The Blue Mountains region surrounding Pendleton ranges from 1,200-5,800 feet elevation, creating temperature swings of 40+ degrees between day and night in summer months. Fall camping offers milder conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60-70°F range and nights in the 30-40°F range. Winter access is limited at higher elevations when snow blankets the mountains.
What to do
Morning hiking excursions: Plymouth Park Campground provides access to Columbia River trails with minimal elevation gain, suitable for dogs and children. "The sites are level and paved, easy for any size rig. Lawns are irrigated and green so that is a nice touch," notes Jessie L. about this riverside area.
Cultural exploration: Wildhorse Resort Casino offers more than gambling with educational opportunities nearby. "Golf, museum, movies, walking trails, nature and special events! This week was the annual July Pow Wow!" writes Theresa O., highlighting the cultural activities available.
Water recreation: Umatilla Marina & RV Park provides direct river access for fishing and swimming. "It's nice down by the water you can swim or fish. It also has a nice view of the sunset," mentions Michelle M., pointing out the recreational water options just 30 minutes from Pendleton.
What campers like
Abundant amenities: Casino campgrounds offer unexpected extras beyond standard facilities. "Clean pool and hot tub. Showers and bathrooms very clean and a laundry room, too!" reports Theresa about Wildhorse Resort facilities that enhance extended stays.
Convenient travel stops: Pioneer RV Park provides a well-maintained staging area close to town. "Pay in cash and get a good deal. Nice RV park with amenities close by," mentions Bradee A., highlighting the practical advantages for travelers.
Nature immersion with facilities: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area balances natural surroundings with needed amenities. "The campsites were very well maintained and the facilities (bathrooms and showers) were kept up nicely as well," shares Tiffany L. about this forested campground.
What you should know
Highway noise affects sleep: Several campgrounds experience traffic noise issues. "The road noise is extreme; very loud. If you can get past that the place is really sweet," warns a reviewer about Emigrant Springs, where interstate proximity creates a constant background hum.
Limited privacy at popular sites: Pendleton KOA can feel crowded during peak seasons. "The spots are so close together that you can hear others conversations," notes Tara M., describing the proximity to neighboring campsites.
Seasonal insect challenges: Yellow jackets and spiders become problematic in summer months. "My boyfriend spent the entire evening fighting them away from the van. I got stung," warns Courtney Z. about her experience at Plymouth Park during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for kids: Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park provides swimming facilities appreciated by families. "We enjoy staying at this resort. The park is rarely full. Both the hotel and the RV park have separate swimming pools," mentions Sandy S., highlighting the child-friendly recreation option.
Educational opportunities: Junior ranger programs and nature classes enrich family camping experiences. "The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on," shares Jenny M. about educational programs at Emigrant Springs that engage younger campers.
Dog-friendly zones with restrictions: The Johnson Ranch offers five primitive camping sites without breed or size restrictions for families traveling with pets. The ranch maintains a more relaxed approach to pet policies than larger established campgrounds in the area.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup reliability: Voltage testing before full connection prevents equipment damage. "The site was level, power checked out good and sewer and water were also provided," shares Tim G. about his Wildhorse Resort stay, emphasizing the importance of verifying power quality.
Bathroom access considerations: Distance to facilities varies significantly between sites. "The only bathroom/shower was right by the office. While it wasn't crowded, it was far from our site," notes Tim G., providing practical insights about facility proximity.
Positioning for shade: Limited tree cover makes strategic site selection essential in summer. "Camping stops around the perimeter had good grass and trees," advises Dan P. about Wildhorse Resort, suggesting specific site requests for improved comfort during hot weather.
