Searching for a tent campsite near Umatilla National Forest? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Umatilla National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Oregon tent camping excursion.
Dispersed 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.
You can't camp many places in Oregon that the general public is not allowed. You can here. Behind a locked gate, no public access. A permanent pit toilet is onsite. Pricing includes one camping unit (tent you supply)
$29 / night
The Blue Mountain North/Grande Ronde River Basin Area is situated north of the Anthony Lakes Highway (Forest Road 73) to the Mount Emily area. It includes all of the developed recreation sites and trails in the northern Blue Mountains and those found in the Grande Ronde River Basin west of La Grande, Oregon. This area is mainly administered by the La Grande Ranger District although some of the area north of the Anthony Lakes Highway is administered by the Whitman Ranger District. Popular recreation areas include the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing, Mt. Emily, Spring Creek Recreation Area, Ladd Canyon, and Beaver Creek. Local communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are LaGrande, Island City, Elgin, Imbler, Cove, Richland, and Baker City . These communities are within one hour of this area.
Located just off the historic Kendall-Skyline Road, this high-level campground offers 6 campsites to choose from that are in close proximity to several wilderness trailheads. Spend your days hiking in the beautiful and scenic Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and your nights relaxing in this tranquil and secluded campground. Mottet even offers clear, cold, and delicious drinking water, straight from a mountain spring!
Located along the Hurricane Creek riparian area, this Hurricane Creek Campground offers 3 tent/small trailer sites and 8 tent-only sites. Three of the campsites are now accessible for people with disabilities. The access road to this campground is rough and not recommended for low clearance RVs and trailers. Please click this link to proceed to the Hurricane Creek Trail #1807 webpage.
Located above Cove, Oregon, the Moss Springs Campground lies on a ridgeline within view of the Eagle Cap Wilderness__and is next to Moss Springs Trailhead.__This popular campground was constructed to accommodate visitors with packstock,__riding stock and campers bound for the__wilderness. The site also has 3 accessible campsites and toilets. Trails from the campground drop steeply into the Minam River drainage or follow Grande Ronde Ridge.
Located along the Bear Creek riparian area on the northern end of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, this rustic campground has 8 tent-only campsites, 2 are accessible sites. Popular activities include; fishing, picnicking and family camping. The Bear Creek Trailhead is located nearby.
The Williamson Campground is one of the larger campgrounds in the Lostine River Canyon. Situated along the Wild and Scenic Lostine River, the campground has lots of shady pine and fir trees which makes it popular for summer and fall campers enjoying the canyon or adjacent Eagle Cap Wilderness. The facility offers 8 tent/trailer sites and 5 tent-only sites which located below the campground road. Some of the favorite sites during weekends and holidays are next to the river.
The Walla Walla Forest Camp is one of several small campgrounds located along the Wild and Scenic Lostine River. Tucked alongside the river in a cool fir and pine tree forest, the campground is popular during the summer for local and regional campers visiting the Lostine Canyon and Eagle Cap Wilderness.
Guide
This camp ground is extremely beautiful. Good spacing between sites. We were here during the Off season. It was quiet and wide open. The town of Joseph was very close and with the visit. However, there was a lot of dog poop not picked up by their owners. Nothing more frustrating than having to spend time cleaning you shoes, twice.
Other than that we had a great day and would come back.
Guide
Very nicely maintained campground with full hookups. Clean showers. Level spots.
The only drawback is the close vicinity to Hwy. 84 which made it quite noisy.
Guide
This campground worked great for our small teardrop trailer. It wasn’t the quietest campground we’ve stayed in, but people were respectful of the quiet hours. Sites were clean. Restrooms were acceptable. Last several miles of the road were very washboard-y - something that has not changed from previous visits over the years.
GuideThis campground is pretty busy during the summer season but was fairly quiet on the last weekend of the summer. Weather was good but temperatures did get down to 26F.
Ranger
This park accepts Good Sam discounts. There are a few full timers but are kept clean. The park is right on the edge of town. 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. I paid just under $150 a week. Laundry machines work well there are two washers and two dryers buck and a quarter each. They have showers. They have a tent area for tent camping. There is usually no one on duty but they do have propane I just don't know how to use it or get it. There is a Wi-Fi password and the cell phone signal is not bad. I use T-Mobile. 5 minutes away from a decent grocery store. 30 minutes away from Miller's home improvement and Walmart. And did I mention full hookups.
Scout
A little more money for the view, patio, grill and fireplace, but well worth it! Not too hot even at 95! Cool nights and plenty of sky.
Guide
This campground is wonderful. We were lucky enough to get a site next to the river and couldn't be happier. Bathrooms are clean and the staff were so amazing.
Ranger
We car camped in this small campground along Hurricane Creek after getting rained out on a backpacking trip up to Eagle Cap. There are 13 sites, 3 of which are handicap accessible. There are several vault toilets and they were clean and not smelly. Some of the sites are small and close to the road. Sites 12 and 13 at the end of the road have a lot of trees and good tent areas. Nice large picnic tables and fire pits. Only a 5 mile trip into Joseph. Deer wandered through the campground and there are chipmunks.
Ranger
This is one of about 6 or so campgrounds up the Lostine River Road. Been at this campground twice in the last three years—August 2021 and August 2024. Densely wooded, next to a great running river. I think there are 6 sites. Fire rings. One vault toilet that was pretty darn full this year, so that’s why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
Traveler
The sites are nice and most are lake front. There were a few other campers but none near our site. The road up is steep and bumpy gravel but we managed in our two wheel drive van. Would definitely stop by again.
ScoutAndy at the front desk was very helpful checking me in. She and her associate assisted with me finding the best spot with some shade and facing the mountains. Yes, there are a lot of units here. And, it’s still a great spot for camping. They are all 50 amp and include a converter, if you don’t have 50amp. Leveled and spacious for vehicles.
Guide
This place had such good reviews but it was pretty trashed. Broken glass, trash in the fire pits, trash in the campsites, the pit toilet was shockingly clean. Quiet place to camp, not full but plenty of other campers. Wouldn’t seek this camp spot out. Reservoir pretty small and marshy.
ScoutA group of friends and I went and tent camped in spot 14 for a couple days and had a great time. The site was fairly trashed when we got there so we did some cleanup but besides that it’s surrounded by a beautiful forest and even on a 95 degree day the shade is perfect and the water was refreshing to swim in. I liked the spot we stayed in, it was spacious enough for 3 tents (10 person, 5 person, and 2 person tents) it was shaded and fairly spaced out from other spots. The lake was pretty busy and there were lots of people but it’s easy to find places on the water to have to yourself. There was also an awesome rope swing maybe half a mile from the camp site, super fun!
Guide
Sites are far apart but some lack privacy. I saw Lots of elk and turkeys(?) and a rattlesnake. Outside of the lack of privacy there are some people who it appears that they live there(I a have no issues with that) my issue is the drive up and down the road multiple multiple time a day at high rates of speed leaving dust flying. When I was out walking I walked past one of their campsites on accident I didn’t get close and they started firing a gun in the air. I slept in my car that night and left the next morning. Also trash is an issue as well as people using the bathroom right on the ground and leaving used baby wipes everywhere. So watch out for human waste if you use a tent.
Guide
I came around 3pm on a Wednesday and there were ample spaces available. The sites feel private and the campground is very clean. The pit toilets are also clean. Some road noise. $5 per night if you have one of the veteran, disabled or senior passes. No water and no trash.
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.
Legend
Large well kept park. Casino, pool and restaurants.
Traveler
Lake is beautiful. This campground is what you expect from a state park, appreciated having showers and running water for the day we were there. Plenty to do in and around the lake.
Traveler
Sites were great. We had no issues getting an open site here the week of 4th of July. The river is a great backdrop and sound. Space for 1 tent easily…maybe a 2nd in some. Good trees for hammock.
GuideSpent the night here on a road trip from Utah to Arizona. Although there’s not a ton of spots, it’s lovely and was a quiet solitude away from the road but not too far. Saw a ton of wildlife too (bring your bear spray). Service was good too and road wasn’t bad at all
ScoutSuper quiet spot that has beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges. If you are passing through, this would be a great place stop off for the night. No services here, so bring your own water.
GuideFree camping on a lake not too far from the freeway. Good roads to the campsite. There are pull through and back in sites that would accommodate good-sized rigs, although some of the sites aren't terribly level. Surprisingly, there weren't any bugs. T-Mobile was good. Able to stream. As you come into the campground, there are campsites to the right and left with easy turn arounds.
ScoutThis is the last year Vali's will be open. If you've never been head you still have a chance and if you love it as much as we do then this is your last call.
The campground at Wallowa lake is a great one. The little town at the far end of the lake is a destination. So many fun things to do and lot's of great places to eat, but seriously don't miss Vali's (make reservations before you leave home) for dinner and donuts on the weekends. Amazing food and even more amazing people.
Riding horses in the Eagle Caps is one of my favorite childhood memories. My parents would never go with me but the guides were always great. Now I send my kids. Putt putt golf and go-karts also make for some great memories and are easier for the whole family to enjoy together. The lake itself is great for skiing and there are several docks to borrow for the day. Camp and marina staff are pretty friendly and keep the place looking great. Go to here.
Scout
Had a great time here. There are small things I'd change that would make it a 5 star park, but they are small.
The pools that are fed by the springs are great, especially after a long day on the road.
The staff was great and helpful, and a full-time RV family shared their wisdom with this first-time RV-er.
Hookups are well labeled, and RV sites are all 90-foot pull through, which, again, for this first time RV-er was clutch!
The views are great, the nature walk is nice, and the weather was a nice 70ish!
Cons, for me, are that there is no off leash dog area, this is due to the abundant wildlife, but i just wish there was somewhere to let them run and stretch their legs. Additionally, there is no area for the kids to play, there is a horseshoe area, but otherwisr, no play equipment. But otherwise, a great stop, and really, a better stop for a more mature crowd.
Lastly, no wood fires at the camp sites (at least on the rv side) so bring a propane pit for marshmallows!
GuideFacilities are clean.. more showers than toilets.. each space has grass and a pad to park on.. no gravel roads..beautiful views of the valleyso
Guide
Very pretty and open for camping, but without services, when I visited in April. There is a sweet hike that starts right at the bridge. It's right on the road, which could be busy in the summer. Not much for Verizon cell signal.
GuideVisiting in April on a Sunday to do day use has defined my idea of heavenly. The snow-covered peaks, the clean air, the sounds of the spring birds, and the silence are magical. The hot tubs are small, but it really doesn't matter if no one is there. They are pool noodle friendly when it's not high occupancy. The Verizon signal is strong. Day use is open until 5:00 p.m. and next door there's a lodge that has even more hot springs that I'm going to have to visit sometime. The setting is pretty incredible with views all around of lovely Eastern Oregon mountains and valley. Spring green is abundant and it is an enchanting time. Very cute tent campsites, as well as a variety of lodging. This place is wonderful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Umatilla National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Umatilla National Forest is Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Umatilla National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Umatilla National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
