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Best Campgrounds near Pendleton, OR

324 Reviews

The eastern Oregon landscape surrounding Pendleton features a mix of developed RV parks and more rustic camping options within the Blue Mountains. Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park, located about 10 miles outside Pendleton, provides full hookup sites with amenities like a pool and shuttle service to the casino. The Pendleton KOA sits at the edge of town, offering views of the Blue Mountains and convenient access to urban services. For those seeking more natural settings, Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, situated along the historic Oregon Trail in the Blue Mountains, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts from May through October.

Camping availability becomes extremely limited during the Pendleton Round-Up rodeo in September, when approximately 10,000 visitors flood the area. According to camper Shawn M., "You will NOT find a campsite here - or lodging anywhere else in town - during Round Up, as visitors typically book a year or more in advance." Highway noise affects several campgrounds, particularly those near I-84. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area experiences "a fair amount of freeway noise," notes reviewer Raphaela H., who recommends it "as a traveler's stop, but probably not as a multi-day vacation destination." Cell service varies throughout the region, with Wildhorse Resort reporting "Free WiFi and 2 bars of Verizon LTE."

Many campgrounds in the area serve primarily as convenient stopovers rather than destination camping. The Wildhorse Resort facilities receive praise for their level sites and maintenance, though some note the surroundings are "sparse." Tent campers may prefer exploring the Umatilla National Forest for more secluded options. Dispersed camping opportunities exist in the Blue Mountains, including areas like McDougall, which one reviewer describes as having "tall pines and firs" that "shade the eastern Oregon forest floor" with "breathtaking" meadow views. Road noise is a common concern at established campgrounds, while forest service roads to more remote sites often require high-clearance vehicles.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pendleton, Oregon (95)

    1. Wildhorse Casino

    12 Reviews
    Cayuse, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 654-9453

    "A pleasant facility that is easy to drive and maneuver with a tow behind trailer. Sites were fairly level with lawn and a picnic table. Property is well maintained."

    "Breakfast at the course is awesome, within walking distance and great bang for the buck. Did not visit casino, but shuttle is readily available."

    2. Pendleton KOA

    11 Reviews
    Pendleton, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 276-1041

    "It was just a little get away for us wanting to relax and explore the Pendleton area and this was a terrific place with the easy access from the freeway. Staff were fantastic."

    3. Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Villiage

    9 Reviews
    Cayuse, OR
    6 miles
    Website

    $20 - $80 / night

    "About 10 miles outside of Pendleton, OR (post office for mail and packages, Walmart Supercenter and Safeway. Arrowhead travel center for gas or munchies that has easy RV access."

    "Easy and simple access to all hookups. Mostly quiet (except for simi trucks parking for the night on the road near park running their equipment all night.) Staff was professional and kind."

    4. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    26 Reviews
    Meacham, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 983-2277

    $22 - $74 / night

    "Oregon always has beautiful state parks. This one is no different. It is close to Hwy 84, so there is road noise. The campsites don't seem to be as on top of each other as some places."

    "It was a welcome dose of green after a long day of brown along the interstate through Idaho and western Oregon. The cabin was rustic, the shower house was in good repair with nice hot showers."

    5. The Lookout RV Park

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    Pendleton, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (541) 310-9432

    6. Medford / Gold Hill KOA

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    Pendleton, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 855-7710

    7. The Johnson Ranch

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    Pendleton, OR
    4 miles
    +1 (541) 667-7500

    $80 / night

    8. Pilot RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Echo, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 449-1189

    "The rv park is next to a Pilot truck stop which creates some noise and traffic but the plusses far out weight any issues they create."

    9. Umatilla Marina & RV park

    11 Reviews
    Umatilla, OR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 922-3939

    $20 - $34 / night

    "The Umatilla Marina & RV Park is a small park on the edge of Oregon and Washington along the Columbia River."

    "After setup, we walked to the marina and the boat launch with a large parking lot.  Since we only stayed one night, we were not able to see what the area offered.  "

    10. Plymouth Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Umatilla, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 739-1135

    $22 - $50 / night

    "Hermiston Oregon is 6 miles away."

    "Lots of green grass, laundry, clean bathrooms, pleasant people and a river to walk along. There is a train across the river but it never offended me noise wise."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pendleton, OR

44 Photos of 95 Pendleton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pendleton, OR

324 Reviews of 95 Pendleton Campgrounds

Guide to Pendleton

Camping near Pendleton, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are trails nearby that let you soak in the natural beauty. One camper mentioned, “The campground is quite nice and bathrooms were clean... There are a few short hiking trails” at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area.
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, the Umatilla Marina & RV Park is right on the river. A visitor shared, “It’s nice down by the water you can swim or fish. It also has a nice view of the sunset.”
  • Casino Fun: For a different vibe, check out the Wildhorse Casino. One reviewer said, “Big open dry camping lot. Easy area to spend a night,” making it a convenient stop for those looking to try their luck.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful settings. One person noted about Hilgard Junction State Park Campground, “The traffic from the freeway can be a little loud but it is clean and has flush toilets that are clean.”
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A visitor at Pendleton KOA mentioned, “Facilities are clean... each space has grass and a pad to park on.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Village said, “Staff was professional and kind.”

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are close to highways, which can be noisy. A camper at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area remarked, “I was amazed at the freeway noise. Very loud.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Bird Track Springs lacks drinking water and showers, as noted by a visitor: “If you don't need much, this campground is awesome and affordable.”
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. Hilgard Junction State Park Campground is accessible from mid-April to mid-October.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Spots: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and clean restrooms. A family at Umatilla Marina & RV Park enjoyed, “Lots of boaters and fishermen. Lots of families and friends playing games, bbqing and having fun.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Spring Creek Campground mentioned, “Great little campground far enough from the interstate to be peaceful.”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water or trails. A visitor at Plymouth Park Campground said, “Quiet, river access,” making it a nice spot for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pendleton KOA noted, “They are all 50 amp and include a converter, if you don’t have 50amp.”
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some RV parks are near highways, so be ready for some traffic sounds. A camper at Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Village mentioned, “Mostly quiet (except for semi trucks parking for the night).”
  • Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of available facilities like showers and dump stations. A visitor at Umatilla Marina & RV Park appreciated, “Immaculate bathrooms/showers. Lawn like carpet.”

Camping near Pendleton, Oregon, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Pendleton, Oregon?

The Pendleton area offers several excellent camping options. Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Villiage provides level sites that accommodate larger rigs up to 55 feet, with full hookups about 10 miles outside Pendleton. For those seeking a more natural setting, Red Bridge State Wayside offers spacious sites with running water, picnic tables, and fire pits, plus access to the Grande Ronde River. Other notable options include Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area with its green surroundings and rustic cabins, and Umatilla National Forest's Winom Creek Campground for those interested in OHV and equestrian activities, though it's about 22 miles southeast of Ukiah with no drinking water.

What amenities are available at Pendleton, Oregon camping areas?

Camping areas around Pendleton offer a range of amenities to suit different needs. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area features well-spaced campsites, rustic cabins, and typical state park facilities in a beautiful wooded setting. For more luxurious options, Wildhorse Casino provides well-maintained sites with lawn areas and picnic tables, plus access to a pool and shuttle service to the casino. Many campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, while public sites like Penland Lake have more basic facilities. Amenities typically include some combination of water, picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and shower facilities, with private RV parks generally offering more extensive hookups and services than public campgrounds.

Is there a KOA campground in Pendleton, Oregon?

Yes, Pendleton KOA is located at the edge of town. This KOA offers many standard KOA amenities including a camp store, flush toilets, showers, and a recreation room. The campground provides full hookups catering primarily to RVs and campers, though it does not have a pool. Recent visitors have noted that while sites are somewhat smaller and there appear to be some long-term residents, the facilities are well-maintained with particularly impressive personal bathroom/shower rooms. The campground's location provides convenient access to Pendleton, famous for its rodeo and cowboy culture. For those looking for KOA alternatives, The Lookout RV Park is another nearby option with reservable sites and big-rig-friendly spaces.

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