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Best Campgrounds near Pilot Rock, OR

318 Reviews

The Pilot Rock area in northeastern Oregon offers camping options ranging from developed state parks to dispersed sites on public lands. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, located along the historic Oregon Trail, provides cabin and yurt accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Within driving distance, Pendleton offers several established campgrounds including Pendleton KOA and Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park, both catering to RV travelers with full hookups. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest provides free dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more primitive experiences.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from spring through fall, with Emigrant Springs typically open May through October. Winter conditions can make access difficult, especially at higher elevations in the Blue Mountains. As one visitor noted about the Pendleton KOA, "Sites are super close together = no privacy. Chain-link fence obstructing view." Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some forest service roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. Cell coverage is limited outside of Pendleton proper. Campgrounds like Spring Creek and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor provide toilets but lack showers or electric hookups, making them better suited for self-contained camping.

The region's campgrounds receive mixed reviews regarding privacy and spacing. Hilgard Junction State Park Campground and Spring Creek Campground earned higher ratings for their natural settings, while casino-adjacent RV parks prioritize convenience over seclusion. According to one camper at Wildhorse Casino, "We had a great spot on the west side near a green space. Very quiet and peaceful." Many established campgrounds in the area provide access to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. The Grande Hot Springs RV Resort offers unique amenities including hot springs access, making it a popular choice despite being slightly farther from Pilot Rock. Campers seeking developed facilities with full hookups will find more options in Pendleton, while those preferring natural settings should consider the state parks and forest service campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding Blue Mountains.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pilot Rock, Oregon (93)

    1. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    26 Reviews
    Meacham, OR
    18 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."

    2. Wildhorse Casino

    12 Reviews
    Cayuse, OR
    13 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."

    3. Pendleton KOA

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

    4. Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Villiage

    9 Reviews
    Cayuse, OR
    14 miles
    Website

    $20 - $80 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Spring Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 963-7186

    "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”."

    "Arrived around 5pm on a Saturday in October and 3 spots were available - the others filled up after me. Quiet and beautiful while being close to the highway."

    6. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-8500

    "Light sleepers would have a hard time here due to highway noise but overall good rest stop. My dog wouldn’t stop trying to eat all the horse poop around the camp site."

    "Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."

    7. The Johnson Ranch

    Be the first to review!
    Pendleton, OR
    9 miles
    +1 (541) 667-7500

    $80 / night

    8. Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor

    6 Reviews
    Ukiah, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 551-6949

    "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."

    "This is a typical roadside campground.  It not only is a campground but a bathroom rest stop on Hwy 395, so there is a small amount of drive through traffic to the restrooms."

    9. Grande Hot Springs RV Resort

    42 Reviews
    Union, OR
    45 miles
    Website

    "We enjoyed the great walking paths around the perimeter of the park to walk our dogs. The pool and hot tub are heated geothermally and are warm, soothing, and oh, so relaxing."

    "The tent and yurt sites are beautifully situated next to a stream full of cattails and lily pads. Wild deer roam nearby and horses graze in the fields around the park. Not far from town either."

    10. Hilgard Junction State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 551-6949

    $10 / night

    "There is a trail if you head North that winds up and puts you on the Oregon trail, I biked it on my ebike, it is pretty strenuous and bumpy."

    "Hilgard Junction is a small, Riverside day use area, travel rest-stop and campground at the junction of I-84 and Highway 244 on the Grande Ronde river at the base of Mt. Emily."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pilot Rock, OR

45 Photos of 93 Pilot Rock Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pilot Rock, OR

318 Reviews of 93 Pilot Rock Campgrounds

  • Tim The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Pendleton KOA

    Nice well kept park

    Quite, nicely maintained,

  • Matt B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Quick and easy

    Quickly and easy stop close to 84 if you are traveling through. Does the trick for an overnighter. Lots of dispersed pullouts. No amenities.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Wolf Creek Reservoir

    Great views and cool weather

    Awesome camp spot, off the main road so no one is here. Love that it’s by the water

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    RV Resort Four Seasons

    Very comfortable

    I called from 40 miles out on a Friday night on the 22 nd of August. High summer season. They were nearly full. They held a spot. Grass pad full hook up. Most of the sites are shaded by trees due to my starlink sat needs a clear shot at the sky I took a space in the sun. I was just traveling thru if I was staying longer go for shade. Its 85-90 this time of year. The people who run the place were very nice and the grounds are very well kept.

    I recommend it anytime of year!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Plymouth Park Campground

    Not my style of camping

    It’s a cute spot if you don’t mind sharing right spaces and zero privacy. The spots are basically pull outs off the camp roadway. Nice for a pit stop on the drive but I wouldn’t prefer to stay there more than that. Personally, I’ve stayed better places for free and the $30 tag for the spot wasn’t worth it for me.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Spring Creek Campground

    Peaceful, close to freeway

    4 sites only! Pit toilet(1) and clean. No trash pick up. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit. We are the only ones here so far-Sunday eve in August

  • Ibeya A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    North of Spring Creek on Forest Road 21

    Secluded forest with primitive camping

    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. There's a bit of highway noise in the distance, low cell signal (both AT&T and T-Mobile). We heard gunshots from another site and saw shells at our site, so that's something to be aware of if wandering the forest.

  • Cheryl S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Grande Hot Springs RV Resort

    Relaxing Peaceful

    The soaking pools were amazing. They even had a twilight soak. Very peaceful and relaxing campground Nature trail along the creek was cool. Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer.

Guide to Pilot Rock

Camping near Pilot Rock, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are trails nearby that let you soak in the stunning views. 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: If you enjoy fishing, spots like Morgan Lake are perfect. A reviewer said, "Locals fish here," highlighting the lake's appeal for anglers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed noted, "I saw lots of elk and turkeys," making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of places like Bird Track Springs. One reviewer said, "Gorgeous tall trees, sites are spread out, very peaceful."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds such as Tollbridge Campground are noted for their cleanliness. A visitor remarked, "The bathrooms and showers were clean and it felt like we had them to ourselves most of the time."
  • Affordable Camping: Many sites are budget-friendly. A camper at Morgan Lake mentioned, "Beautiful campground. Maybe 15 sites, and totally free."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, are close to highways, which can be noisy. One camper noted, "The freeway noise... Very loud."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Hilgard Junction State Park Campground lack some amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "No electric hookups, no showers," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, it can also be a concern. A camper at Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed warned about "people using the bathroom right on the ground," so keep an eye out for cleanliness.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Pendleton KOA, where one reviewer said, "Facilities are clean... beautiful views of the valley."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A camper at Spring Creek Campground mentioned, "There are some cool trails around the area," which can keep kids entertained.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A visitor at Tollbridge Campground noted, "Just under the bridge is a perfect swimming hole," but safety is key.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Wildhorse Casino mentioned, "Sites were fairly level with lawn and a picnic table."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some RV parks, like Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Village, can have noise from nearby roads. One reviewer said, "Mostly quiet (except for semi-trucks parking for the night)."
  • Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of available amenities. A visitor at Pendleton KOA noted, "They are all 50 amp and include a converter," making it easier for RVers to set up.

Camping near Pilot Rock, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to ensure a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a dedicated camping area at Pilot Rock?

Pilot Rock itself doesn't have a dedicated campground, but several camping options exist nearby. Umatilla National Forest Winom Creek Campground offers a flat, developed campground about 22 miles southeast of Ukiah on Forest Road 52. This area is popular for OHV and equestrian activities, though it only has vault toilets and no drinking water. For dispersed camping options, Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed provides free camping opportunities in the broader region.

What are the regulations for overnight stays at Pilot Rock?

Overnight stays at Pilot Rock typically follow U.S. Forest Service regulations for dispersed camping in the area. At nearby Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, which follows similar regulations to many public lands in the region, stays are limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Red Bridge State Wayside exemplifies typical regulations for the area - individual sites have designated facilities and hosts are available to assist with questions. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, maintain appropriate distance from water sources, and check for seasonal fire restrictions.

Can I park an RV near Pilot Rock?

While Pilot Rock itself doesn't accommodate RVs, several nearby RV-friendly options exist. Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Villiage offers full amenities including a pool and shuttle service to the casino, making it suitable for RVs despite sparse surroundings. Grande Hot Springs RV Resort is another excellent option with large pull-through sites, 50-amp service, water and sewer hookups, plus great walking paths around the property.

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