Best Tent Camping near Pendleton, OR
Looking for the best Pendleton tent camping? Find the best tent camping sites near Pendleton. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Pendleton, Oregon (19)
1. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
6 Reviews•13 Photos•98 SavesLa Grande, OregonDispersed 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. Sand Station Recreation Area
1 Review•3 Photos•15 SavesLake Wallula, OregonCamping is now 'group camping' only, and requires a permit
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Trash
3. The High Road Cabin (two) TENT Spots
1 Review•3 Photos•11 SavesMeacham, OregonYou can't camp many places in Oregon that the general public is not allowed. You can here. Behind a locked gate, no public access. A permanent pit toilet is onsite. Pricing includes one camping unit (tent you supply)
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
- Toilets
$29 / night
4. Blue Mtns North/Grande Ronde River Basin Area
2 Reviews•4 Photos•37 SavesMeacham, OregonThe Blue Mountain North/Grande Ronde River Basin Area is situated north of the Anthony Lakes Highway (Forest Road 73) to the Mount Emily area. It includes all of the developed recreation sites and trails in the northern Blue Mountains and those found in the Grande Ronde River Basin west of La Grande, Oregon. This area is mainly administered by the La Grande Ranger District although some of the area north of the Anthony Lakes Highway is administered by the Whitman Ranger District. Popular recreation areas include the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing, Mt. Emily, Spring Creek Recreation Area, Ladd Canyon, and Beaver Creek. Local communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are LaGrande, Island City, Elgin, Imbler, Cove, Richland, and Baker City . These communities are within one hour of this area.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Alcohol
6. Umapine
1 Review•2 SavesUkiah, OregonThe Umapine Campground is located west of Vey Meadows between Squaw and Umapine Creeks in a ponderosa pine forest. It offers 3 group sites (including one pull through site) and 5 single sites. The rustic campground is a central staging area for the Winom-Frazier OHV trail areawhich gives off-road riders access to more than 140 miles of challenging trails.
- Tents
- Toilets
7. Mottet
1 Review•4 Photos•41 SavesBennington Lake, WashingtonLocated just off the historic Kendall-Skyline Road, this high-level campground offers 6 campsites to choose from that are in close proximity to several wilderness trailheads. Spend your days hiking in the beautiful and scenic Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and your nights relaxing in this tranquil and secluded campground. Mottet even offers clear, cold, and delicious drinking water, straight from a mountain spring!
- Pets
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Picnic Table
8. Penland Lake
2 Reviews•8 Photos•10 SavesUkiah, OregonFall asleep to the sound of crickets and frogs chirping and croaking and wake up to Blue Gill and Rainbow Trout jumping at the bit. This campground is set on the shore of Penland Lake, which also abuts private land and land owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Penland is popular on summer weekends and offers access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There are seven campsites and two vault toilets on the National Forest portion of the campground, with more campsites located on the adjacent ODFW property. There is also a boat ramp, fishing dock, and benches located on the dam. Picnic tables are available for Day Use on the lakefront as well. There is no potable water or garbage service; please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. Gold Dredge
2 Reviews•1 Photo•14 SavesUkiah, OregonThis is a peaceful campground set in an open Ponderosa pine stand along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River. Gold Dredge features 7 campsties and 1 accessible vault toilet. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. Attractions in this area include photography, swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing. Water levels are low in mid to late summer, which can impede use of boats. The campground provides good access for big game hunting. In addition, the Oriental Trailhead is about 6 miles west, providing access to both OHV and wilderness trails.
- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
- Alcohol
10. West Park (OR)
Be the first to review!•6 Photos•2 SavesUmatilla, OregonOverview
West Park is located within McNary Dam Wildlife Area just downstream of McNary Dam in Eastern Oregon on the Mid-Columbia River.
Recreation
The park provides two softball fields and a playset for the children to enjoy the park. There is also close access to the McNary Dam Wildlife Areas and its trail system.
Facilities
West Park offers two reservable picnic shelters. West Park #1 Steelhead Shelter has eight picnic tables and two fire grills and West Park #2 Coho Shelter has 10 picnic tables and two fire grills. Both shelters also offer electricity.
Natural Features
The park is located within the McNary Dam Wildlife Area. Day users enjoy the beautiful park with its mature shade trees.
Nearby Attractions
The Pacific Salmon Visitor Center, Oregon Fish Viewing Room and the McNary Dam Wildlife Area with its beautiful natural trails are all in close proximity to West Park.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$70 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Pendleton, Oregon
241 Reviews of 19 Pendleton Campgrounds
Jacob D.
Guide
Spring Creek Campground
Quiet and easy
Cool quiet place. It’s plowed in the winter. There wasn’t much snow here on January 5-6th, 2025. It’s direct access onto the road from the highway exit. It’s a rough road about 1.2 miles, that’s bumpy and has lots of pot holes. Snow coverage on the road was minimal, max 2”. The actual camp area is concrete platforms with a picnic table and fire pit in a roundabout around the vault restroom.
- GGil W.Guide
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area
NICE STOPOVER
Very nicely maintained campground with full hookups. Clean showers. Level spots.
The only drawback is the close vicinity to Hwy. 84 which made it quite noisy.
- JJaime K.
Traveler
Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor
A great overnight stop
Beautiful forested campsite with clean flush toilets next to a creek.
Jon and Jenny P.Guide
Jubilee Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest
Lovely lake!
This campground worked great for our small teardrop trailer. It wasn’t the quietest campground we’ve stayed in, but people were respectful of the quiet hours. Sites were clean. Restrooms were acceptable. Last several miles of the road were very washboard-y - something that has not changed from previous visits over the years.
- Jon and Jenny P.Guide
Jubilee Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest
Quiet at the end of the season
This campground is pretty busy during the summer season but was fairly quiet on the last weekend of the summer. Weather was good but temperatures did get down to 26F.
ron R.
Ranger
Hu - Na - Ha RV Park
Quiet little Park clean and safe
This park accepts Good Sam discounts. There are a few full timers but are kept clean. The park is right on the edge of town. Nestled between a river and a horse farm he will hear a rooster everyday you will hear a donkey. There are wild turkey in the area but they're quite quiet. I paid just under $150 a week. Laundry machines work well there are two washers and two dryers buck and a quarter each. They have showers. They have a tent area for tent camping. There is usually no one on duty but they do have propane I just don't know how to use it or get it. There is a Wi-Fi password and the cell phone signal is not bad. I use T-Mobile. 5 minutes away from a decent grocery store. 30 minutes away from Miller's home improvement and Walmart. And did I mention full hookups.
- JJeffrey M.
Scout
Pendleton KOA
Great view, very clean!
A little more money for the view, patio, grill and fireplace, but well worth it! Not too hot even at 95! Cool nights and plenty of sky.
- MMary C.Scout
Plymouth Park Campground
Quiet riverside park
Well cared for campgrounds. Quiet, river access.
Eric B.Scout
Umatilla Marina and RV ParkPublic
Passing through
Called last minute and was able to get a water and electric only site which is all we needed. The park is well maintained and it's all gravel. However the sites are all flat and easy to pull into. For just over $40 dollars for the night. I have no complaints. The staff was friendly when I called. It took me a couple times to get a live person. But it's a small office and I'm sure they were busy. I would stay here again. Looks like a great place for boating and fishing with a nice sized parking lot and slips for rent.
- CClaude K.Traveler
Morgan Lake - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Beautiful place
The sites are nice and most are lake front. There were a few other campers but none near our site. The road up is steep and bumpy gravel but we managed in our two wheel drive van. Would definitely stop by again.
Joseph B.GuideUkiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor
Beautiful campground
I camped here during the summer season of 2023. When I pulled into the campground it was just me and the camp hosts. They gave me the pick of what site I wanted. I swooped on one next to the river. The campground was beautiful and sites were good distances from each other. There are bathrooms and areas to top off your water. I choose this campground due to driving the 395 as my choice of route to explore. I would 100% recommend this campsite again.
- MMJ Kate B.Scout
Pendleton KOA
Clean and friendly
Andy at the front desk was very helpful checking me in. She and her associate assisted with me finding the best spot with some shade and facing the mountains. Yes, there are a lot of units here. And, it’s still a great spot for camping. They are all 50 amp and include a converter, if you don’t have 50amp. Leveled and spacious for vehicles.
Addison S.ScoutJubilee Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest
Great trip
A group of friends and I went and tent camped in spot 14 for a couple days and had a great time. The site was fairly trashed when we got there so we did some cleanup but besides that it’s surrounded by a beautiful forest and even on a 95 degree day the shade is perfect and the water was refreshing to swim in. I liked the spot we stayed in, it was spacious enough for 3 tents (10 person, 5 person, and 2 person tents) it was shaded and fairly spaced out from other spots. The lake was pretty busy and there were lots of people but it’s easy to find places on the water to have to yourself. There was also an awesome rope swing maybe half a mile from the camp site, super fun!
- mmel 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.
- mmel B.Guide
Bird Track Springs Campground
Nice sites
I came around 3pm on a Wednesday and there were ample spaces available. The sites feel private and the campground is very clean. The pit toilets are also clean. Some road noise. $5 per night if you have one of the veteran, disabled or senior passes. No water and no trash.
- 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.
- JJohn R.
Legend
Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Villiage
Oasis on the road.
Large well kept park. Casino, pool and restaurants.
- HHaylee M.Traveler
Fishhook Park
Tent campers
Played games and found a little spot down to the water we enjoyed. Store close by to grab sodas for our burgers that night. Clean campground and bathrooms. Very friendly hosts!
- HHaylee M.Traveler
Charbonneau Park
Returning tent campers
Great accessibility to water, very clean and pretty campground, nice playground and friendly hosts! We enjoy it here very much!
Johna V.Scout
COE Lake Sacajawea Charbonneau Park
Absolute beauty
Breathtaking and life changing the natural gifts of this environment and the peace and serenity that come with the experience!
- HHeather B.Scout
Hat Rock Campground
No longer campsites long term rv now
Under new ownership and they no longer allow overnight camping only long-term rental
- kkenneth B.Guide
Pendleton KOA
Top of the hill
Facilities are clean.. more showers than toilets.. each space has grass and a pad to park on.. no gravel roads..beautiful views of the valleyso
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.
Kelly H.LegendEmigrant Springs State Heritage Area
Easy stop
I've driven by for years and recently had the opportunity to stop in between a couple of long travel days. Site was level and surrounded by beautiful trees. We had a nice walk through the campground. It was not crowded, being a weekday in October.
I was amazed at the freeway noise. Very loud. Didn't really have trouble sleeping, but certainly not quitly peaceful, unfortunately.
Great heritage site!
Lee D.LegendFishhook Park
Remote CoE Campground on Lake Sacajawea
General: 41 RV sites with water and electric plus 11 tent sites in a grassy common area.
Site Quality: Reasonable separation between the sites. The back-in sites are wide enough to comfortably fit a TT, 5th wheel or RV and your toad or other vehicle side-by-side. The pull-through sites are very large. All sites have gravel camper pads and most appeared very level or had a level area. Our site, along with several others, had a nice view of Lake Sacajawea.
Bath/Shower house: Clean even if a little dated. Didn’t use the shower so cannot comment on that except that the hooks are located outside of the shower stalls so even though there is a swinging door to the shower area, privacy is compromised a bit by this design.
Activities: Unless you have a boat (there is a boat launch and dock), not too much to do here except relax. There is a small swimming area but no beach to speak of (grassy and pebbly area). There is a playground and horseshoe pits but no hiking trails that I could see.
To get to this campground, you drive past many miles of apple orchards and then suddenly, you see the lake and campground. There are quite a few trees for shade. Surprisingly good cell (Verizon) given the remoteness of the campground. Be aware there are train tracks nearby and you will hear an occasional loud train. It was very quiet on the Wednesday before Labor Day, but we were told it would be completely full on the weekend.
merecallTraveler
Bird Track Springs
Easy access and beautiful
I'm inexperienced at maneuvering my travel trailer, but plenty of sites were very spacious and easy to back into. Gorgeous tall trees, sites are spread out, very peaceful. As a woman traveling alone, the occasional road noise is comforting. The 'interpretive trail' across the road is a bummer. If you don't need much, this campground is awesome and affordable.
Guide to Pendleton
Tent camping near Pendleton, Oregon offers a variety of scenic locations for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from well-reviewed campgrounds to unique amenities, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Sand Station Recreation Area provides picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient spot for families and groups.
- Mottet features drinking water and vault toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay in a serene environment.
- Umapine offers basic amenities like toilets, perfect for those seeking a simple camping experience in the woods.
Explore local attractions
- The Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed area is known for its stunning wildlife, including elk and turkeys, providing a great backdrop for nature lovers.
- Blue Mtns North/Grande Ronde River Basin Area is a great spot for fishing and enjoying the beautiful river views.
- Divide Well is situated in a remote area, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Enjoy these local activities
- At Madame Dorion Park, visitors can engage in various outdoor activities, although it is no longer a campground.
- The High Road Cabin (two) TENT Spots offers access to hiking trails in the Blue Mountain Range, perfect for adventurous campers.
- Frog Heaven Forest Camp is a great base for exploring nearby trails and enjoying the peaceful forest surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pendleton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent 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 tent camping near Pendleton, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Pendleton, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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