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Best Campgrounds near La Grande, OR

424 Reviews

Camping options around La Grande, Oregon span from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across public lands. Hilgard Junction State Park Campground offers riverside tent and RV sites approximately 10 miles west of La Grande along Interstate 84, while Grande Hot Springs RV Resort provides full hookups, cabins, and yurts just 5 miles southeast of town. Morgan Lake, situated in the foothills above La Grande, offers free primitive camping with lakefront sites for tents and smaller RVs. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest surrounding the area contains multiple dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds like Bird Track Springs and Spring Creek.

Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping in this region, with many campgrounds open from late spring through early fall. Hilgard Junction typically operates from mid-April to mid-October, while higher elevation sites may have shorter seasons due to snow and road conditions. The steep, rough access road to Morgan Lake requires careful driving even with passenger vehicles. "The road up to this campground is VERY steep—definitely smelled my brakes on the way down. But that's the only downside to this nice FREE campground just outside of LaGrande," noted one visitor about Morgan Lake.

Waterfront camping represents a major draw throughout the area, with sites along the Grande Ronde River at Hilgard Junction and lakefront positions at Morgan Lake receiving particularly positive reviews. Several campgrounds feature picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months. Noise levels vary considerably—Hilgard Junction experiences some highway noise from nearby I-84, while Morgan Lake offers more solitude despite being relatively close to town. "Beautiful campground. Maybe 15 sites, and totally free. 3 day camping limit. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Pit toilets are available, but no potable water. Almost every site has lake frontage," according to feedback for Morgan Lake. The mix of amenities ranges widely, from primitive sites with vault toilets to RV resorts with full hookups, hot springs, and shower facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near La Grande, Oregon (140)

    1. Grande Hot Springs RV Resort

    42 Reviews
    Union, OR
    8 miles
    Website

    "Level w easy entry/exit. Hot spring on site in wildlife preserve across the road. Many trains pass by about a quarter mile away and we didn't mind the relatively low noise trains."

    "Approach the park from the La Grand/Baker Highway. One we arrived, we found the folks very nice. There were very few frees so shade is lacking. Ice is available at the park."

    2. Hilgard Junction State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 551-6949

    $10 / night

    "Hilgard junction is a small 18 site campground just below highway 84 west of La Grande. It is right on the grande ronde river which was cool and peaceful when we were there."

    "Hilgard Junction is a small, Riverside day use area, travel rest-stop and campground at the junction of I-84 and Highway 244 on the Grande Ronde river at the base of Mt. Emily."

    3. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-8500

    "Light sleepers would have a hard time here due to highway noise but overall good rest stop. My dog wouldn’t stop trying to eat all the horse poop around the camp site."

    "Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."

    4. Morgan Lake - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    5 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-1352

    "But that's the only downside to this nice FREE campground just outside of LaGrande, OR.  I had the whole place to myself mid-week in May. You're up high, so beautiful view of the sky."

    "The sites are nice and most are lake front. There were a few other campers but none near our site. The road up is steep and bumpy gravel but we managed in our two wheel drive van."

    5. Spring Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 963-7186

    "Wallowa-Whitman NF NF 21 

    aka Spring Creek Campground 

    La Grande, OR

    45.2125.6N, 118.1843.3W (Campground)

    45.3679N, 118.2972W (signboard)

    45.36944, -118.29997 (2nd spot)

    14 Day limit

    V 4g/2-3b"

    "It’s direct access onto the road from the highway exit. It’s a rough road about 1.2 miles, that’s bumpy and has lots of pot holes. Snow coverage on the road was minimal, max 2”."

    6. Bird Track Springs

    8 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 963-7186

    $5 - $10 / night

    "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. It’s cold, but fun!"

    "Every time we camp here it has been quiet, wild life comes around to say hi. Vault toilets, no water, no trash pickup. Always clean,,, Nice place..."

    7. La Grande Rendezvous RV Park

    4 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-0909

    $58 - $78 / night

    8. Pilcher Creek Reservoir

    14 Reviews
    North Powder, OR
    20 miles
    Website

    "Although there’s not a ton of spots, it’s lovely and was a quiet solitude away from the road but not too far. Saw a ton of wildlife too (bring your bear spray)."

    "Most of the sites overlooked a beautiful lake stick among the hills, and we’re in decent shape with a fire ring, table and little grill."

    9. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    26 Reviews
    Meacham, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 983-2277

    $20 - $74 / night

    "Oregon always has beautiful state parks. This one is no different. It is close to Hwy 84, so there is road noise. The campsites don't seem to be as on top of each other as some places."

    "It was a welcome dose of green after a long day of brown along the interstate through Idaho and western Oregon. The cabin was rustic, the shower house was in good repair with nice hot showers."

    10. Fox Hill Campground by MERA Motocross Track

    1 Review
    La Grande, OR
    3 miles
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Recent Camping Photos near La Grande, OR

92 Photos of 140 La Grande Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near La Grande, OR

424 Reviews of 140 La Grande Campgrounds

  • Anthony T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Sumpter RV Park

    Fantastic Campground Great Weekend Destination

    I highly suggest this campground for Sumpter Oregon, the campground just went under new ownership and they are doing such a great job taking care of it and making it a fun family friendly destination. Sumpter has a lot to offer and we can’t wait to go back do the train and hopefully rent a side by side and explore the trails in the area.

  • Tim The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Pendleton KOA

    Nice well kept park

    Quite, nicely maintained,

  • Matt B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Quick and easy

    Quickly and easy stop close to 84 if you are traveling through. Does the trick for an overnighter. Lots of dispersed pullouts. No amenities.

  • 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

  • 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!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Spring Creek Campground

    Peaceful, close to freeway

    4 sites only! Pit toilet(1) and clean. No trash pick up. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit. We are the only ones here so far-Sunday eve in August

Guide to La Grande

Camping near La Grande, 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:

  • Hot Springs Relaxation: Check out the Grande Hot Springs RV Resort for a soak in 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 Trails: Explore the trails at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area. A camper mentioned, "We had a nice walk through the campground," highlighting the beautiful surroundings.
  • Fishing and Wildlife Watching: The Minam State Recreation Area is great for fishing. One reviewer noted, "Great fishing during trout season," making it a perfect spot for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Pilcher Creek Reservoir. One person said, "Super quiet spot that has beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness at places like Hilgard Junction State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The bathrooms were clean and providing all needed functionality."
  • Friendly Staff: The staff at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort received praise for being helpful. One camper noted, "The staff was great and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Campers at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area often mention the noise from the nearby freeway. One review stated, "I was amazed at the freeway noise. Very loud."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bird Track Springs, lack drinking water and showers. A camper mentioned, "If you don't need much, this campground is awesome and affordable."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs at places like Jubilee Lake Campground. One visitor said, "The trash surrounding the lake was rampant," indicating that cleanliness can be an issue.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nature walks and safe areas for kids to play. At Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, a camper noted, "The nature walk is nice."
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds lack play equipment, pack games or outdoor toys. A family camper at Hilgard Junction State Park Campground mentioned, "There was trash service, toilets, and water."
  • Plan for Meals: Many campgrounds don’t have markets nearby. One visitor at Wildhorse Casino said, "Not close to stores for any extras."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Village mentioned, "Sites have sewer. There is a shuttle that will pick you up and take you to the casino."
  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier parking. A camper at Pilcher Creek Reservoir noted, "Some of the sites aren't terribly level."
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially in shared spaces. One RV traveler at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort said, "It’s a better stop for a more mature crowd."

Camping near La Grande, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to solo travelers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping sites near La Grande, Oregon?

La Grande offers diverse camping options for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Hilgard Junction State Park Campground is a peaceful 18-site campground located right on the Grande Ronde River, just west of La Grande off I-84. For those seeking a more remote experience, Moss Springs Campground sits about 9 miles up a forest service road from Cove (14 miles from La Grande), offering access to the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Other options include Bird Track Springs for drive-in camping, Red Bridge State Wayside with riverside sites, and Spring Creek Campground for smaller rigs. The La Grande area provides an excellent mix of state parks, forest service campgrounds, and RV resorts within a short drive of town.

Is there free camping available near La Grande, Oregon?

Yes, free camping options do exist near La Grande for budget-conscious travelers. Spring Creek Campground in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offers free primitive camping with a 14-day limit. This campground features dirt and grass sites, though it's not suitable for larger RVs. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed provides free dispersed camping opportunities for those comfortable with fewer amenities. Pilcher Creek Reservoir also offers free camping with basic facilities including water access and toilets. When using free camping areas, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your trip.

What activities and attractions can I enjoy while camping in La Grande?

The La Grande area offers abundant recreational opportunities. At Wallowa Lake State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing, water sports, and stunning mountain views that make you feel like you're in the Rockies. Anthony Lake Campground provides excellent paddling opportunities, hiking trails around the lake, and access to a ski area with panoramic views. Water enthusiasts will appreciate the Grande Ronde River for fishing, swimming, and floating. Hikers can explore the nearby Eagle Cap Wilderness, with Moss Springs serving as a gateway to backpacking adventures in the Little Minam. The charming university town of La Grande itself offers cultural attractions, while the surrounding mountains and forests provide wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing opportunities.

What RV camping options with hookups are available near La Grande?

Grande Hot Springs RV Resort is a premier option for RV camping near La Grande, featuring approximately 100 pull-through sites with full hookups. The resort offers level sites with easy entry/exit, gravel roads, and grass strips between sites. Amenities include an on-site hot spring in a wildlife preserve across the road and a refreshing pool. For those seeking alternatives, La Grande Rendezvous RV Park provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. For travelers willing to venture a bit further, Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park offers another full-hookup option with additional entertainment amenities.

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