Top Free Dispersed Camping near La Grande, OR

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near La Grande? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near La Grande just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near La Grande, OR (14)

Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In La Grande

19 Reviews of 14 La Grande Campgrounds


  • Nick J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Great Backcountry High Alpine Lake

    Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton). The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout.

    The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day.

  • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

    Good spot for a few nights

    There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.

    I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Well maintained roads

    Sites are far apart but some lack privacy. I saw Lots of elk and turkeys(?) and a rattlesnake. Outside of the lack of privacy there are some people who it appears that they live there(I a have no issues with that) my issue is the drive up and down the road multiple multiple time a day at high rates of speed leaving dust flying. When I was out walking I walked past one of their campsites on accident I didn’t get close and they started firing a gun in the air. I slept in my car that night and left the next morning. Also trash is an issue as well as people using the bathroom right on the ground and leaving used baby wipes everywhere. So watch out for human waste if you use a tent.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Easy Nature

    Many options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV. Tons of great hiking around.

  • Jodie E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Great spot for overnight.

    We just needed a quick tent soot on a monday night on the way to moab. better than expected. bit muddy. some shells. but lots of space. drove in to about 45.35967, -118.30846

  • Hayley M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Mar. 9, 2024

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Good Quick Overnight Spot in the Off Season

    Stayed one night on my way to Seattle. I drove up the road some and found it pretty passable in my van, although most of the sites were too muddy and I was worried about getting stuck. Camped in the first spots behind the Spring Creek Info sign and had good phone service (verizon) and a uneventful night. But area had a ton of broken glass, nails and shotgun shells and a decent amount of litter. Don't know how rowdy it gets in the warmer months but it might be wise to skip this place or camp further up the road at the campground then, especially if you're a solo female.

  • Michael W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Hasty overnight

    Easy and vacant find for a last minute change to our route. Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste. Would have driven further down into the woods if I had more time to set up as we got here late. All in all its an easy find just off the highway.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 10, 2022

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    Over grown and no place to park without working about a grass fire

    Drove to the location based on GPS. It was over grown and not well cleared. I decide to go to the NP campground. Glad I did.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Boondocking

    Directions:  About 13 miles from Medical Springs on a gravel road (half hour or so). Take Big Creek Rd to Collins Lane.  That turns into USFS 67, then 72.  The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher.  Probably not a good place for a big nice camp trailer.  

    Camping is dispersed, mostly on the west side of the reservoir. The east side has a few spots but the road is really rough toward the dam. Fish are stocked. Boats with oars, paddles or electric motors are allowed. There are no improvements.  Check fire restrictions.  Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September.  Cattle graze here.  The water level gets pretty low by August.

  • allison W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area

    Huge and diverse area

    Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas. It earns a good review at the end of the day for being conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it’s the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes.

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Jul. 4, 2021

    Ice Lake

    Nine-Mile Hike

    The water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest. Stayed two nights. Elevation is ~8,000 feet. Got altitude sickness on day two.

    No fires allowed. No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 30, 2021

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    Many nice places to camp, lots of trash

    I was disappointed when I was checking out this area for camping (June 27th) I didn't get any pictures, but there was trash everywhere. Every time we found a good spot, full of poopy toilet paper, litter, beer cans, cigarette butts ect. It was overall disappointing and we decided to go elsewhere instead 😔

  • Chris
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 21, 2021

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    McDougall camping

    Primitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle. Go about 2 miles on the dirt road and watch out for the dirt pot holes. At my site, you could fit 2 vehicles comfortably, but 3 is a little crowded. Flying insects during the day. There are many so take appropriate action. Mostly flies and a couple different types of bees. By sunset, the insects went to sleep.

  • lauren C.
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 20, 2021

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    Cute place in the woods

    Either these are not the correct coordinates, or the trail has been overgrown. We’re car camping here for one night and it’s a lovely spot! Could not find the trail and just pulled off to camp on the side of the road. Dispersed & free & very wooded area!

  • Arielle W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Echo Lake Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous and remote. Be prepared to CLIMB!

    This is not an official campground. There is a lot of space for campers, though, and it is not heavily trafficked. The trek to Echo Lake is about 8 miles (one-way) from the start of the Hurricane Creek Trail. When you arrive at Echo Lake, beauty awaits you! This location is a remote and peaceful retreat. The lake is so clear and serene. The views of the mountainside are breathtaking. This is a great site for groups and there is enough space to spread out. The stars are vivid and you can see the movement of the stars and moon along the mountains.  The trek to the lake is SO WORTH IT! This is probably one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to. It gave me the wilderness escape that I needed. It is a hidden gem! Whenever you visit, leave your stressors behind you and enjoy the preserved beauty. The lake is very cold, but I definitely enjoyed the shock after the hike in! 

    The hike into Echo Lake is an intense incline! We tracked about 3,500 feet of elevation gain in about 5 hours during our hike in. The way back only took us about 3.5 hours and is mostly downhill. I would not recommend this hike for a beginner hiker/backpacker. I carried 60 lbs on my back up and down this trek and it was A LOT for me as a relatively new backpacker (with endurance conditioning). It is a hike that one should work towards, for sure! This trek is would be great crosstraining for an endurance athlete (like me!). At times, the incline felt like a 10-15% grade, but I do not know this for sure. It is pretty steep and challenging if you are carrying a lot of weight. I recommend going as minimalist as possible to avoid extra weight, if possible. I brought my bull mastiff dog along with me and she had a blast! I would recommend conditioning your dog for a trek like this. It can be pretty gnarly and steep at times! My dog wouldn't have made it if she had not done treks like this before. There are creeks along the route to the lake and I would bring extra water to hydrate your dog in between water sources. As always, leave no trace and keep this spot pristine and clean :)

  • Brandon K.
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 13, 2020

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    McDougall Mushroom Wonderland

    McDougall is a small mountain community located in the blue mountains above Weston, Oregon. There is a small neighborhood consisting of permanent RVs, cabins and shanties. There are a number of mountain man type locals that call this area home.

    Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming. The camping is unrestricted, just be respectful and careful. This is not RV camping, but tent and bag only.

    Tall pines and firs shade the eastern Oregon forest floor provided a nice region to explore, continuing up the forest road you’ll reach a large meadow the rolls for miles downhill into the valley. The views here are breathtaking - this is an amazing location to bring your family.

    You’ll see many types of wildlife here are hundreds of varieties of meadow wildflowers.

    Spend a few days in the blues and shake off those blues.



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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near La Grande, OR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near La Grande, OR is Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near La Grande, OR?

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near La Grande, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.