Best Campgrounds near North Powder, OR
The North Powder area in eastern Oregon provides a range of developed campgrounds within striking distance of the Blue Mountains. Anthony Lake Campground, situated at 44.96 degrees north, represents one of the premier established camping areas in this mountain region. Camping options near North Powder include facilities for tents, RVs, cabins, and even yurts at sites like Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort Campground. Several campgrounds in the area feature mixed-use facilities where both tent campers and RV enthusiasts can find appropriate accommodations, including Grande Hot Springs RV Resort and A-Frame RV Park in nearby Baker City.
Elevation significantly impacts camping conditions around North Powder, with most sites located in higher mountain terrain. Anthony Lake Campground operates primarily from early July through mid-September due to mountain weather patterns. One visitor noted, "We were able to drive through the campground with the 27' trailer we had rented but none of the spaces would have accommodated us (that we could see)." Access to many sites requires navigation of mountain roads, with several campgrounds offering varying levels of amenities from primitive to full-service hookups. Cell service varies throughout the region, with limited coverage in more remote mountain locations. Verizon users report between 2-3 bars at some campgrounds, while others have minimal connectivity.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty of the high mountain lakes as a primary attraction in the North Powder region. Phillips Lake (near Union Creek Campground) and Anthony Lake provide popular water recreation opportunities when water levels permit. A camper described Anthony Lake as "a great choice to get away from smoke" with "peaceful and lovely" spots for paddling and hiking. Many campgrounds in the area maintain vault toilets and basic amenities, while RV resorts offer more extensive facilities including showers, hookups, and in some cases, geothermal hot springs. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting deer sightings at multiple campgrounds. Winter accessibility becomes limited at higher elevations, making seasonal planning essential for visitors to this part of Oregon.