Umatilla National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Umatilla National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Umatilla National Forest and user-submitted reviews.
"Many options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV."
"Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."
"Either these are not the correct coordinates, or the trail has been overgrown. We’re car camping here for one night and it’s a lovely spot!"
"Primitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle. Go about 2 miles on the dirt road and watch out for the dirt pot holes."
"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."
"A handful of great places to camp for the night- very clean and well taken care of so please leave no trace. Just a spot and a table, no water, restrooms ect."
"The location is right next to the reservoir. Rhe site we got was nicely graveled and a pull through."
"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."
"Be aware of burn bans and/or prescribed burns in the area. This is a great spot for me and my 20 foot RV, with fantastic starlink speeds. Mid 80’s during the day in late July. Love this spot!"
"No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway."
"This backpacking trip is a very accessible hike."
RangerA handful of great places to camp for the night- very clean and well taken care of so please leave no trace. Just a spot and a table, no water, restrooms ect.
GuideThis 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 :)
ScoutGreat free place to camp 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible. Down side no water near by, not even a creek.
GuideMany options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV. Tons of great hiking around.
GuideEasy and vacant find for a last minute change to our route. Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste. Would have driven further down into the woods if I had more time to set up as we got here late. All in all its an easy find just off the highway.
GuideEither these are not the correct coordinates, or the trail has been overgrown. We’re car camping here for one night and it’s a lovely spot! Could not find the trail and just pulled off to camp on the side of the road. Dispersed & free & very wooded area!
ScoutQuickly and easy stop close to 84 if you are traveling through. Does the trick for an overnighter. Lots of dispersed pullouts. No amenities.
RangerThe 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.
GuidePrimitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle. Go about 2 miles on the dirt road and watch out for the dirt pot holes. At my site, you could fit 2 vehicles comfortably, but 3 is a little crowded. Flying insects during the day. There are many so take appropriate action. Mostly flies and a couple different types of bees. By sunset, the insects went to sleep.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Umatilla National Forest in Oregon, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of camping experiences, from scenic views to wildlife encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping in Umatilla National Forest?
Umatilla National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities throughout its vast acreage. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed provides multiple private pull-offs once you drive past established campgrounds, though high clearance vehicles are recommended, especially in wet conditions. Another option is North of Spring Creek on Forest Road 21, featuring primitive sites spaced far apart for privacy. For those seeking more remote experiences, forest service roads throughout the area often have small clearings where camping is permitted. Most dispersed sites are first-come, first-served and typically offer no amenities beyond possibly a fire ring. Look for previously used sites with established parking areas to minimize environmental impact.
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Umatilla National Forest?
When dispersed camping in Umatilla National Forest, you must follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash and leave sites clean as demonstrated at Wolf Creek Reservoir, which campers note is well-maintained through proper stewardship. Most areas require camping at least 100-200 feet from water sources and trails. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans possible during high fire danger periods. At higher elevations like Ice Lake, fires may be permanently prohibited. Camp only in previously disturbed sites, not creating new impact areas. Most dispersed camping is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. No permits are typically required for dispersed camping, but always check current regulations at ranger stations or the forest website before your trip.
Are there any established campgrounds in Umatilla National Forest?
Yes, Umatilla National Forest has several established campgrounds in addition to dispersed camping options. While exploring areas near McDougall Dispersed Camping, campers mention nearby National Forest campgrounds as alternatives. These established sites typically offer basic amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings that aren't available at dispersed locations. North Elgin Dispersed Camp reviews indicate some campers opt for established campgrounds when seeking facilities like water access. Established campgrounds in the forest generally require fees, unlike free dispersed camping, and may offer reservable sites during peak season. Most are accessible by standard vehicles, whereas many dispersed areas require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.
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