Best Equestrian Camping near Joseph, OR

We were able to find an available spot on Labor Day weekend 2021. Most campsites between the town of Lostine and Irondyke campground were taken by 7pm on Friday. The access road was narrow and in pretty rough shape, lots of horse trailers hauling livestock up and down the road. The road remained busy until late at night and during the weekend with other campers and day hikers… we stayed in a tent camp site that allowed horses, so it was ample with a clearing that provided sunny areas. Picnic table and rock fire pit were available at the site. 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!

These coordinates are one of the first sites on the right, when arriving from Two Pan Trailhead, but there are dozens around the lake if you follow the trail.

This was my second time backpacking in the Wallowas, and my first time at Mirror Lake. The lake is big with lots of dispersed sites, but when we arrived on Friday evening we felt lucky to find a place. (Some folks resorted to camping on vegetation areas—please don't do this!) The lake was so full and the sound carried over the water so much that you could hear conversations. Luckily it seemed to clear out by Saturday morning, for whatever reason.

We clocked the hike in from Two Pan Trailhead at 7.3 miles. The incline is mostly gradual with a nice break of mostly flat trail in a beautiful valley meadow area. Lots of horse traffic on this trail, so watch your step! The lake is super clear, and worth a swim. The trail to summit Eagle Cap is close by and a great day-hike for amazing views.

If you're looking for a secluded place in the Wallowas, I would head elsewhere. If you want an easy backpack in, and don't mind being around lots of other people, Mirror Lake is a great choice.

I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time.

This is the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake. Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors. One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.*

*One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along NF Rd 46 from here north to Buckhorn.

The drive up to this area is well-maintained gravel, and an SUV with decent tires can do it. (We did it with a truck hauling a toy-hauler trailer). Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need--this area is REMOTE.

Take Crow Creek Rd off of Hwy 82 (btwn Enterprise and Joseph). All is paved until your intersection with Zumwalt Road, where you veer R to stay on Zumwalt (aka Zumwalt-Buckhorn Rd). It's gravel after that intersection.

Follow signs to Zumwalt Prairie or Buckhorn Lookout.

Crossing over Zumwalt Prairie is a GORGEOUS drive. The Nature Conservancy has their Zumwalt Prairie Preserve here, and it's a great side trip from the camp spot.

This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through. In fall this is a popular camp area for hunters.

I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of zero water, zero data, the ecosystem/soil that has been abused in the past (not wilderness), the 50-minute drive to WiFi/ restaurant/ water refill/ black water dump. But if I was comparing primitive camping to primitive camping, this would be a 5 of 5.

I would go back here (in late spring or early fall) in a heartbeat.

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. Our spot was tucked back a little way, which we liked. But was furthest from the water and swampy, which we didn’t like. The other two spots are closer to the water, so you don’t have to contend so much with misquitos.

There are places to dip your feet, but the water at this location is too fast and cold to swim in. Otherwise, this site had all we needed: solitude, water, vaulted toilet and some beautiful forest walk-abouts. 

Just bring bug spray and check for ticks!

This area offers incredible dispersed camping opportunities alongside West Eagle Creek south of the West Eagle Meadows trailhead on NF-77 (aka Eagle Creek Rd). Just drive down the road and explore the many turnoffs to find one that suits your needs. Don’t forget to leave time for a day hike up to Echo Lake!

This place is quiet, comfortable, and secluded. It’s near the end of 18 miles of unpaved mountain road and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery along the way. The bunkhouse is beginning to show its age but it accommodates a large group and the enclosed porch on the back of the building is a treat. The grounds are enormous and close to Eagle Creek. Plenty of room and flat ground for several tent. Vault toilet only, but it’s clean. Bring your own water.

Arrived late on a Saturday night originally intending to camp at the 7 devils campground but there were no available sites so decided to go back to windy saddle. We were the only campers at windy saddle and were able to get a perfect site at the head of the trail over looking hell’s canyon and Heaven’s gate. Had an absolutely gorgeous view of the devils peaks easy access to trails, devils lake, Heaven’s gate trail. One of the best camping trips I have ever had. There is a vault toilet but no other amenities which was ok for our stay. I am definitely going to be coming back to camp at windy saddle again.

17 mile drive from roadway. Not recommended for any type of trailer; road can be difficult and is pinched in portions to single lane (substantial change in altitude from valley floor). Great hiking, fire lookout manned during portions of the year, vaulted toilets, check with ranger station on road condition before mid June.