Top Free Dispersed Camping near Pendleton, OR
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Pendleton? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Oregon camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Pendleton, OR (5)
1. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
6 Reviews•13 Photos•94 SavesDispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.
It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.
There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.
Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents. To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
2. McDougall Dispersed Camping
5 Reviews•23 Photos•79 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
3. North Elgin Dispersed Camp
1 Review•7 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Pendleton
12 Reviews of 5 Pendleton Campgrounds
- m
mel B.
Guide
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.
- MMarashaGuide
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.
h22 E.
ScoutNorth Elgin Dispersed Camp
Nice quite place
Great free place to camp 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible. Down side no water near by, not even a creek.
Jodie E.ScoutWallowa-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.Scout
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.
- QQuincy B.
TravelerWallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
So much camping
There are 100s of spots to camp
Michael W.GuideWallowa-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.
- MMatthew S.Guide
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.
- JJodiGuide
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 😔
- ChrisGuide
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.GuideMcDougall 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.GuideMcDougall 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.
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
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pendleton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pendleton, OR is Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pendleton, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Pendleton, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.