Best Dispersed Camping near Haines, OR

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest surrounding Haines, Oregon provides extensive dispersed camping opportunities with minimal development and maximum flexibility. Social Security Point Trailhead and the Southern Elkhorn Mountain/Powder River Basin Area represent popular options within a short drive of town, featuring primitive sites suitable for both tent and RV camping. Most locations operate on a first-come basis without reservation systems, typical of Forest Service dispersed camping in eastern Oregon. The landscape transitions from sagebrush plains to forested mountains, creating diverse camping environments ranging from lakeside spots at reservoirs to secluded forest clearings with established fire rings.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles for comfortable access. As one camper noted about Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry, "Road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle." Summer brings ideal camping weather, though fire restrictions typically limit campfires from July through September. Cell service remains spotty or nonexistent at most sites, particularly in canyon areas and higher elevations. Water sources are limited, with no potable water available at dispersed sites, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies. Winter access becomes challenging or impossible at higher elevations due to snow and mud.

Wildlife viewing opportunities attract many visitors to the area's campgrounds, with elk, turkeys, and various bird species commonly spotted. Campers frequently mention the balance between accessibility and solitude as a key benefit. According to a visitor at Southern Elkhorn Mountain/Powder River Basin Area, it's "conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it's the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization." Fishing opportunities exist at several reservoirs, including Balm Creek and Wolf Creek, where stocked trout provide recreation. Noise levels vary by location, with sites directly off highways experiencing more traffic sounds than those requiring longer access drives. Most dispersed sites feature simple fire rings but lack other amenities, requiring strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Haines, Oregon (15)

    1. Wolf Creek Reservoir

    3 Reviews
    North Powder, OR
    11 miles

    "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."

    "The location is right next to the reservoir. Rhe site we got was nicely graveled and a pull through."

    2. Social Security Point Trailhead

    5 Reviews
    Sumpter, OR
    16 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

    1 Review
    Sumpter, OR
    12 miles

    "There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring."

    4. Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area

    1 Review
    Sumpter, OR
    15 miles
    Website

    "Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas."

    5. Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-8500

    6. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-8500

    "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."

    "Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."

    8. Echo Lake Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Joseph, OR
    37 miles

    "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."

    9. Ice Lake

    2 Reviews
    Wallowa Whitman National Forest, OR
    39 miles
    Website

    "No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway."

    "This backpacking trip is a very accessible hike."

    10. North of Spring Creek on Forest Road 21

    1 Review
    La Grande, OR
    36 miles

    "This type of site is usually what we look for when traveling - dispersed, primitive camping sites spaced far apart from each other. We had a little patch of forest all to ourselves."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Haines, OR

25 Reviews of 15 Haines Campgrounds


  • allison W.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area

    Huge and diverse area

    Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas. It earns a good review at the end of the day for being conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it’s the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes.

  • 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.

  • Arielle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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 :)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

    Good spot for a few nights

    There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.

    I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.

  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Nick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Michael W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    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.


Guide to Haines

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Haines, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene lakeside retreats to rugged mountain hideaways.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Haines, Oregon

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, allow campfires, but be sure to check for fire restrictions during the summer months when conditions can be dry.
  • If you're planning to bring your pets, spots such as Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry are pet-friendly, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors with your furry companions.
  • For those looking for a more secluded experience, Echo Lake Dispersed Camping offers a remote setting that requires a challenging hike, rewarding you with stunning views and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Social Security Point Trailhead

  • This well-reviewed spot features a clean outhouse and offers both treed sites and lakefront options, making it a versatile choice for different camping preferences.
  • The area around Social Security Point Trailhead provides breathtaking sunset views, perfect for those who enjoy evening relaxation by the water.
  • Be cautious of the road conditions when accessing this location, as some areas may be muddy, especially after rain, which can affect your vehicle's ability to navigate.

Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area for dispersed campers

  • The Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area is known for its vastness, offering numerous spots for boondocking, making it easy to find a private place to set up camp.
  • This area is also great for hiking, with plenty of trails nearby that allow you to explore the stunning natural landscape while enjoying the peace and quiet of the forest.
  • While there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the natural beauty and the opportunity for solitude make this a highly sought-after location for adventurous campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping spots in Haines, Alaska?

Haines offers several excellent dispersed camping opportunities. The Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed area provides numerous pull-offs and primitive sites with established fire rings right off the highway. For those seeking more seclusion, North of Spring Creek on Forest Road 21 offers dispersed sites spaced far apart, giving campers their own patch of forest. Many of these areas are accessible with standard vehicles, though some remote locations may require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, especially after rain. For the most up-to-date information on dispersed camping locations, check with the local Forest Service office or visitor center in Haines.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping near Haines?

Dispersed camping near Haines typically follows standard Forest Service regulations. At Echo Lake Dispersed Camping, like most dispersed sites, you must practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. Sites like Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping have no facilities, so campers need to bring their own water and sanitation solutions. Generally, camping is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Campfires may be restricted seasonally, especially during fire danger periods. Most areas require camping at least 100-200 feet from water sources. Always check with the local Forest Service office for current regulations, as they may change based on conditions or season.

Is dispersed camping available year-round in Haines, Alaska?

Dispersed camping in Haines has seasonal limitations. While areas like Wolf Creek Reservoir and Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry are accessible during summer and fall, winter conditions dramatically restrict access. Higher elevation sites like Ice Lake at approximately 8,000 feet become snow-covered and inaccessible during winter months. Most forest roads aren't maintained in winter, making many dispersed sites unreachable. Spring access depends on snowmelt and road conditions. Year-round camping is technically allowed where accessible, but winter camping requires extensive preparation for extreme conditions. Always check road status and current conditions with local authorities before attempting winter dispersed camping.