R. The small reservoir contains trout but can become marshy during late summer.
Wildlife viewing: Pilcher Creek Reservoir provides excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife including deer, waterfowl, and smaller creatures. "Saw a ton of wildlife too (bring your bear spray)," advises Kennedy F. The area attracts migratory birds during spring and fall seasons.
Soak in mineral waters: Grande Hot Springs RV Resort offers mineral-rich soaking pools fed by natural hot springs. "There are natural hot spring soaking pools at the campground. One pool is warm and the other is hot. I was grateful for the health benefits of the mineral soak," writes ursala K. The pools remain open for evening "twilight soaks" until 11 PM.
What campers like
Quiet dispersed camping: Social Security Point Trailhead provides secluded sites with basic amenities. "Great little dispersed spot with a clean outhouse. There looks to be 4 sites in the trees, but if you keep driving down it'll take you towards the lake, which is where I camped. Wide open, great sunset views!" reports Evan W.
Free camping with amenities: Pilcher Creek Reservoir campsites include fire pits and picnic tables despite being free. "Campsites are drive up with fire pits and picnic tables. Very clean vault toilets. I had two neighbors and it was very quiet all night. No trash. There was a working water pump at the campsite," shares Cameron.
Off-the-grid experience: Southwest Shore Campground offers unplugged camping without cell service distractions. "The camping sites were pretty level. Site 11 we feel was the best. Baker city was just about 20 minutes away along with the old gold mining town of Sumpter about 10 minutes away," notes Phil&Melinda O.
What you should know
Winter access varies: Southwest Shore Campground remains partially accessible in winter months. "The road in is plowed in the winter and 4 wheelers play around in the snow so you can get your car far enough off the road. Bathrooms are locked in the winter to no surprise but if you need a snowy campground for the night this is perfect!" explains Courtney K.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on gravel or dirt roads. "About 25 minutes off the freeway, last 2 miles are gravel. Beautiful setting and deserted. Plenty of room for any size RV," reports Jordon R. about Pilcher Creek Reservoir.
Variable water levels: Reservoirs in the area fluctuate significantly throughout the year. "The lake is dammed, so I assume the water levels vary, but when I was there, there was room for a few more vehicles down by the water. Careful going too far, as some tire tracks looked to have maybe gotten stuck in mud by venturing too far out," warns Evan W.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: A-Frame RV Park in Baker City welcomes pets with dedicated off-leash areas. "Dog Friendly with a 14 acres off-leash dog park! Washrooms were small but very clean. Even though it is 1 minute off the highway it was fairly quiet," states Susan N.
Tent vs. RV considerations: Many campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, but access varies. "Very well maintained area. Bring your own firewood, the forest floor is extremely clean. There's 4 sites on this road and a restroom at the end. We were car camping but most sites have smaller trailer access," explains Tony D. about Social Security Point Trailhead.
Noise factors: Train noise affects some campgrounds near Baker City. "This is a quiet motel that has a nice grassy lawn for a night to pitch a tent. Clean bathrooms and showers. Coffee was offered in the morning. All for a $10 fee. Train across road but not bad. I'd stay again," reports Lindy B. about Baker City Motel & RV Center.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Mtn View RV Park offers full-service sites for self-contained vehicles. "Good RV campground with store, clean showers, laundry, clean bathrooms, electric, water. Sites are a little close but do have grass and a picnic table in between," shares Rich J.
Water pressure considerations: Some RV parks have unusually high water pressure. "As the water pressure here is around 100 psi, you need to use a reducer. Sites are close to one another but you still have a grass yard with some separation," advises MickandKarla W.
Site length and turning radius: Many forest campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. "We were able to drive through the campground with the 27' trailer we had rented but none of the spaces would have accommodated us (that we could see)," notes one camper about Anthony Lake Campground.
