RV sites near Umatilla National Forest are available year-round in select locations, providing access to northeastern Oregon's mountains, rivers, and valleys. Elevations in the surrounding area range from 2,000 to over 5,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F while winter brings snow and subfreezing conditions to higher elevations.
What to do
Soak in mineral hot springs: Grande Hot Springs RV Resort features natural hot spring soaking pools with different temperatures. One camper noted, "The soaking pools were amazing. They even had a twilight soak. Very peaceful and relaxing campground," while another mentioned, "The two hot spring fed soaking pools were open for 'twilight soak' until 11 PM which was a great touch after a long day on the road."
Explore wildlife viewing areas: Grande Hot Springs RV Resort sits adjacent to a wildlife refuge with abundant birdwatching opportunities. A visitor reported, "Nature trail along the creek was cool. Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer."
Visit historic sites: Take a short walk from your campsite to explore nearby historical attractions. One camper at Grande Hot Springs described, "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."
Entertainment options: Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park offers numerous family activities beyond gambling. A reviewer mentioned, "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. Both the hotel and the RV park have separate swimming pools."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds throughout the region receive positive feedback for cleanliness. A visitor to Blue Valley RV Park said, "Very clean park with level, paved, large sites. Full hookups. Clean bathrooms, showers, laundry, and gathering space."
Spacious RV sites: Many campgrounds offer generous site dimensions. At Hu-Na-Ha RV Park, a reviewer appreciated the setting: "Quiet little Park clean and safe. Nestled between a river and a horse farm he will hear a rooster everyday you will hear a donkey. There are wild turkey in the area but they're quite quiet."
Natural surroundings: Despite being developed campgrounds, many maintain natural elements. At Log House RV Park and Campground, a camper observed, "The campground was very quiet with great views of the mountains. There is a little store onsite that also has games and books to barrow."
Bathroom quality: Multiple reviews specifically mention bathroom facilities. A camper at Scenic Meadows RV Park was particularly impressed: "The most outstanding thing about this RV site is the bathroom! WOW what a beautiful bathhouse! Super Duper Duper Clean!!!! You could eat off those floors."
What you should know
Site locations vary significantly: Some RV campgrounds near Umatilla National Forest are in industrial areas while others offer more scenic settings. A camper at RV Resort Four Seasons noted, "Make sure that you travel a bit further up the road from the pin on the dyrt map—we almost missed it!"
Reservation policies differ: Check ahead for specific rules. At La Grande Rendezvous RV Park, one camper had a frustrating experience: "The host came and asked us to leave as she had someone there for our spot. When I called the day before, she said to park anywhere you want and to pay tomorrow as she left early and wasn't going to be there."
Site levelness issues: Not all pads are perfectly level. A visitor at RV Resort Four Seasons warned, "The sites are annoyingly un-level. Make sure you have pads and a septic ramp. They put their tables right in the middle of your site so you have to move it before you get in."
Seasonal closures affect availability: Some campgrounds operate only during warmer months. Scenic Meadows RV Park runs from May 1 to October 1, while Wallowa River RV Park operates from April 15 to November 1, limiting winter camping options.
Tips for camping with families
Look for parks with recreation options: Some RV sites include family-friendly amenities. A camper at Wildhorse Resort noted, "While we don't gamble, we enjoy staying at this resort. The park is rarely full. Over the years, the casino has added many family activities, including an arcade, a cinema, a food court, and recently a bowling alley."
Check for onsite stores: Scenic Meadows RV Park offers entertainment beyond the campground. A visitor mentioned, "You are surrounded by wildlife, and entertained by the go carts. They even had food trucks."
Consider alternative accommodations: Some parks offer options beyond traditional RV sites. At Grande Hot Springs Resort, one family tried something different: "We decided to book a Yurt on AirBnb at Grande Hot Springs Resort. The Yurt was clean and fresh with a private courtyard and soaking tub backing up to a pond looking up a hillside."
Prepare for variable weather: Summer temperatures can reach 90°F while spring and fall bring cooler conditions. A camper at Grande Hot Springs visiting in April described it as "heavenly" with "snow-covered peaks, the clean air, the sounds of the spring birds, and the silence."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions matter: Access roads to some RV parks may present challenges. A camper at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort advised, "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."
Check utility layouts: Sewer connection placement varies between parks. One RVer at Blue Valley RV Park commented, "The utilities are towards the back of the pad, so I had to use two sewer hoses to get from the main black tank on our Brinklely G model."
Consider rig size limitations: While many parks accommodate large rigs, some have tight turning spaces. An RVer at Scenic Meadows noted, "Really big rigs could have a problem with the turns," while another at RV Resort Four Seasons mentioned, "Our Trailer is 35ft and they have such tight corners I Barely made it to my site."
Utility quality varies: Water pressure and sewer connections can differ significantly between parks. One RVer at Blue Valley RV Park reported, "Water pressure was good at about 50 psi. We got 4 bars on Verizon. There were no mature trees in our area, so we did not have a problem getting a clear shot north for our Starlink."
