Top Free Dispersed Camping near Island City, OR
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Island City? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Oregon camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Island City, OR (12)
1. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
La Grande, Oregon6 Reviews•13 Photos•92 SavesDispersed 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
2. McDougall Dispersed Camping
Weston, Oregon5 Reviews•23 Photos•79 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
8. Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon2 Reviews•8 Photos•14 SavesDispersed 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 12 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Island City
20 Reviews of 12 Island City Campgrounds
Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area
Not a dispersed campsite
Campsites are fine, but opposed to stated, it is not a dispersed campsite. We paid 34 dollar for a RV.
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.
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.
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.
North Elgin Dispersed Camp
Nice quite place
Great free place to camp 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible. Down side no water near by, not even a creek.
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
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.
Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
So much camping
There are 100s of spots to camp
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.
Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Very difficult road
Do not try and tow a trailer up this road!!! I made that mistake and barely made it out. Didn’t make it up to the reservoir
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 😔
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.
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!
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 :)
Ice Lake
Can’t say enough, come here
This backpacking trip is a very accessible hike.
The road to get to the trailhead is paved and the hike to Ice lake is 9 miles in (18 miles total)
You can add some miles (and a lot of elevation) if you add a day hike to the Matterhorn. Second tallest to Sacajawea. When I say it takes 3 hours to get up and 30 minutes to get down.. I’m not joking. Unless you’re an ultra runner who can handle high intensity at elevation, this will take some time. Well worth it for the views and ice lake will be waiting for you at the bottom.
Photos are from August 2018 and July 2019... notice the snow in July. Couldn’t do the added day hike that time.
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 Island City
Camping near Island City, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're in an RV, tent, or cabin, there are plenty of spots to enjoy nature and relax.
What to do:
- Explore hot springs: Check out the Grande Hot Springs RV Resort for its natural hot springs. One visitor said, "The pools that are fed by the springs are great, especially after a long day on the road."
- Hiking and nature walks: Many campgrounds, like Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, offer trails. A camper noted, "We had a nice walk through the campground."
- Fishing and wildlife watching: The Minam State Recreation Area is great for fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "Great fishing during trout season."
What campers like:
- Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Pilcher Creek Reservoir said, "Super quiet spot that has beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges."
- Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, like Hilgard Junction State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper shared, "The bathrooms were clean and providing all needed functionality."
- Friendly staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff at places like Grande Hot Springs RV Resort. A reviewer mentioned, "The staff was great and helpful."
What you should know:
- Noise levels: Some campgrounds, like Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, are close to highways, which can be loud. One camper noted, "I was amazed at the freeway noise. Very loud."
- Limited amenities: Campgrounds like Bird Track Springs may lack drinking water and showers. A visitor mentioned, "If you don't need much, this campground is awesome and affordable."
- Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at places like Minam State Recreation Area. One camper warned, "Need to be on the lookout for bears."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Jubilee Lake Campground. A camper said, "Even when it’s busy it doesn’t feel cramped."
- Bring activities: Some campgrounds may not have play areas for kids. A reviewer at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort mentioned, "There is no area for the kids to play."
- Plan for meals: Make sure to bring your own cooking supplies, as some campgrounds like Hurricane Creek Campground don’t have firewood available. A visitor noted, "Bring a propane pit for marshmallows!"
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Some campgrounds, like Pilcher Creek Reservoir, have sites that may not be level. A reviewer mentioned, "Some of the sites aren't terribly level."
- Look for hookups: If you need electric hookups, check ahead. Campgrounds like Hilgard Junction State Park Campground don’t offer them. One camper said, "No electric hookups."
- Be aware of road conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed noted, "Most of the sites were too muddy."
Camping near Island City, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Island City, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Island City, OR is Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Island City, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Island City, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.