The Imnaha area sits at the edge of the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 10,000 feet across the region. The nearby Snake River creates a deep canyon environment with distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions year-round. Seasonal access varies dramatically with higher elevation sites receiving snowfall from October through May.
What to do
Jetboat tours: 6 miles from Canyon Pines RV Resort. The Salmon River and Snake River provide opportunities for guided jetboat excursions. "River Adventures Jet Boat tour of Hells Canyon is worth it!" notes a visitor to Canyon Pines RV Resort.
Mountain viewpoints: 30-minute drive from main highways. Several spectacular overlooks provide panoramic vistas of the Seven Devils Mountains range. "David (owner of Canyon Pines) pointed us to Heaven's Gate Mtn overlooking the 7 Devils Mtns. GO!!!" recommends a camper who stayed at Canyon Pines RV Resort.
Riverside fishing: Available directly from campsites. Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for anglers targeting salmon, steelhead and smaller fish species. "This campground makes for a great home base for those that want to fly fish the Little Salmon and Salmon Rivers," explains a guest at Riverside RV Park.
What campers like
River proximity: Steps from many sites. The sound of flowing water creates a peaceful camping atmosphere at several area campgrounds. "Nestled next to the Little Salmon River, the sound of the river at your campsite is so soothing!" reports a camper at Riverside RV Park.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained. Several campgrounds receive high marks for their bathroom cleanliness. "The bathhouse is a little dated, but spotlessly clean. The laundry is $1.75 each machine," notes a visitor to Swiftwater RV Park.
Mountain views: Visible from campsites. The surrounding mountain ranges provide dramatic backdrops at many camping locations. "We had a huge group and multiple dogs in the group site. Very clean camp area. Extremely reasonable prices," shares a repeat visitor to Lost Valley Reservoir.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Variable coverage. Many camping areas have limited or no cellular connectivity. "There is no cell service, but wifi is available. NO streaming and intermittent for browsing," advises a camper who stayed at Canyon Pines RV Resort.
Reservation timing: Book early June-August. The summer season fills quickly at most established campgrounds in the region. "We're heading north from Boise and needed a place to crash for the night. This was convenient so we booked it and we're happily surprised when we arrived," explains a visitor to Swiftwater RV Park.
Road conditions: Challenging for large vehicles. Many campgrounds require navigating steep, winding roads that can be difficult for bigger rigs. "There is a heck of a drive to get into this place, there's a very winding and steep road to get there and it took us about an hour from White Bird," cautions a visitor to Pittsburg Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pet restrictions: Vary by location. Some rv parks near Imnaha, Oregon welcome pets while others have limitations. "We had a small lawn for our dog. Easy in/out access through the park," notes a visitor to Riverside RV Park.
Bur hazards: Pack a brush for pets. Natural vegetation in some areas includes sticky burrs that can cause problems for dogs. "Word of warning to any dog owners; I discovered as soon as we unloaded from the vehicle that there are sticky burs absolutely everywhere on the ground and our furry labradoodle was soon covered with them," warns a camper at Pittsburg Campground.
Entertainment options: Bring games. Some campgrounds provide lending libraries and activity areas. "There is a camp store that has just about everything you might need including a good selection of wine and beer. There is a lending library for books and a huge DVD library. $2 rental," mentions a visitor to Canyon Pines RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Request specific locations. Some Imnaha area RV parks have tightly arranged spaces that can impact privacy. "Bear Den RV Resort is located a mile outside of town. Friendly staff and nicely maintained campground. There are a few small trees but mostly in the sun. Sites are close together," explains a camper at Bear Den RV Resort.
Power options: Confirm amperage. Many Imnaha region campgrounds offer either 30-amp or 50-amp service, but not always both. "Beautiful view, super friendly staff, and very convenient location. Just a tiny bit off the highway, easy to access pull-through sites, and very affordable!" shares a visitor to Seubert RV Park & Guesthouse.
Seasonal operation: Verify opening dates. Several RV parks in the Imnaha region have limited operating seasons due to weather conditions. "Quiet and great place for car camping," notes a summer visitor to Pittsburg Campground, which remains open year-round unlike many seasonal options.
