Campsites near La Grande, Oregon benefit from the area's diverse terrain where the Grande Ronde Valley meets the Blue Mountains at elevations ranging from 2,700 to over 7,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. This variability creates different camping windows depending on elevation, with higher sites often inaccessible until late May.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide access to productive fishing waters. The Grande Ronde River near Hilgard Junction State Park Campground offers river fishing. "The river is very close and the Umatilla National Forest is a just a short drive up the river," notes Lindsey W.
Mountain biking trails: Fox Hill area features numerous mountain biking options. "Lots of trails! There's some trash. I enjoyed the sounds of people enjoying themselves. Others may not," reports Kim J. about Fox Hill Campground by MERA Motocross Track.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer," writes Cheryl S. about her stay at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort.
Mineral hot springs: Take advantage of therapeutic mineral soaking at select locations. "The hot tubs are small, but it really doesn't matter if no one is there. They are pool noodle friendly when it's not high occupancy," explains Beth M. about her day-use experience at Grande Hot Springs.
What campers like
Free camping options: Several no-cost camping spots exist within a short drive of La Grande. At Pilcher Creek Reservoir, visitors appreciate the value: "Free camp site just a short drive from the interstate (~8 miles). Be aware the road leading to the camp is mostly gravel... each site comes with a metal fire pit, standing grill, and picnic bench," according to Julian R.
Riverside camping: Waterfront sites allow for cool relaxation during summer months. Campers at Spring Creek Campground appreciate "4 large sites with level spots, fire ring, picnic tables, vault toilet. Quiet and beautiful while being close to the highway," according to Emily C.
Hot spring pools: The mineral pools receive consistently positive reviews. "The soaking pools were amazing. They even had a twilight soak. Very peaceful and relaxing campground," writes Cheryl S. about Grande Hot Springs RV Resort.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer good spacing between sites. At Bird Track Springs, Raymond V. notes, "Cheap, well-spaced sites, most of them shaded. Vault toilet. Great for an overnight stay!"
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. For Pilcher Creek Reservoir, Jordon R. advises: "About 25 minutes off the freeway, last 2 miles are gravel. Beautiful setting and deserted. Plenty of room for any size RV."
Highway noise levels: Proximity to Interstate 84 affects some camping areas. At Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, Tiffany L. recommends: "If you choose to stay here I would definitely go for a site away from the freeway. Ours was in B loop and you could hear all the vehicles cruising on by on I-84."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Pulled in and the site looked great and was in a very convenient location, however is closed for the season. Facilities all looked neat and tidy. Maybe next year!" notes Jacob B. about Hilgard Junction State Park.
Variable cell service: Mobile coverage fluctuates throughout the area. At Wallowa-Whitman NF 21, Hayley M. reports: "Camped in the first spots behind the Spring Creek Info sign and had good phone service (verizon) and an uneventful night."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Several locations provide safe swimming options for children. Hilgard Junction State Park sits along the Grande Ronde River, which Brandon K. describes as having "crystal clear water runs this high in the Grande Ronde, making for fun swimming and water play."
Educational opportunities: Some sites offer learning activities. Jenny M. recalls at Emigrant Springs: "The park rangers were so nice. They had informed classes about animals in the forest. The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on."
Day-use alternatives: When campgrounds are full, day-use areas provide family-friendly spaces. "Even if you are traveling through the day use area is a great place to stop and stretch your legs," suggests Steven G. about Hilgard Junction State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Kids often enjoy spotting local animals. At Bird Track Springs, one camper reports: "We loved it here... We heard coyotes howling at night," offering an exciting but safe wildlife experience.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Various levels of RV services exist throughout the area. At Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, Richard H. found "very nice RV park, very clean and well maintained. Roads and all sites are gravel. All sites are pull through and can accommodate large RVs."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer sanitary dumps. Travis T. warns about Hilgard Junction: "For some reason the app says there's rv dumps here when there isn't any."
Winter access: Some areas remain accessible during colder months. Madi C. shares about Bird Track Springs: "If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, staying here in March is plausible. There was about a foot and a half of snow, but the bathrooms were still accessible."
Level site challenges: Finding flat parking can be difficult at some locations. Kristi R. notes about Pilcher Creek Reservoir: "There are pull through and back in sites that would accommodate good-sized rigs, although some of the sites aren't terribly level."
