Wallowa Lake State Park Campground
Nicole C.
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2020

The smoke of 200 campfires

I should start with a few prefaces. I was at a state park on a holiday weekend. I don't rv camp. I usually camp during shoulder seasons.

Wallowa Lake is gorgeous. I regularly forgot that I was in Oregon. The snow capped peaks around the lake made me feel like I was in the Rockies.

The park was well equipped with showers, floral toilets, and dish washing sinks. The sites were reasonably well spaced.

The day use area was very crowded, but to be expected on a holiday weekend. The cottonwoods were snowing and it was magical.

This campground has about 200 sites. When each one of those sites is having a campfire, it creates a mini inversion and the smoke just hangs close to the ground, making it extremely difficult to breathe. I also noted that every night, at least one fire was left unattended, which was concerning.

The Chief Joseph trailhead is just at the edge of the park with an extremely steep first mile or so, but easing out into a lovely walk through the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Even on the holiday, I didn't see a single other person.

  • Review photo of Wallowa Lake State Park Campground by Nicole C., July 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Wallowa Lake State Park Campground by Nicole C., July 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Wallowa Lake State Park Campground by Nicole C., July 7, 2020