Hurricane Creek Campground offers 13 sites along a fast-moving creek, with three sites designed for handicap accessibility. Located just 5 miles from Joseph, Oregon, the campground sits at the base of the Wallowa Mountains and serves as a gateway to Eagle Cap Wilderness trails. The rushing water creates significant background noise at all campsites, with several visitors noting earplugs may be necessary for light sleepers during spring runoff.
What to do
Riverside fishing access: Multiple creek-adjacent sites at Minam State Recreation Area offer productive fishing spots. "This place is amazing. Clean, convenient, and right on a productive stretch of the Minam River. Near the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa rivers, this is a perfect base camp for exploring the waters and towns of the Wallowa mountains," explains camper Tom B.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk bring deer sightings at most campgrounds in the region. At Hurricane Creek Campground, one camper reported, "Saw two bucks together early in the morning grazing," while another noted, "Deer wandered through the campground and there are chipmunks."
Hot spring soaking: The mineral pools at Grande Hot Springs Resort provide therapeutic relaxation after hiking. A visitor shared, "The soaking pools were amazing. They even had a twilight soak. Very peaceful and relaxing campground. Nature trail along the creek was cool. Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish."
What campers like
Secluded tent spots: Small, primitive sites along Hurricane Creek offer privacy uncommon in established campgrounds. "This is a small campground with limited amenities, but a nice amount of privacy for each site. The creek lives up to its name and is very loud. The sites are not especially big, just enough space for two small tents," notes Sara R.
Natural sound barriers: The rushing water at Blackhorse Campground creates natural white noise that masks road sounds and other campers. "River sound drowns out noises from the road or other campers. Sites are spacious and toilets were pristine," reports Kaitlyn P.
Luxury glamping options: For premium glamping in Lostine, Oregon area, the five riverside sites at Evans Farm - Glamp on the River provide upscale accommodations. Montana Wall Tents include wood-burning stoves and queen-sized pillow-top mattresses according to the property's listing.
What you should know
Seasonal water hazards: Creek and river conditions vary dramatically by season with potentially dangerous currents in spring. A Hurricane Creek visitor cautioned, "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."
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have spotty or no connectivity. At Catherine Creek State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Not much for Verizon cell signal," while Minam State Recreation Area visitors reported, "There is no cell service at the campground."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigation on gravel or washboard roads. One visitor to Hurricane Creek was concerned about "the road not being pot-holed and washboard, but I decided to risk it with my van and so glad I did!"
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration spots: Several campgrounds offer safe areas for kids to wade and explore. Fish Lake Campground provides "access to fishing, canoe, swimming altho a little muddy at times," according to one reviewer.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening animal sightings enhance the experience for children. At Fish Lake Campground, visitors enjoy "Wildflowers and access to blm land" alongside regular wildlife sightings.
Spacious campsites: Some campgrounds offer extra room for family activities. Blackhorse Campground visitor Heather R. mentioned, "Stayed at site 2, it was huge and very private. All the sites have river access."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Few full-service RV sites exist in the immediate Lostine area. At Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, a camper noted, "All sites are pull through and can accommodate large RVs," making it one of the more accessible options for larger vehicles.
Dump station locations: Plan dumping stops carefully as facilities are limited. "The park is clean and flat. The soaking spas are wonderful," reports a visitor to Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, one of the few campgrounds with sanitary dump facilities.
Variable road conditions: Access roads to more remote camping near Lostine require careful driving. One RVer advised, "If you approach the campsite from the East, be prepared for a bumpy road. The road from the West (LaGrande) is much better even if it takes you a few miles out of the way."
