Top Free Dispersed Camping near Wallowa, OR

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Wallowa? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Wallowa's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wallowa, OR (17)

    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping

    3. McDougall Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    23 Photos
    79 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa Falls Campground

    4. Wallowa Falls Campground

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    4 Saves

    Note: Directions listed here are to the park entrance. Please call 800-551-6949 for detailed directions. The walk-in, tent only campground is nestled at the base of the Wallowa Mountains and surrounded by cliffs, tall pine trees, and wildlife. Relax to the sound of the Wallowa River and a small brook that runs through the campground. Take a hike on nearby trails that lead into the Eagle Cap Wilderness or picnic at the Little Alps Day-use Area. Wallowa Lake State Park is north of the campground.

    Seasonal Camping

    10 walk-in sites are first-come, first-served. Potable water available from spigots in the campground. Park overnight at the Little Alps Day-use Area. $10 per night. Pay at the self-pay station. Cash, check, and credit cards welcome. Firewood is available for $5/bundle. Two vault toilets located in the campground and a full restroom located just north of the campground in the Little Alps Day-use Area.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    5. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    13 Photos
    94 Saves

    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.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from North Thomason Meadows
      Camper-submitted photo from North Thomason Meadows
      Camper-submitted photo from North Thomason Meadows
      Camper-submitted photo from North Thomason Meadows
      Camper-submitted photo from North Thomason Meadows
      Camper-submitted photo from North Thomason Meadows
      Camper-submitted photo from Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

      9. Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

      1 Review
      3 Photos
      49 Saves

      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.

      • Pets
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

      10. Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

      2 Reviews
      8 Photos
      14 Saves

      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.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
    Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Wallowa

    19 Reviews of 17 Wallowa Campgrounds


    • Nick J.
      Camper-submitted photo from Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
      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.

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
      Jul. 11, 2024

      Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

      Well maintained roads

      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.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
      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.

    • Jodie E.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
      Apr. 2, 2024

      Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

      Great spot for overnight.

      We just needed a quick tent soot on a monday night on the way to moab. better than expected. bit muddy. some shells. but lots of space. drove in to about 45.35967, -118.30846

    • Hayley M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
      Mar. 9, 2024

      Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

      Good Quick Overnight Spot in the Off Season

      Stayed one night on my way to Seattle. I drove up the road some and found it pretty passable in my van, although most of the sites were too muddy and I was worried about getting stuck. Camped in the first spots behind the Spring Creek Info sign and had good phone service (verizon) and a uneventful night. But area had a ton of broken glass, nails and shotgun shells and a decent amount of litter. Don't know how rowdy it gets in the warmer months but it might be wise to skip this place or camp further up the road at the campground then, especially if you're a solo female.

    • Alyse L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from North Thomason Meadows
      Nov. 8, 2023

      North Thomason Meadows

      Wildflowers, raptors, beautiful views at the top of Imnaha Canyon

      I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time.

      This is the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake. Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors. One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.*

      *One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along NF Rd 46 from here north to Buckhorn.

      The drive up to this area is well-maintained gravel, and an SUV with decent tires can do it. (We did it with a truck hauling a toy-hauler trailer). Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need--this area is REMOTE.

      Take Crow Creek Rd off of Hwy 82 (btwn Enterprise and Joseph). All is paved until your intersection with Zumwalt Road, where you veer R to stay on Zumwalt (aka Zumwalt-Buckhorn Rd). It's gravel after that intersection.

      Follow signs to Zumwalt Prairie or Buckhorn Lookout.

      Crossing over Zumwalt Prairie is a GORGEOUS drive. The Nature Conservancy has their Zumwalt Prairie Preserve here, and it's a great side trip from the camp spot.

      This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through. In fall this is a popular camp area for hunters.

      I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of zero water, zero data, the ecosystem/soil that has been abused in the past (not wilderness), the 50-minute drive to WiFi/ restaurant/ water refill/ black water dump. But if I was comparing primitive camping to primitive camping, this would be a 5 of 5.

      I would go back here (in late spring or early fall) in a heartbeat.

    • Michael W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed
      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.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 10, 2022

      McDougall Dispersed Camping

      Over grown and no place to park without working about a grass fire

      Drove to the location based on GPS. It was over grown and not well cleared. I decide to go to the NP campground. Glad I did.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Balm Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
      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.

    • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
      Jul. 4, 2021

      Ice Lake

      Nine-Mile Hike

      The 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.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
      Jun. 30, 2021

      McDougall Dispersed Camping

      Many nice places to camp, lots of trash

      I was disappointed when I was checking out this area for camping (June 27th) I didn't get any pictures, but there was trash everywhere. Every time we found a good spot, full of poopy toilet paper, litter, beer cans, cigarette butts ect. It was overall disappointing and we decided to go elsewhere instead 😔

    • Chris
      Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
      Jun. 21, 2021

      McDougall Dispersed Camping

      McDougall camping

      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. 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.

    • lauren C.
      Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
      Jun. 20, 2021

      McDougall Dispersed Camping

      Cute place in the woods

      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! Could not find the trail and just pulled off to camp on the side of the road. Dispersed & free & very wooded area!

    • Arielle W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake Dispersed Camping
      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 :)

    • Brandon K.
      Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
      Jul. 13, 2020

      McDougall Dispersed Camping

      McDougall Mushroom Wonderland

      McDougall is a small mountain community located in the blue mountains above Weston, Oregon. There is a small neighborhood consisting of permanent RVs, cabins and shanties. There are a number of mountain man type locals that call this area home.

      Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming. The camping is unrestricted, just be respectful and careful. This is not RV camping, but tent and bag only.

      Tall pines and firs shade the eastern Oregon forest floor provided a nice region to explore, continuing up the forest road you’ll reach a large meadow the rolls for miles downhill into the valley. The views here are breathtaking - this is an amazing location to bring your family.

      You’ll see many types of wildlife here are hundreds of varieties of meadow wildflowers.

      Spend a few days in the blues and shake off those blues.



    Guide to Wallowa

    Camping near Wallowa, Oregon, offers a fantastic mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

    What to do

    • Hiking: The area is known for its beautiful trails. Campers have enjoyed hiking up to Chief Joseph trail, where the views are breathtaking. One reviewer from Wallowa Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We also hiked up to Chief Joseph trail and did a loop back down to the campsite."
    • Water Activities: Kayaking and skiing on the lake are popular. A visitor at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort shared, "The pools that are fed by the springs are great, especially after a long day on the road."
    • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing along the river at Minam State Recreation Area. One camper noted, "Great fishing along the river. Need to be on the lookout for bears."

    What campers like

    • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review from Jubilee Lake Campground highlights, "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."
    • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Park At The River said, "Bathrooms are clean and the staff were so amazing."
    • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Wallowa Lake State Park Campground offer activities for kids, with one reviewer mentioning, "Putt putt golf and go-karts also make for some great memories."

    What you should know

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hurricane Creek Campground, do not have water hookups or showers. A camper noted, "No hookups, but there is a clean vault toilet."
    • Busy During Peak Season: Popular spots can get crowded. A reviewer at Jubilee Lake Campground mentioned, "Unfortunately it is a very popular location, so if you’re looking for solitude you won’t find it here."
    • Wildlife Awareness: Bears are known to roam in the area. A camper at Minam State Recreation Area warned, "Need to be on the lookout for bears."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Wallowa Lake State Park Campground, which has activities for kids. One parent shared, "The campground at Wallowa lake is a great one."
    • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A reviewer at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort mentioned, "The staff was great and helpful, and a full-time RV family shared their wisdom with this first-time RV-er."
    • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of food. A camper at Park At The River noted, "We were lucky enough to get a site next to the river and couldn't be happier."

    Tips from RVers

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort mentioned, "Hookups are well labeled, and RV sites are all 90-foot pull through."
    • Bring a Propane Fire Pit: Some campgrounds don’t allow wood fires. A camper at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort advised, "No wood fires at the camp sites (at least on the rv side) so bring a propane pit for marshmallows!"
    • Be Prepared for Bugs: Mosquitoes can be an issue. A visitor at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort noted, "This time there were so many mosquitoes we couldn’t go outside the rv."

    Camping near Wallowa, Oregon, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wallowa, OR?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wallowa, OR is Echo Lake Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wallowa, OR?

      TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Wallowa, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.