Top Free Dispersed Camping near Milton-Freewater, OR

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Milton-Freewater, OR (8)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Milton-Freewater

15 Reviews of 8 Milton-Freewater Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
    Dec. 6, 2021

    Riparia

    Small Army Corps of Engineers campground along the Snake River

    Quiet primitive campsites on the lower Snake River - at least, in late November, when there was only one other campsite in use. I suspect it's a bit busier in the warmer weather.

    Clean, frequently checked toilet. No water or power. Tables and fire rings at each site.

    The Little Goose Dam entry point is open in the daytime from 7:30 to 4:30. Signs state that crossing is only open once an hour on the half hour, but the security guard opened up right when we got there both entering and leaving. There are also campsites along the river before the Riparia campground entry. Easy gravel road into the campground.

    Open all year. No wood fires allowed from June 10 through October 10.

    https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lower-Monumental-Dam-Lake-West/Riparia/

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
    Sep. 10, 2019

    Riparia

    Great hidden spot

    This is a great mostly unknown little campground. Fun fact: This is the least used campsite maintained by the Lower Granite Natural Resources Management team. 

    Let’s get to the bad/good, depending on how you look at it. 

    1. There is NO running water available, unless you want to get some from the river(NOT suggested)

    2. Absolutely no electricity here, not even for park lights. This makes for AMAZING star gazing. 

    3. ZERO cell service at the campsite. You can get service if you absolutely need it at the top of Hammer Grade road, it’s steep. 

    4. Limited sites have shade all day. Get there early to get one of these prime spots. 

    5.Summer time is HOT here but, you have the river right there to cool off. 

    6. There is a boat launch here though it is not maintained, use at your own discretion. 

    7. There are fire/BBQ pits at each site as well as a picnic table. Wood fires are NOT allowed from June 10th through October 10th. It gets very dry out here. 

    8. Bring bug spray! Day time the bugs aren’t bad but, when the sun starts going down, the mosquitoes are coming out. Also, spring into early summer, there are ticks. Summer through the rest of the year you should be tick free. 

    9. This campsite is open year round and it’s FREE!

    10. There are no trash cans or dumpsters. So keep that in mind and take out EVERYTHING you bring in. 

    11. No dumpsites nearby. Closest I found is right off highway 395 at the rest area. 

    12. You can cross the dam Monday-Thursday excluding holidays and only during daytime hours. 

    13. Your trailer, tow vehicle and anything in the bed is going to get dusty getting here and leaving. It’s a decent trek down a gravel road. Speed limit is 45MPH. Good luck to you if you try to go that fast. 

    14. Come prepared for the whole trip. Washtucna is the closest town and they have limited supplies. No alcohol is available at the “Store” there. 

    15. If hunting season is coming up, get there as early as possible. 

    We stayed here in the most shaded part of the campground with our Travel Trailer with a 50 gallon fresh water tank. It lasted the 4 of us the 5 day weekend. It was a hot weekend and we did end up having to run the generator for a few hours during the day to keep the newborn cool. 

    I followed my GPS which took me off of Highway 26 and onto Old Highway 26. DON’T do this. Take Hay rd. Old HWY 26 will take you onto Hammer Grade Rd. This is NOT a fun road with a trailer. It has some very steep grades and you’ll be HAMMERING the brakes or exhaust brake. 

    All in all, this was a GREAT trip at a great, hidden and secluded area.  We will definitely be revisiting this site.

  • Angela P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
    Jul. 27, 2018

    Riparia

    Always Fun

    We used to frequent this park quite often. It is a tiny forest tucked away along the river.... when I say tiny, I mean fairy like.
    You can easily set up a tent and float along the river's edge. There are a few little coves that are nice for kids to play in and great to stay out of the river current. Just a fun location!



Guide to Milton-Freewater

Camping near Milton-Freewater, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds are surrounded by stunning landscapes. For example, at Jubilee Lake Campground, one camper mentioned, "We enjoyed the hike around the lake, and the beautiful night sky." This area is perfect for those who love to explore nature.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, head to Fishhook Park. A visitor shared, "Great fishing, shore or water - lots of access." It’s a great spot to cast a line and relax by the water.
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Hood Park, have swimming areas. One reviewer noted, "Lovely campground with access to the lake," making it a great place to cool off on hot days.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Wildhorse Casino, a visitor said, "The bathrooms were immaculate and they provided free showers," highlighting the cleanliness of the facilities.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Pendleton KOA mentioned, "Sites have grass and a pad to park on," which adds comfort to the camping experience.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. At Lewis & Clark Trail State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "The camp host was super helpful," making their stay more enjoyable.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area noted, "The freeway noise was very loud," so be prepared if you’re sensitive to sound.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Hood Park lacks showers, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Busy During Peak Season: Popular spots can get crowded. A visitor at Jubilee Lake Campground remarked, "If you’re looking for solitude, you won’t find it here," especially on weekends.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and swimming areas. Charbonneau Park has a nice playground, making it a hit with kids. One family said, "Great accessibility to water, very clean and pretty campground."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games for downtime. A camper at Fishhook Park mentioned, "Played games and found a little spot down to the water we enjoyed," which can keep kids entertained.
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options nearby. At Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Village, a visitor noted, "Not close to stores for any extras," so stock up before you arrive.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Pendleton KOA mentioned, "They are all 50 amp and include a converter," which is helpful for RV travelers.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some RV parks can be near busy roads or truck stops. A camper at Wildhorse Casino said, "Construction equipment and related noise" could be an issue, so consider this when booking.
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A visitor at Lewis & Clark Trail State Park Campground appreciated the "dump station" for convenience during their stay.

Camping near Milton-Freewater, Oregon, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Milton-Freewater, OR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Milton-Freewater, OR is McDougall Dispersed Camping with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Milton-Freewater, OR?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Milton-Freewater, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.