Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Pendleton, OR is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Pendleton is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Oregon camping adventure.
"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."
"Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."
"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!"
"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."
"This type of site is usually what we look for when traveling - dispersed, primitive camping sites spaced far apart from each other. We had a little patch of forest all to ourselves."
"Lots of flat open space below the dam. Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded."
ScoutGreat free place to camp 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible. Down side no water near by, not even a creek.
GuideMany 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.
GuideEasy 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.
GuideEither 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!
GuidePrimitive 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.
GuideDrove 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.
GuideMcDougall 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.
GuideCamped atop the ridge, off the first road on the west side. Interstate traffic dominates the soundscape, but the scenery is expansive.
There’s several sites along the road, some with DIY fire pits. Given the off-road ruts, this isn’t a prime wet ground camp area.
GuideSites 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pendleton, Oregon, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pendleton, OR is Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Pendleton, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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