Top Free Dispersed Camping near Richland, OR
Looking for the best Richland dispersed camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Richland. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Oregon excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Richland, OR (18)
1. Public Boat Lanch
11 Reviews•31 Photos•85 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
2. Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
2 Reviews•8 Photos•14 SavesDispersed 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
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
7 Reviews•32 Photos•167 SavesNumerous dispersed campsites are located around the Lost Valley Reservoir. __No amenities available.
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Ice Lake
2 Reviews•7 Photos•82 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Dispersed
5. Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
1 Review•1 Photo•1 Save- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
7. Wallowa Falls Campground
1 Review•3 Photos•4 SavesNote: Directions listed here are to the park entrance. Please call 800-551-6949 for detailed directions. The walk-in, tent only campground is nestled at the base of the Wallowa Mountains and surrounded by cliffs, tall pine trees, and wildlife. Relax to the sound of the Wallowa River and a small brook that runs through the campground. Take a hike on nearby trails that lead into the Eagle Cap Wilderness or picnic at the Little Alps Day-use Area. Wallowa Lake State Park is north of the campground.
Seasonal Camping
10 walk-in sites are first-come, first-served. Potable water available from spigots in the campground. Park overnight at the Little Alps Day-use Area. $10 per night. Pay at the self-pay station. Cash, check, and credit cards welcome. Firewood is available for $5/bundle. Two vault toilets located in the campground and a full restroom located just north of the campground in the Little Alps Day-use Area.
- Fires
- Tents
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
8. Hitt Mountain Dispersed Campground and Trailhead
Be the first to review!•4 SavesThis dispersed campground if access via Highway 71 out of Cambridge. Dispersed campground with an outhouse, fire rings and some tables. Places to tie stock are available. Trailhead - parking lot site.
- Dispersed
9. Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
1 Review•5 Photos•44 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Richland
15 Reviews of 18 Richland Campgrounds
Nick J.
Traveler
Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
Great Backcountry High Alpine Lake
Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton). The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout.
The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day.
Evan W.
Guide
Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry
Good spot for a few nights
There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.
I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.
- SSean S.
Scout
Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Very difficult road
Do not try and tow a trailer up this road!!! I made that mistake and barely made it out. Didn’t make it up to the reservoir
- JJudy W.Guide
Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Boondocking
Directions: About 13 miles from Medical Springs on a gravel road (half hour or so). Take Big Creek Rd to Collins Lane. That turns into USFS 67, then 72. The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher. Probably not a good place for a big nice camp trailer.
Camping is dispersed, mostly on the west side of the reservoir. The east side has a few spots but the road is really rough toward the dam. Fish are stocked. Boats with oars, paddles or electric motors are allowed. There are no improvements. Check fire restrictions. Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September. Cattle graze here. The water level gets pretty low by August.
allison W.
Legend
Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area
Huge and diverse area
Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas. It earns a good review at the end of the day for being conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it’s the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes.
Fishin' R.Traveler
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Very Quiet
until the late 1980s my family and I camped here with our RVs all the time but a chipmunk they have been trying to save since( they are everywhere...) has resulted in the campgrounds being closed for vehicle use. great place to take a tent and a six pack! little store 3 miles down the road.
- RRanier E.Traveler
Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site
Great Dispersed Camping Spot
This is a great overlook on Hell Canyon and awesome dispersed overland camp spot.
Will M.GuideLost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Great campgrounds tucked away
Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in.
Michael
Ranger
Ice Lake
Nine-Mile Hike
The water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest. Stayed two nights. Elevation is ~8,000 feet. Got altitude sickness on day two.
No fires allowed. No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway.
- Larry J.Traveler
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Great dispersed camping
Just came back from my second week long trip in 3 weeks there. Camped right on the water! I usually go up on Monday stay till Saturday, one of the benefits of being retired! Definitely going to go one more time, maybe two this summer. Very very scenic.
Arielle W.Guide
Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
Gorgeous and remote. Be prepared to CLIMB!
This is not an official campground. There is a lot of space for campers, though, and it is not heavily trafficked. The trek to Echo Lake is about 8 miles (one-way) from the start of the Hurricane Creek Trail. When you arrive at Echo Lake, beauty awaits you! This location is a remote and peaceful retreat. The lake is so clear and serene. The views of the mountainside are breathtaking. This is a great site for groups and there is enough space to spread out. The stars are vivid and you can see the movement of the stars and moon along the mountains. The trek to the lake is SO WORTH IT! This is probably one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to. It gave me the wilderness escape that I needed. It is a hidden gem! Whenever you visit, leave your stressors behind you and enjoy the preserved beauty. The lake is very cold, but I definitely enjoyed the shock after the hike in!
The hike into Echo Lake is an intense incline! We tracked about 3,500 feet of elevation gain in about 5 hours during our hike in. The way back only took us about 3.5 hours and is mostly downhill. I would not recommend this hike for a beginner hiker/backpacker. I carried 60 lbs on my back up and down this trek and it was A LOT for me as a relatively new backpacker (with endurance conditioning). It is a hike that one should work towards, for sure! This trek is would be great crosstraining for an endurance athlete (like me!). At times, the incline felt like a 10-15% grade, but I do not know this for sure. It is pretty steep and challenging if you are carrying a lot of weight. I recommend going as minimalist as possible to avoid extra weight, if possible. I brought my bull mastiff dog along with me and she had a blast! I would recommend conditioning your dog for a trek like this. It can be pretty gnarly and steep at times! My dog wouldn't have made it if she had not done treks like this before. There are creeks along the route to the lake and I would bring extra water to hydrate your dog in between water sources. As always, leave no trace and keep this spot pristine and clean :)
Easton S.RangerLost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Second annual
Liked it enough to come back. Had a huge group and multiple dogs in the group site. Very clean camp area. Extremely reasonable prices. Bathrooms are really dirty. Water for drinking is available just a short walk or really short drive. Nice fire pits. Close to water for playing in. There are some towns nearby. Would recommend just use the woods whenever possible.
- Easton S.Ranger
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Lots of trees
There is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous. Good drinking water. A fairly dirty pit bathroom. I’m pretty sure it’s pet friendly. You can walk to the reservoir. The beach is very rocky.
- KKiwi S.Traveler
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Absolutely beautiful
Great fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails.
- DDenise L.Traveler
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Beautiful Sunsets on a mountain lake.
Once you turn off Hywy 95 on to Lost Valley Reservoir Road (about 16 miles North of Council), you will reach a Y in the well kept gravel road. If you turn left, you will come to Cold Spring Campground. There are RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small daily fee. There are campfire sites, hiking trails, toilets and water from a hand pump. You will need to pack out your own garbage as there are no dumpsters. Not a bad place but you are still about 1/2 mile away from the Lost Valley Reservoir.
If you return to the Lost Valley Reservoir road, you can continue on to the Reservoir. After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water. Along this side of the lake there is also a boat launch area, but I believe this is a 'No Wake Lake'. Check local burn bans, and pack your garbage out.
The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts in them, and I personally wouldn't risk driving them without a vehicle that has plenty of clearance.
The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge. There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep. We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night.
Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water, and several families had ATV's. Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August. Very relaxing. Enjoy.
Guide to Richland
Camping near Richland, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are some great spots to check out.
What to do:
- Kayaking and Fishing: The beautiful waters at Wallowa Lake State Park Campground are perfect for kayaking. One visitor mentioned, "We kayaked on the lake and went up Mount Howard on the tram where the views of the Eagle Cap wilderness were breathtaking."
- Hiking: Explore the trails around Farewell Bend State Recreation Area. A camper shared, "We found this campground to be peaceful on the Snake River and enjoyed hiking nearby."
- Family Fun: Check out the activities in Joseph, near Wallowa Lake State Park Campground. One family said, "Putt putt golf and go-karts also make for some great memories and are easier for the whole family to enjoy together."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like A-Frame RV Park. A visitor noted, "Nice clean bathrooms, reasonable price, and a little loud from the highway."
- Friendly Staff: Many have praised the helpful staff at Mtn View RV Park. One camper said, "The store is adorable and the staff is super friendly."
- Scenic Views: Campers love the views at Oasis Recreation Site. A review mentioned, "Beautiful view of the Snake River and rolling hills."
What you should know:
- Water Availability: Some campgrounds, like Mtn View RV Park, have high water pressure, so bring a pressure reducer. A camper advised, "The water pressure here is around 100 psi, you need to use a reducer."
- Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways, such as A-Frame RV Park, can be a bit noisy. One camper mentioned, "Some road noise but not loud enough to be problematic."
- Limited Amenities: At places like Oasis Recreation Site, you won't find many amenities. A visitor said, "It's just a gravel parking lot right next to an RV park."
Tips for camping with families:
- Plan Activities: Make sure to check out local attractions. One reviewer from Wallowa Lake State Park Campground said, "So many fun things to do and lots of great places to eat."
- Dog-Friendly Spots: Many campgrounds, like A-Frame RV Park, are dog-friendly. A camper shared, "Super dog friendly! We stayed longer than planned."
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Farewell Bend State Recreation Area mentioned, "Close to the water as well."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A visitor at Mtn View RV Park noted, "The utilities were in the middle of the pad, which made it nice for our one-night stay."
- Be Prepared for Bugs: Some areas can get buggy, so bring repellent. A camper at Mann Creek Recreation Area warned, "Lots of skeeters to take your spray."
- Stay Connected: Check for Wi-Fi availability. A visitor at A-Frame RV Park mentioned, "Wifi would periodically drop out, otherwise was able to stream."
Camping around Richland, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Richland, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Richland, OR is Public Boat Lanch with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Richland, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Richland, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.