Eastern Oregon's Ukiah region features high desert terrain with elevations between 3,800 and 4,500 feet, creating distinct seasons with hot summer days and cold winter nights. Camping options range from full-service RV parks near Ukiah, Oregon to dispersed sites along creek bottoms. Cellular reception varies widely throughout the Blue Mountains, with stronger signals typically found closer to larger towns.
What to do
Mineral soaking pools: The Grande Hot Springs RV Resort offers natural hot spring soaking pools with health benefits from mineral-rich water. "There are natural hot spring soaking pools at the campground. One pool is warm and the other is hot. I was grateful for the health benefits of the mineral soak," reported one visitor who appreciated the resort's maintenance standards.
Historic exploration: The area near Grande Hot Springs RV Resort features interesting historical sites. A camper noted, "From our Yurt we walked around the hot lake to the Historic Hot Lake Hotel. The glow of the setting sun against the hotel facade is best described as a scene from 'The Shining.' Creepy in a stepping back in time kind of way."
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas in the region sit near wildlife refuges and natural habitats. At Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, visitors can observe diverse wildlife. "Nature trail along the creek was cool. Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer," reported one camper who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful settings at several RV parks Ukiah, Oregon and surrounding areas. A visitor at Gold Rush RV Park noted, "Best place to go!! We love staying at Gold Rush!! The people are awesome!! Very quiet! Can't wait to go back!"
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites with room for multiple vehicles. At La Grande Rendezvous RV Park, a camper found, "Big sites. Very nice staff and easy in and out." Another reviewer at Wildhorse Resort noted their "site 95 fit our trailer & truck totaling 55 feet."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained restrooms and common areas. One visitor to Grant County RV Park described it as "Secluded with trees and a large grass area" and noted that "Showers and bathrooms are clean and across a grass area."
What you should know
Weather preparation: The area experiences significant temperature swings between day and night, especially in spring and fall. At Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park, a camper described visiting in early spring: "The snow-covered peaks, the clean air, the sounds of the spring birds, and the silence are magical."
Limited availability: During peak seasons and hunting periods, campgrounds fill quickly. At Grant County RV Park, a traveler reported, "After a full day driving, we were having trouble finding a place to stay near John Day, Oregon. All of the very few campgrounds available were already full."
Service limitations: Most small towns have minimal supplies and services. For the Ukiah region, campers should arrive prepared. One visitor stated about Wildhorse Resort, "Not close to stores for any extras." This reflects the remote nature of camping in the Blue Mountains region.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Some resorts offer family-friendly activities beyond camping. A visitor at Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park noted, "Over the years, the casino has added many family activities, including an arcade, a cinema, a food court, and recently a bowling alley with multiple lanes. Plus restaurants and a sports bar."
Ghost town exploration: The historic mining communities provide educational opportunities for children. A camper at Sumpter RV Park recommended, "I highly suggest this campground for Sumpter Oregon... Sumpter has a lot to offer and we can't wait to go back do the train and hopefully rent a side by side and explore the trails in the area."
Pool access: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools, particularly welcome during hot summer months. One visitor to Gold Rush RV Park mentioned they "really enjoyed exploring the area in the evenings. We were at site 15 on the top of the hill that overlooked the road and the mountains."
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: RV campers should plan waste disposal carefully. Grant County RV Park offers full hookups with dump facilities, described by one camper as "Self service kiosk, $30 a night full hook ups. Pull throughs and back in sites."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. A visitor to Grande Hot Springs noted, "If you approach the campsite from the East, be prepared for a bumpy road. The road from the West (LaGrande) is much better even if it takes you a few miles out of the way."
Site selection tips: At Hitching Post RV Park in Long Creek, a camper found it to be "very simple, very basic, very clean and very friendly. It was perfect for what I needed. Full hookups, easy parking, nice view of a local ranch in the back, deer everywhere!!"
