Dispersed camping near Lostine, Oregon provides access to the rugged Wallowa Mountains where elevations range from 5,000 to 8,000+ feet throughout the region. Seasonal weather variations create distinct camping windows, with snow lingering into June at higher elevations and fire restrictions common from July through September. Many sites feature primitive conditions with no amenities or facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite, rainbow trout are stocked every few years and a healthy population of brook trout inhabit the waters. "The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout," notes camper Nick J.
Stargazing sessions: The remote locations around Lostine offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. At high-elevation sites like Ice Lake, the clear mountain air enhances visibility. "The stars are vivid and you can see the movement of the stars and moon along the mountains," reports a visitor to the area.
Wildlife observation: The meadows and forests near Lostine host numerous wildlife species including elk, turkeys, and various raptors. A camper at North Thomason Meadows notes, "Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors." Spring and early summer provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mushroom hunting: The forest floors in the Blue Mountains above Weston feature seasonal mushroom populations. "Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming," shares Brandon K. about the McDougall area.
What campers like
Cold water immersion: The alpine lakes near Lostine offer refreshing—albeit extremely cold—swimming opportunities. "The water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest," explains Michael about Ice Lake, adding that the elevation is around 8,000 feet.
Convenient highway access: For travelers passing through, several dispersed sites provide easy road access for quick overnight stays. "Easy and vacant find for a last minute change to our route. Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway," reports Michael W. about a site in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Satellite connectivity: Some dispersed sites offer surprising technology benefits. A camper at Starvation Springs NF 46 Site reports, "This is a great spot for me and my 20 foot RV, with fantastic starlink speeds. Mid 80's during the day in late July."
Wildflower displays: Spring brings vibrant wildflower blooms to the meadows at higher elevations. "At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time," notes a visitor to the North Thomason Meadows area, specifically mentioning the plant diversity due to less grazing than surrounding areas.
What you should know
Seasonal road limitations: Winter access to many dispersed sites becomes impossible due to snow. "The road to the site was not plowed. Several feet of snow. Not many alternatives in the area so plan accordingly if you hope to stay here," warns David D. about the McDougall area.
Noise considerations: Sites closer to highways may experience traffic sounds throughout the night. One camper notes, "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."
Water sources: Pack all necessary water as most sites have no reliable sources. Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek and similar remote locations require complete self-sufficiency. The drive to water refill points can be substantial—a camper reports "the 50-minute drive to WiFi/restaurant/water refill/black water dump" as a drawback.
Altitude sickness risk: Campsites above 7,000 feet can trigger altitude-related symptoms in some visitors. "Got altitude sickness on day two," reports a camper who stayed at Ice Lake, where the elevation sits at approximately 8,000 feet.
Tips for camping with families
Vehicle selection matters: Forest service roads require appropriate vehicles in many cases. "Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle. We came by way of Imanha," advises Amanda P. about the drive to Hells Canyon Overlook.
Dog-friendly considerations: Many dispersed sites welcome pets but require preparation. For hikes to remote locations, dog conditioning is essential: "I 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."
Campsite cleanliness varies: Some dispersed areas suffer from previous visitors leaving trash. Jodi noted about McDougall, "There was trash everywhere. Every time we found a good spot, full of poopy toilet paper, litter, beer cans, cigarette butts ect."
Private property awareness: When camping near lakes with mixed ownership, respect boundaries. At Aneroid Lake, "The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton)."
Tips from RVers
Road quality considerations: North Elgin Dispersed Camp and similar sites require careful vehicle selection. "Great free place to camp 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible. Down side no water near by, not even a creek," notes a camper.
Site selection for size: RV campers should scout potential sites before committing. "Plenty of large open sites with rock fire rings," reports Kenny R. about Starvation Springs, noting the reasonable access road: "It's also great that it isn't 5 miles down some super washboarded gravel road."
Seasonal temperature variations: Summer days can reach mid-80s at 5,000 feet elevation sites, while nights cool significantly. Pack accordingly for temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
