Camping near Malheur National Forest

Camping near Malheur National Forest, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers at Strawberry Campground mention, "Tons of hiking, including a closer one to Strawberry Lake with stunning views and a waterfall further if you want."
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Unity Lake Dump Station, are near water. One visitor shared, "The fishing looked great. Another camper offered us freshly caught trout as they had too much for their group."
• Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A camper at Idlewild Campground noted, "We even got a visit from a few deer every night around dinner time."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, one reviewer said, "Super clean showers and restrooms, dog friendly, and a nice trail to walk along next to the river."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A visitor at Union Creek Campground remarked, "Sites are not close together, facilities were clean and camp hosts super nice!"
• Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Olive Lake Campground described it as "a beautiful and quiet place to camp."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Idlewild Campground, lack electric hookups and showers. A camper mentioned, "There are vault toilets and seasonally a camp host with firewood."
• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A visitor at Chukar Park Campground warned, "We were swarmed by mosquitoes... Citronella candles may as well have invited them into our site."
• Road Conditions: Some campgrounds are accessed via rough roads. A camper at Strawberry Campground noted, "If you can get up the sketchy and rough road, it’s a beautiful site."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds. Campers at Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site enjoyed the "beautiful green grass through the campground."
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and bikes for kids. A camper at Strawberry Campground suggested, "I was thankful I brought our bikes and games."
• Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Unity Lake Dump Station mentioned, "The lake water was extremely filthy... kids swam and had a good time in the cool water but the water was gross."

Tips from RVers:

• Check for Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Grant County RV Park, offer full hookups. A visitor noted, "Spaces were all level and gravel with full hook-ups."
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site mentioned, "Did not feel crowded."
• Know Your Route: Some roads can be tricky for larger RVs. A visitor at Idlewild Campground advised, "The original entrance is now closed but signage takes you to the new entrance about 1/4 mile up the road."

Camping near Malheur National Forest, Oregon, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.