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Best Dispersed Camping near Wallowa Whitman National Forest

34 Reviews

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offers numerous backcountry dispersed camping opportunities, with several high-alpine lakes accessible only by hiking trails. Ice Lake requires a challenging 9-mile trek with significant elevation gain, rewarding hikers with pristine 8,000-foot elevation camping. Nearby, Echo Lake demands a strenuous 8-mile hike with approximately 3,500 feet of elevation gain. Aneroid Lake provides another backcountry option with established dispersed sites on the north side of the lake, while the south remains private property.

For those seeking vehicle-accessible dispersed camping, several options exist throughout the forest. Wolf Creek Reservoir features graveled pull-through sites alongside the water. Sites near Hells Canyon Overlook offer dramatic canyon views within a short walking distance. Starvation Springs provides accessible camping along a paved road with a short gravel approach, suitable for RVs up to 20 feet. Balm Creek Reservoir offers more remote dispersed camping, though reviews caution about rough access roads. According to one visitor, "Do not try and tow a trailer up this road! I made that mistake and barely made it out." Most vehicle-accessible sites feature existing fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions commonly apply throughout the forest.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Wallowa Whitman National Forest (23)

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13 Photos of 23 Wallowa Whitman National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wallowa Whitman National Forest

34 Reviews of 23 Wallowa Whitman National Forest Campgrounds

  • allison W.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Southern Elkhorn Mtn/Powder River Basin Area

    Huge and diverse area

    Boondocking is easy with a camper van or tent setup in this national forest area, but it’s hard to make a generalization that covers this vast collection of campgrounds and areas. It earns a good review at the end of the day for being conveniently located and hassle free; you can always find a decent spot up around the bend and it’s the right mix of privacy and tranquility while being reasonable close to civilization if calamity strikes.

  • Paige P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Wolf Creek Reservoir

    Sweet Spot

    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.

  • Arielle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Echo Lake Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous and remote. Be prepared to CLIMB!

    This 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 :)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Boondocking

    Directions:  About 13 miles from Medical Springs on a gravel road (half hour or so). Take Big Creek Rd to Collins Lane.  That turns into USFS 67, then 72.  The gravel road is good, but access to the camping is pretty narrow and rougher.  Probably not a good place for a big nice camp trailer.  

    Camping is dispersed, mostly on the west side of the reservoir. The east side has a few spots but the road is really rough toward the dam. Fish are stocked. Boats with oars, paddles or electric motors are allowed. There are no improvements.  Check fire restrictions.  Campfires are prohibited almost every year for most of July, August and September.  Cattle graze here.  The water level gets pretty low by August.

  • h22 E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2024

    North Elgin Dispersed Camp

    Nice quite place

    Great free place to camp 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible. Down side no water near by, not even a creek.

  • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

    Good spot for a few nights

    There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.

    I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.

  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Easy Nature

    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. Tons of great hiking around.

  • Nick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Great Backcountry High Alpine Lake

    Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton). The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout.

    The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day.

  • Michael W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Hasty overnight

    Easy 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.

Guide to Wallowa Whitman National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wallowa Whitman National Forest in Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of solitude. This area offers a variety of free camping options, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Wallowa Whitman National Forest

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the stocked waters at Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite, where both rainbow and brook trout can be caught.
  • Hikers can embark on a challenging nine-mile trek to Ice Lake, where breathtaking views and a refreshing swim await at the end of the trail.
  • For those seeking a more remote experience, Echo Lake offers a serene environment with stunning mountain views, perfect for stargazing after a day of hiking.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Wallowa Whitman National Forest in Oregon

  • Be prepared for rough access roads, especially if you're planning to visit Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, where the road can be challenging for larger vehicles.
  • Always check fire restrictions before your trip, as campfires are often prohibited during the peak summer months at locations like Aneroid Lake.
  • Bring plenty of water and supplies, as many dispersed sites, including Wolf Creek Reservoir, do not offer amenities like drinking water or trash disposal.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Hells Canyon Overlook

  • The dispersed sites near Hells Canyon Overlook provide stunning views and a great spot for overland camping, making it a popular choice for adventurous campers.
  • This area is accessible by both drive-in and walk-in routes, allowing for flexibility in how you choose to reach your camping spot.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the diverse fauna in the region, making it an excellent location for photography and nature observation while camping at Hells Canyon - Oregon/Wallowa Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wallowa Whitman National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wallowa Whitman National Forest is Ice Lake with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wallowa Whitman National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Wallowa Whitman National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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