Pilot Rock, Oregon sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation in the Blue Mountains region of northeastern Oregon. This area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures ranging from 75-90°F during day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Camping options near Pilot Rock include established campgrounds, RV resorts with hot springs, and dispersed camping in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
What to do
Hiking the Blue Mountains: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers access to trail systems behind the campground. One visitor noted, "The sites have water fire pit and picnic table and lots of trees for privacy. The water in the shower was hot, the bathrooms are clean, and there's a nice trail system behind the campground."
Fishing in mountain waters: The Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor provides excellent fishing opportunities along Camas Creek. As one camper mentioned, "This is a small, dry campground that is as good as it gets. Only bummer for me (having dogs) is that there aren't any trails."
Hot springs soaking: At Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, visitors can enjoy mineral-rich soaking pools. A recent camper stated, "The soaking pools were amazing. They even had a twilight soak. Nature trail along the creek was cool. Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer."
Winter recreation: For those interested in glamping in Pilot Rock during winter, Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort Campground transforms into a ski area. According to a visitor, "The campsite is on a property that becomes a ski resort in the winter (it's at over ~7000 ft). The campground was immaculately maintained and had lots of recreation options."
What campers like
Natural hot springs: Grande Hot Springs Resort features mineral soaks with therapeutic benefits. A visitor remarked, "Visiting in April on a Sunday to do day use has defined my idea of heavenly. The snow-covered peaks, the clean air, the sounds of the spring birds, and the silence are magical."
Mountain lakes: Anthony Lakes offers pristine mountain waters for swimming and paddling. A camper wrote, "We paddled on the lake, hiked around it, drove up to the top of the ski area for the view and part of our group hiked down from there."
Historic sites: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area preserves Oregon Trail heritage. One family shared, "We have stayed here many times. The park rangers were so nice. They had informed classes about animals in the forest. The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on."
Riverfront camping: Spring Creek Campground provides peaceful riverside sites. A camper noted, "Great little campground far enough from the interstate to be peaceful. 4 spots available so it fills up fast. About a mile of decent dirt road, a few washboards and potholes, just go slow."
What you should know
Highway noise: Emigrant Springs sites are close to Interstate 84. A camper advised, "The road noise is extreme; very loud. If you can get past that the place is really sweet. The sites have water fire pit and picnic table and lots of trees for privacy."
Campsite availability: At Spring Creek Campground, limited sites mean early arrival is essential. One reviewer explained, "Needed a nice place between destinations and this was perfect. Clean and quiet on the last weekend of July."
Weather variability: Mountain elevations cause rapid weather changes. A visitor to Anthony Lakes shared, "During our three-day stay, we had snow, rain, and sunshine. It was wonderful!"
Seasonal access: Many campgrounds have limited seasonal operations. At Ukiah-Dale, a ranger noted that the campground is only open "mid April to mid October."
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: Emigrant Springs offers educational activities for children. A camper recalled, "Our families came from all over Oregon and Washington, even California. We came from Missouri. What an amazing family reunion. The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor offers chances to spot local wildlife. A visitor mentioned, "Simple but very cute CG. Good sized sites, clean bathrooms right on little river currently damned by a local beaver and therefore good for a dip."
Watch for small animals: At Anthony Lakes, keep food secured from wildlife. One camper warned, "Lots of chipmunks, so watch what you leave out (even momentarily)."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain clean restrooms. At Emigrant Springs, a camper noted, "The bathrooms were very clean, great trails and the interpretive center was very educational."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Wildhorse Casino has ample space for larger rigs. A reviewer mentioned, "There is a lot of pull through sites. It's not far off the highway which makes it great for a quick stop. Bathrooms and showers are clean, staff is friendly and helpful."
Hookup options: Wildhorse Casino provides full hookups for RVs. One camper explained, "The site was level, power checked out good and sewer and water were also provided. There is a picnic table. The pads are gravel, and there is a substantial amount of groomed lawn."
Road conditions: Access roads to Spring Creek have rough sections. A visitor warned, "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 inches."
RV size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate large rigs. At Anthony Lakes, a camper noted, "We were able to drive through the campground with the 27' trailer we had rented but none of the spaces would have accommodated us."
