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Established Camping

Spool Cart Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Spool Cart Campground is located near La Grande in the Umatilla National Forest. The terrain consists of forested areas with a mix of trees and open spaces. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer, and nearby attractions include the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the Grande Ronde River.

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Location

Spool Cart Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From La Grande, Oregon travel north for 8.5 miles on Interstate-84 West to exit 252 (Highway 244 towards Ukiah); Turn off the Interstate onto Highway 244 and travel east for 12 miles to Forest Road 51; Turn left on Forest Road 51 and go south for about 5 miles; The campground is on your right along the river.

Coordinates

45.20300043 N
118.39400082 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    AT&T
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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2025

Beautiful & Peaceful

Only myself and another campsite occupied during the weekend I was there. My site was a single (#4) and had nice river access. Bring your own water and take your trash with you. Toilets were clean, stocked with tp, and smelled of vanilla! :)

Site#4
Month of VisitMay
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Spool Cart Campground by Kathleen H., June 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Spool Cart Campground by Kathleen H., June 2, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2023

Private and peaceful

Well spaced private campsites. Limited access to the river because of the brush. Fee was $10 per night. No cell service.

Site14
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Spool Cart Campground by Judy W., June 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Spool Cart Campground by Judy W., June 25, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2021

Wonderful no frills Camping

A real gem on the Grand Ronde River. No water, no trash cans but two composting toilets. Paved sites and lots of trees. Most sites are private, and a couple 4 and 14 accommodate larger groups (2-3). The grounds could have been a bit more maintained but that’s me being picky. We went the day after Memorial Day. No reservations.

Site3
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Spool Cart Campground by James W., June 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Spool Cart Campground by James W., June 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Spool Cart Campground by James W., June 1, 2021
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at Spool Cart Campground?

Spool Cart Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. Simply arrive at the campground and select an available site. The fee is $10 per night, payable on-site. Since the campground can't be reserved ahead of time, arriving early in the day or on a weekday is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak camping season. For the most current information about reservation policies, contact the managing agency.

What amenities are available at Spool Cart Campground?

Spool Cart Campground offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. The campground features two clean composting toilets that are stocked with toilet paper. You'll find paved campsites nestled among lots of trees, providing good shade and privacy. There's no potable water available, so you'll need to bring your own. Additionally, no trash service is provided, so plan to pack out all your waste. The campground sits along the Grand Ronde River, though access may be limited in some areas due to brush. The camping fee is $10 per night.

What are the access roads like to Spool Cart Campground?

The access roads to Spool Cart Campground are generally well-maintained, allowing for standard vehicle access. The campground itself features paved campsites, suggesting that the main access road is likely paved or well-graded. Most sites can accommodate standard camping setups, while sites #4 and #14 are larger and can host groups of 2-3 vehicles or setups. Note that there's no cell service at the campground, so it's advisable to download directions before heading out. For specific driving directions or seasonal road conditions, check with the managing agency before your trip.