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Best Campgrounds near Joseph, OR

346 Reviews

The small town of Joseph in Oregon has several camping spots for visitors to choose from. You can pitch a tent at Joseph City Park Campground if you want to stay right in town with basic facilities and walk to local shops and restaurants. National forest land surrounding Joseph allows for more basic camping without designated sites if you prefer more privacy. Families often stay at Joseph Area State Park where you'll find clean bathrooms and designated spots for picnics. Fire rules change seasonally in this part of Oregon, so it's smart to check current restrictions before planning to have a campfire. Many campers head to Joseph Recreation Area for its mountain views and trails that start right from the camping area. Joseph County Park Campground tends to be quieter, with plenty of room whether you're in a tent or bringing an RV. Packing out trash and minimizing your impact helps keep these areas nice for future campers. From developed campgrounds to more remote spots, Joseph's camping areas work for different camping styles and preferences.

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Best Camping Sites Near Joseph, Oregon (140)

    1. Wallowa Lake State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 432-4185

    $26 - $78 / night

    "Located in the far northeast corner of Oregon, this state park has something for everyone. Wallowa Lake is known for it's natural beauty, fishing, and water sports."

    "This has the typical state/federal issue of older campground when trailers were 20 feet long with no slides so it can be a little tight, but the location is incredible.   "

    2. Hurricane Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 426-5546

    "Some of the sites are small and close to the road. Sites 12 and 13 at the end of the road have a lot of trees and good tent areas. Nice large picnic tables and fire pits."

    "tons of beautiful campsites right next to a LOUD rushing creek. plenty of clean bathrooms as well. it seemed to me that this area does get a lot of rain, so just a heads up for that. came in a little Prius"

    3. Park At The River

    8 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 432-8800

    $34 - $65 / night

    "Park at the River is in a beautiful location but it’s a full blown RV park, not a campground. The big rigs are really packed in."

    "Dry camping is next to the river, very pretty. Near hiking trail and tram ride to the top of mt Howard is across the street"

    4. Evans Farm - Glamp on the River

    1 Review
    Joseph, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 745-8772

    $120 / night

    5. Ice Lake

    2 Reviews
    Wallowa Whitman National Forest, OR
    9 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Scenic Meadows RV Park

    1 Review
    Joseph, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 432-9285

    "You are surrounded by wildlife, and entertained by the go carts. They even had food trucks Really big rigs could have a problem with the turns. BUT!!!!"

    7. Walla Walla Forest Camp

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    "There are several campsites along the Lostine corridor, we decided just to drive until we found a spot we liked. We landed at Walla Walla Forest Camp and claimed site 4."

    8. Williamson Campground

    2 Reviews
    Enterprise, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 426-5546

    "Nice little river near the campsites for gathering water or cooling off."

    9. Irondyke Forest Camp

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    $10 / night

    "Densely wooded, next to a great running river. I think there are 6 sites. Fire rings. One vault toilet that was pretty darn full this year, so that’s why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5."

    "A toilet is Located on the opposite side of road and shares with other 4 or 5 sites. If you want a quiet, peaceful camping spot, this is not for you!"

    10. Shady Campground

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    10 miles
    Website
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Recent Camping Photos near Joseph, OR

101 Photos of 140 Joseph Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Joseph, OR

346 Reviews of 140 Joseph Campgrounds

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Dispersed Sites Near Hells Canyon Overlook

    Sweet find

    Some friends and I were roadtripping around eastern Oregon and hells canyon was part of the route. We were panning to hit up a spot down in the canyon but when we drove by this set up we had to check it out. Plenty of space for multiple tents on multiple sights. Drivable trails around the pond where you can go fishing. A few campers even were set up back there.

    Walking over late in the evening to Stargate over the canyon… And then woke up to watch the sunrise over the canyon. It’s like a two minute walk from this campsite so much space and there was hardly anyone there.

    Will visit again next time I’m through

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Wolf Creek Reservoir

    Great views and cool weather

    Awesome camp spot, off the main road so no one is here. Love that it’s by the water

  • Amanda P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    A wonderful escape

    Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle. Other than a forest service vehicle and maybe 2 others it was just us up there! We came by way of Imanha.

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Hurricane Creek Campground

    Secluded, right by the river

    Close to town and service but back in far enough you lose the service and all you hear is the river. There are several sites, we came on a Sunday night and most were full besides a few. We took site 9 which was close to the bathroom and right beside the river, it does however have no shade on the site itself so keep that in mind. We were fine since it was a cloudy day. The river is shallow in most places but right off this site it has a deep area where you can dip, the water is freezing even in late August, and there's a 3 foot jump down onto the bank. Saw two bucks together early in the morning grazing.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Wallowa Lake State Park Campground

    A large full and bustling spot- but still magic

    There are plenty of places to park, camp, swim, hike and adventure in the Wallowas. This park and surrounding area is a goldmine for the nature and nature adjacent lovers alike. We will return and soon!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Hurricane Creek Campground

    Lovely simple campground

    Small campground by a beautiful but loud creek. Several sites along the creek, some accessible by car only (no trailer turnaround). Sites private. Only a couple of people there on a Sunday evening. No water. Lovely stay!

  • Z
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Papoose Campground

    Small simple level ground

    Looks like a newer camp area right off the gravel road. Just a leveled packed gravel pad. Big enough for two separate groups or one larger group. Beautiful up in the mountains. No amenities. No water found anywhere close.

  • Cheryl S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Grande Hot Springs RV Resort

    Relaxing Peaceful

    The soaking pools were amazing. They even had a twilight soak. Very peaceful and relaxing campground Nature trail along the creek was cool. Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer.

  • Kim J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Fox Hill Campground by MERA Motocross Track

    Close to town and free ✨️

    The views are incredible. Ohv park so lots of riders. I enjoyed the sounds of people enjoying themselves. Others may not. Pets are allowed. Lots of trails! There's some trash.

Guide to Joseph

Camping near Joseph, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Fishing: The beautiful waters of Wallowa Lake State Park Campground are perfect for kayaking. One camper mentioned, "We kayaked on the lake and went up Mount Howard on the tram where the views of the Eagle Cap wilderness were breathtaking."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Minam State Recreation Area. A visitor shared, "There is a short trail down to the river where I watched the osprey fish and saw some rafters float by."
  • Horseback Riding: The area is known for its horseback riding opportunities. One reviewer fondly recalled, "Riding horses in the Eagle Caps is one of my favorite childhood memories."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Grande Hot Springs RV Resort noted, "The staff was great and helpful, and the amenities are clean and really good."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Park At The River, one camper said, "The staff were so amazing."
  • Scenic Views: The breathtaking scenery is a big draw. A camper at Hurricane Creek Campground remarked, "The fast-moving creek creates a soothing white noise that we found calming."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Minam State Recreation Area, have limited amenities. A visitor noted, "There is no power in any of the spots."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. One camper at Catherine Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "It's small and squeezed in between the creek, mountain highway... not much for Verizon cell signal."
  • Wildlife Awareness: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Blackhorse Campground advised, "Need to be on the lookout for bears."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Wallowa Lake State Park Campground said, "Putt putt golf and go-karts also make for some great memories."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family. A visitor at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort noted, "The campground is dog-friendly!"
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Hurricane Creek Campground warned, "If they were to get in the creek that would be all she wrote."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A review for A-Frame RV Park mentioned, "We have a 36ft travel trailer... was able to fit into the pull through no problem."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Mtn View RV Park advised, "The utilities were in the middle of the pad, which made it nice for our one-night stay."
  • Bring Propane: Some campgrounds don’t allow wood fires. A visitor at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort suggested, "Bring a propane pit for marshmallows!"

Camping near Joseph, Oregon, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Joseph, Oregon?

The crown jewel of camping near Joseph is Wallowa Lake State Park Campground, offering a stunning alpine setting with lake access, proximity to town, and full hookup options. The campground provides easy access to water activities, hiking trails, and the tramway up Mt. Howard. For a more secluded experience, Minam State Recreation Area sits at the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa rivers, making it perfect for fishing enthusiasts. This clean, convenient campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Wallowa Mountains region. Other notable options include Hurricane Creek, Wallowa Falls, and Two Pan campgrounds, each offering unique access to the surrounding wilderness areas.

How far is Joseph, Oregon from Walla Walla and what camping is available along the route?

Joseph is approximately 100 miles from Walla Walla, roughly a 2-hour drive primarily via OR-204 and OR-82. Along this scenic route, Blackhorse Campground makes an excellent midway stop, located about 40 minutes from Joseph with spacious sites and nice water access. Even during peak season in August, this campground typically has availability. Closer to the Walla Walla side, Walla Walla Forest Camp near Lostine offers a more rustic camping experience with basic toilet facilities. For those seeking additional options, small forest service campgrounds are scattered throughout the Blue Mountains portion of the journey.

What RV camping options are available in Joseph, Oregon?

Joseph offers several quality RV camping options to suit different preferences. Scenic Meadows RV Park provides full-service amenities with big-rig-friendly sites in a convenient location. For those seeking a resort experience, Grande Hot Springs RV Resort offers upgraded amenities including hot springs access. While sites at Wallowa Lake State Park accommodate RVs, they were designed for smaller vintage trailers, so expect tighter quarters despite the incredible location. Park At The River provides another option with water and toilet facilities. Most RV parks in the area stay open seasonally from late spring through early fall, with limited winter availability.

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