Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Joseph, OR

Wallowa Lake State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its expansive grounds near Joseph, Oregon. The park features multiple camping options including tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and pet-friendly cabins. Pets must remain on leash at all times while in the campground, including when walking along the lake shore or on nearby trails. A-Frame RV Park offers a standout 14-acre off-leash dog park where pets can run freely, making it particularly popular with RV travelers bringing dogs. Park At The River and Scenic Meadows RV Park also accommodate pets with designated pet areas. Hurricane Creek Campground provides a more rustic option for campers with dogs, featuring basic amenities but beautiful creekside sites where pets can cool off. Many campers note that deer regularly wander through the campgrounds, so keeping dogs leashed and under control is essential for wildlife protection.

The Eagle Cap Wilderness area surrounding Joseph offers numerous pet-friendly hiking trails accessible from local campgrounds. The Chief Joseph trailhead sits at the edge of Wallowa Lake State Park, providing immediate access to wilderness hiking with dogs. Campers should be prepared for variable mountain weather conditions when camping with pets, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night. Pet waste stations are available at most established campgrounds, though dispersed camping areas like Ice Lake require packing out all pet waste. Grande Hot Springs RV Resort provides heated walking paths around its perimeter specifically designed for walking dogs during cooler weather. The town of Joseph is approximately 2-5 miles from most campgrounds, offering veterinary services and pet supply options if needed. Campground hosts at Wallowa Lake strictly enforce quiet hours to prevent excessive barking, especially important in the busy summer months when the campground reaches full capacity.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Joseph, Oregon (76)

    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."

    "My one caution would be that if you have dogs keep them on a leash because if they were to get in the creek that would be all she wrote. That creek is appropriately named as it really moves."

    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. Wallowa Falls Campground

    1 Review
    Joseph, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 551-6949

    "The town of Joseph was very close and with the visit. However, there was a lot of dog poop not picked up by their owners."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Joseph, OR

347 Reviews of 76 Joseph Campgrounds


  • Zac R.
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Blackhorse Campground

    Amazing

    About 40 minutes from Joseph or halfway, nice water, big sites. We got there on an August Friday and about half the sites were open. We will be back for sure

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 11, 2025

    A-Frame RV Park

    Friendly Front Desk Staff

    Paid $44 for a night with full hookups. We appreciated the friendly staff. Dog Friendly with a 14 acres off-leash dog park! Washrooms were small but very clean. Even though it is 1 minute off the highway it was fairly quiet.

  • T
    Oct. 8, 2021

    A-Frame RV Park

    Great stop

    Good stop great facility good dog park 30amp/water…easy on off the freeway. Great town/ location…we’ll worth the stop

  • Kacey H.
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Mtn View RV Park

    Easy

    Easy access off of I-84, mostly pull through full hookup sites, nicely landscaped with beautiful views! It has a small fenced-in dog park, pool and spa.

  • J
    Aug. 5, 2023

    A-Frame RV Park

    Ginormous dog park

    We stayed here just overnight. We used the showers and laundry --both were very clean. Courteous, helpful staff. It looked like about half of the tenants are permanent.

    The dog park on the back forty was seriously about 40 acres.

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2018

    Wallowa Lake State Park Campground

    Something for Everyone

    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. The surrounding mountains and wilderness area are spectacular. Ride the tram to the top of Mt Howard (not cheap, but worth it). Take advantage of the amusement spots. Stop by the lodge for a meal, a night's stay, or a beverage. Nearby Joseph is a fun spot with shopping, a brewery, galleries and eateries. If history is your thing, you can follow the trail of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce. The Snake River canyon is a quick day trip.

    Now on to the campground. It's large with all the amenities you expect from a great state park. The sites on the outside if thre loops are large. There's a marina on one end. Deer are generally present. Several hosts and rangers are in-site.

  • Easton S.
    Jul. 24, 2019

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Lots of trees

    There is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous. Good drinking water. A fairly dirty pit bathroom. I’m pretty sure it’s pet friendly. You can walk to the reservoir. The beach is very rocky.

  • 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.

  • Jon F.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    Grande Hot Springs RV Resort

    Picturesque.

    I wish we had more time at this spot. Beautiful scenery. Small but very clean pool. The campgrounds are very well taken care of. Pet friendly, family friendly.


Guide to Joseph

Camping opportunities near Joseph, Oregon include options ranging from high-elevation wilderness to riverside locations. The Wallowa Mountains, locally known as "Oregon's Alps," rise to over 9,800 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the camping season. Summer temperatures at lakeside campgrounds typically range from 50-85°F, while higher elevation sites can drop below freezing even in July.

What to do

Hike to alpine lakes: The Ice Lake trail offers a challenging but rewarding 9-mile hike to a pristine mountain lake at 8,000 feet elevation. "The water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest. Stayed two nights. Elevation is ~8,000 feet," notes Michael, who advises: "No fires allowed. No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway."

Explore nearby attractions: From Park At The River, you can access numerous activities without driving. "The area is a great little getaway with a myriad of activities to do. Besides the lake there is a (pretty expensive) tram that takes you up the mountain, go carts, miniature golf, discovery centers, museums, etc.," explains D T., who camped at one of their river sites.

Observe wildlife: Many campgrounds offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. At Hurricane Creek Campground, Kaitlyn P. reports: "Saw two bucks together early in the morning grazing," while Deb H. notes: "Deer wandered through the campground and there are chipmunks."

What campers like

Secluded river sites: Campers consistently praise the riverside camping options. At Walla Walla Forest Camp, Heather R. appreciated that there are "Just 4 sites, 2 with great river access. We loved the view and how big and private our site was."

Shoulder season tranquility: Late fall camping offers less crowded experiences. Matthew K., who visited Wallowa Lake State Park Campground in November, reports: "We arrived in late November, when it was cold, snowy, and practically empty. But the campground and all of its facilities were open, and the camp host was extremely friendly and helpful!"

Natural soundscape: Many campers mention the soothing sounds of rivers. Jim B. from Hurricane Creek Campground notes: "The fast-moving creek creates a soothing white noise that we found calming. The campsites are spaced quite far apart, some only large enough for a tent."

What you should know

Bear awareness: The region has active bear populations. Finna G. warns about Wallowa Lake State Park Campground: "This is bear country so if thats not your thing, i wouldnt camp there. Lots of things to do close by both inexpensive and more expensive."

Water conditions: Many creeks and rivers have strong currents. Andrew L. cautions about Hurricane Creek: "My one caution would be that if you have dogs keep them on a leash because if they were to get in the creek that would be all she wrote. That creek is appropriately named as it really moves."

Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Sweetclover S. advises for Walla Walla Forest Camp: "Just bring bug spray and check for ticks!" while others mention snow in July at higher elevations.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds provide easy access to family attractions. Luke L. notes that Park At The River has "all kinds of amenities within walking distance: stores, restaurants, mini golf, etc."

Educational opportunities: The area offers learning experiences for children. Joan H. shares that near Wallowa Lake State Park: "There are go carts and mini golf nearby for families, and the gondola provides gorgeous views. You can hike, or ride up the mountains as well."

Pet management: Dog friendly campgrounds near Joseph require special attention to pet safety. According to Tracy M., who stayed at Scenic Meadows RV Park: "You are surrounded by wildlife," making leash control essential for pets.

Tips from RVers

Fall camping considerations: The shoulder season offers advantages but comes with challenges. Amancay B. notes about Wallowa Lake State Park: "Unfortunately they had water hookups shut off for winter (after we made our reservation, but before we arrived). So we had to venture back out to the designed water fill campsite our first morning."

Dump station capacity: RVers should plan for potential limitations. Amancay B. also warns: "They ask that you don't offload a full black/grey tank at your site, as the septic system can't handle it... in my experience, the dump site may not be able to handle it either."

Site selection: For more privacy, choose carefully. D T. from Park At The River recommends: "We opted for a river site which is dry camping but much quieter and a bit more dispersed," noting that full hookup areas "definitely pack them in there."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Joseph, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Joseph, OR is Wallowa Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 46 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Joseph, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 76 dog-friendly camping locations near Joseph, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.