Campsites near Ukiah, Oregon sit at elevations between 3,300-4,600 feet in the Umatilla National Forest's Blue Mountains region. The area experiences cool summers with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F, dropping significantly at night even in July and August. Forest Service roads accessing many camping spots near Ukiah remain snow-covered until late May, with elevation differences creating distinct microclimates throughout the camping season.
What to do
Fishing access: Penland Lake provides opportunities for catching trout and offers multiple shoreline access points. "You can do pretty much anything here from kayaking to fishing to swimming and overnight camping. Has a vault toilet," reports a camper at Penland Lake.
Explore OHV trails: The designated OHV area surrounding Umatilla National Forest Winom Creek Campground features hundreds of miles of interconnected trails. "This site as a primary function: OHV camping. Which makes sense as it sits at the heart of a designated OHV area, with hundreds of miles of trails connecting campgrounds to the north, east, and west," notes one visitor.
Creek exploration: During summer months, Camas Creek provides cooling relief and wildlife viewing. A visitor to Ukiah-Dale noted, "The stream going by has a decent flow but it is mid summer and slowing down. I did not have a mosquito problem but black jackets and hornets were present."
What campers like
Accessible amenities: Several campgrounds offer basic facilities that enhance the primitive camping experience. At Ukiah-Dale Forest State Park and Campground, one camper shared, "There are several spots by the water (camas creek). We had everything one would need. There are water spouts nearby, the perfect trees for hammock, shade trees, and bathrooms."
Seasonal color displays: Fall visits provide spectacular foliage viewing opportunities. A visitor remarked, "I increased the rating to 5 stars due to the gorgeous fall color and the spacious campsites."
Group accommodations: Several sites cater specifically to larger parties with dedicated group areas. At Frazier Campground, a visitor notes there are "three areas, entrance with covered picnic area and two campsites along with a ramp to unload OHV. Middle loop with #15 to #20 camp site. Then upper loop with #3 to #14 camp site, five of those sites are group sites."
What you should know
Site spacing and capacity: Campground layouts vary significantly throughout the region. At Lane Creek, "It has 7 camp sites with vaulted toilet. No water or garbage, but have picnic table and fire ring, with level gravel site for trailers (can pitch a tent). One out of the 7 sites can hold a large RV of 35ft."
Water availability: Most forest service campgrounds lack potable water. "Bring your water," advises a visitor to Frazier Campground, while a camper at Driftwood Campground notes it "has a vault toilet but no potable water so bring your own."
Road conditions: Access routes to remote campgrounds can be challenging. A visitor to Winom Creek reported, "Winding narrow road to the site," while another camper attempted to reach a nearby viewpoint and found "16 miles on gravel roads and an hour and a half driving and I still wasn't there."
Tips for camping with families
Early season planning: Snow levels impact accessibility into late spring. A visitor to Lane Creek shared, "Stayed here in the off season. Still plenty of snow on the ground, and was the only one there for the night. Pit toilets were accessible and clean."
Creek activities: Water features provide natural entertainment for children at multiple campgrounds. At Bear Wallow Creek, "This is a small Forest Service campground right on the river. The sites are very simple, with picnic tables and fire rings."
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds post advisories for local wildlife. One camper at Ukiah-Dale reported, "Found no rattlesnakes, there is a bear a cougar warning sign posted but that the normal for the Blue Mountains."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most camping areas near Ukiah accommodate only smaller rigs. A Driftwood Campground visitor provides specific site details: "Site 1 can hold about 2 RV's or 4 tents and possible 10 people. Site 2 is good for 1 RV or tent, Site 3 is closest to the river, tight fit for a RV but a small pull behind fits nice - could fit 2 tents."
Self-containment essential: Limited facilities necessitate bringing all supplies. "The town of Ukiah has a dump station (located by the park in middle of town)," notes one camper about Bear Wallow Creek Campground, providing a crucial resource for RVers staying at primitive sites.
Early arrival recommended: Securing suitable RV sites often requires arriving early in the day or season. "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," reports a camper at Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor.
