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Idlewild Campground - Malheur

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Idlewild Campground, near Hines, Oregon, is a straightforward spot for those looking to escape into nature without the frills. Located in the Malheur National Forest, it offers a peaceful environment surrounded by towering pine trees, making it a solid choice for tent campers and small RVs alike.

The campground features basic amenities like vault toilets and seasonal water access, which campers appreciate for their cleanliness. Many visitors have enjoyed the spacious sites, with one noting, “Large spots with hardly anyone around,” perfect for letting your dogs roam free. While there are no electric hookups or showers, the simplicity is part of its charm, allowing you to truly disconnect.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, there are nearby trails for walking and mountain biking. The quiet atmosphere is ideal for stargazing, and the lack of highway noise adds to the serenity. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty, Idlewild Campground is worth checking out.

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Location

Idlewild Campground - Malheur is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Burns, OR: Travel northeast toward Vale 2.8 miles on US Highway 20 to the junction with US Highway 395, turn left onto US Highway 395 and head north. Follow US Highway 395 for approximately 14.6 miles to the junction with Forest Road 2820. Turn right and continue on Forest Road 2820 for 0.8 miles to the junction with Idlewild Campground Road. Turn right after the Sno-Park and follow Idlewild Road for approximately 1 mile to the campground.

Address

265 HIGHWAY 20 SOUTH
Hines, OR 97738

Coordinates

43.799206 N
118.991367 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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13%

4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed May. 15, 2025

Great spot

Easy to find right off 395, this is a US forest service campground, no reservations, all first come basis. Large semi secluded sites in pine forest. Interpretive trail next to campground. Clean pit toilets with hand sanitizer. Abundant dry firewood on the ground. Five stars.

Site23
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 4, 2022

Heeby jibbies

Drove in after dark and already had a bad gut feeling driving to the campsite. Around 1 am heard several gunshots nearby... Packed up our camp and left VERY QUICKLY.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2021

Nice USFS Campground Off US 395

We ran across this nice little campground (CG) looking for a place to walk our pups.  Idlewild is located an easy 30 minute drive north of Burns, OR.  Traveling north, the original entrance is now closed but signage takes you to the new entrance about 1/4 mile up the road.  Down by the original entrance is pull through site 1, which is the only paved site in the CG.  Most of the sites are more suited for tents but there are sites that will handle small RVs.  There is a nice trail system that runs out the back of the CG near site 1.  If you want to get away from it all, this is a great CG.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by MickandKarla W., August 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by MickandKarla W., August 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by MickandKarla W., August 23, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed May. 25, 2021

USFS campground along highway 395

This is a basic USFS campground north of Burns, Oregon off of 395. There are few campgrounds off this highway so we always camp here. The fee is $10. There are vault toilets and seasonally a camp host with firewood. Standard clean vault toilets and water during high season. Fire ring and picnic table. There are pull through sites for larger rigs. You are surrounded by large pine trees. It is a popular campground in the fall for hunters. Highway 395 is not a busy highway so the campground is quiet. We always stay here when we visit this area.

Site11
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Judy T., May 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Judy T., May 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Judy T., May 25, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2020

USGS campground off highway 395

This campground is located off highway 395 in the Malheur National Forest. We camped in space 11 near the entrance after driving the loop almost back to the beginning near the single rustic vault toilet. We stayed there in late October and paid $5, ½ of the $10 camping fee. The water was shut off but the toilet was open and clean with tp. We were the only ones who stayed there that night. Several people came in during the night to use the toilets as there is another one further back, the first as you drive in.

The sites aren’t spaced too close together and the large pines create shade. Since we were there in October, we didn’t need the shade. We couldn’t hear the highway traffic as 395 isn’t that busy but during logging operations, yes, the log trucks can be heard. There is also a large timber day use structure. There are mountain bike trails nearby. If you need supplies, Burns Safeway is a good store for a small town.

  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Judy T., November 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Judy T., November 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Judy T., November 26, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2020

ADA kind

Peaceful, sampler RV / trailers oks. Good spacing. Good place to stop for the night.  I didn't see much recreation around except OHV nearby in a staging area.   Good stargazing in the meadow.

  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Skyeriver  ., August 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Skyeriver  ., August 10, 2020
Reviewed May. 15, 2020

Secluded

Very quiet, but well kept campground. It was quite empty when we visited. Nice walking trail and remembrance garden.

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2018

A gem in the middle of the forest

We stumbled on this campground with no reservations and it turned into one of our favorites. Large spots with hardly anyone around. Beautiful trees everywhere. No hookups but water available and bathrooms. Fires pits and picnic tables. We were able to have the dogs off leash cause there was nobody around. I think it was $10 bucks. Worth every penny!!!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Rhonda S., July 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Rhonda S., July 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Idlewild Campground - Malheur by Rhonda S., July 28, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Idlewild Campground located in Burns, Oregon?

Idlewild Campground is located in the Malheur National Forest, approximately 30 minutes north of Burns, Oregon off Highway 395. It's easily accessible from the highway, though travelers should note that the original entrance has been closed and a new entrance is located about 1/4 mile further up the road. The campground is situated in a pine forest setting, providing a peaceful natural environment away from the main town.

What amenities and facilities are available at Idlewild Campground?

Idlewild Campground offers basic Forest Service amenities including vault toilets equipped with hand sanitizer, seasonal water access, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. During peak season, a camp host is typically present selling firewood. The campground has no hookups but accommodates smaller RVs and trailers. Additional features include a walking/interpretive trail adjacent to the campground. Sites are spacious and well-spaced for privacy, with abundant natural dry firewood available on the ground throughout the campground.

Is Idlewild Campground free or are there camping fees?

Idlewild Campground is not free - the standard fee is $10 per night. Visitors with applicable passes (like America the Beautiful Senior Pass) may qualify for a 50% discount, bringing the cost down to $5 per night. This is a first-come, first-served USFS campground with no reservation system. Be prepared to pay the fee on-site, and it's advisable to bring exact change. Contact the Malheur National Forest office to verify current fees before your visit.

What does Idlewild Campground look like?

Idlewild Campground features a beautiful pine forest setting with large, semi-secluded sites spaced well apart. The campground is characterized by abundant trees providing natural shade and privacy. A meadow area offers excellent stargazing opportunities. The grounds include an interpretive trail nearby and a remembrance garden for exploration. The natural setting offers a peaceful atmosphere with sites arranged in a loop configuration, creating a quiet, serene camping environment.