Tent camping around Wallowa, Oregon places campers within Oregon's "Little Switzerland," where granite peaks rise up to 10,000 feet surrounding the Wallowa Valley. The region experiences warm, dry summers with nighttime temperatures that can drop to 40°F even in July and August at higher elevations. Winter camping isn't recommended for most visitors as snowfall accumulations reach 6-8 feet at many camping locations.
What to do
Fishing mountain lakes: Aneroid Lake in Eagle Cap Wilderness offers excellent rainbow and brook trout fishing. A backpacker noted, "The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout." Access requires a 6.5-mile hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain from the Two Pan trailhead.
Creek exploration: Follow Hurricane Creek at Hurricane Creek Campground where shallow spots provide natural wading areas. According to one camper, "The creek is very loud, so much so that I wore earplugs at night to sleep." The creek maintains frigid temperatures even in late August.
Wildlife viewing: Sunrise and sunset wildlife viewing opportunities exist at nearly all camping areas in the region. One visitor to Williamson Campground shared, "The river is a great backdrop and sound. We had no issues getting an open site here the week of 4th of July." Deer sightings are common at dawn and dusk throughout the region.
What campers like
Creek-side solitude: The rushing waters at Walla Walla Forest Camp provide natural sound barriers between sites. A camper mentioned, "There are several campsites along the Lostine corridor... Our spot was tucked back a little way, which we liked." Some sites require bug spray due to proximity to standing water.
Private forest settings: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural privacy screens. At Hurricane Creek, a camper observed, "This is a small campground with limited amenities, but a nice amount of privacy for each site. The creek lives up to its name and is very loud."
Alpine access: High-country lakes like Aneroid Lake provide premier backpacking destinations. As one backpacker stated, "The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day." Most alpine camping requires wilderness permits and proper bear-aware food storage techniques.
What you should know
Water availability: Most campgrounds require water filtration or personal supply. Mottet is one of the few with drinking water from a freshwater spring. A visitor noted, "There's a pit toilet, and a freshwater spring. Great place for astrophotographers when conditions are right!"
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires high-clearance vehicles. For Mottet Campground, a camper warned, "You will need a higher clearance vehicle to reach this campground, and signage may be limited so make sure you know your step by step directions beforehand. The road is basically a forest service road with ruts and high bumps."
Bear awareness: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity, particularly during late summer berry season. At Wallowa-Whitman NF 21, a reviewer cautioned, "My dog wouldn't stop trying to eat all the horse poop around the camp site. Good level ground and easy to get back on the road in the morning."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Select sites at Hurricane Creek Campground with gradual creek entry points. A visitor shared, "Close to town and service but back in far enough you lose the service and all you hear is the river. The river is shallow in most places but right off this site it has a deep area where you can dip."
Wildlife opportunities: Deer frequently visit Williamson Campground in early morning hours. According to one review, "Sites were great. The river is a great backdrop and sound. Space for 1 tent easily…maybe a 2nd in some. Good trees for hammock."
Space considerations: Most tent camping near Wallowa accommodates only 1-2 tents per site. At Hurricane Creek, a camper noted, "The sites are not especially big, just enough space for two small tents." Larger families should consider reserving adjacent sites or look for group camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many forest service roads limit RV access. For Boundary Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "This is a free First come First Serve National Forest Service campground and thus, there seem to be folks living here full time. Lots of trailers, cars that looked like they didn't run and dogs off leash."
Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks for Hurricane Creek Campground sites. One RVer shared, "Spent one night in that spot then took another closer to the river for the second night where I had to use my leveling blocks. But so worth it. Could hear nothing but the rushing river."
Turnaround limitations: Several sites lack adequate turn-around space for larger vehicles. A Hurricane Creek camper observed, "Several sites along the creek, some accessible by car only (no trailer turnaround). Sites private. Only a couple of people there on a Sunday evening."
