Pilcher Creek Reservoir, near the heart of Oregon, is a free camping spot that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. With a handful of sites nestled by the water, it’s a solid choice for those looking to unwind in nature without breaking the bank.

The campground is known for its stunning views of the nearby mountain ranges and the serene reservoir, making it a picturesque backdrop for your camping adventures. Visitors have enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, with many noting the lack of pesky bugs and the surprisingly clean pit toilets. As one camper put it, “Super quiet spot that has beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges.”

While there are no services on-site, campers appreciate the simplicity of the location. Bring your own water and enjoy the freedom of campfires under the stars, as fires are allowed here. The access roads are decent, making it easy for larger rigs to navigate, although some sites may not be perfectly level.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs, the area around the reservoir offers opportunities for wildlife watching, so keep your bear spray handy. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, Pilcher Creek Reservoir is a charming spot to kick back and soak in the natural beauty of Oregon.

The reservoir is owned and operated by the Powder Valley Water Control District who allow for recreation facilities located on the southeast portion of the reservoir. Maintenance and operations are provided by the Union County Parks Department with support from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Oregon State Marine Board. The park offers 17 primitive camping sites, vaulted toilets, dock and boat ramp (5mph speed limit). Pilcher Creek Reservoir is nestled in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountains with picturesque scenery, a choice destination for camping enthusiasts. The fishing is great and wildlife is abundant. An elk feeding/viewing station is nearby and elk can typically be seen during the winter months.

Pilcher Creek Reservoir

Searching for the best camping near North Powder, OR? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Oregon camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near North Powder. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

North Powder

The Best Camping Near North Powder, Oregon

Free, with some trees, vault toilets, dock, boat ramp...

Quaint rustic basic fishing hole.

We stopped here for a quiet overnight. About 25 minutes off the freeway, last 2 miles are gravel. Beautiful setting and deserted. Plenty of room for any size RV.

Perfect quiet and free!

Plenty of campsites available. Campsites are drive up with fire pits and picnic tables. Very clean vault toilets. I had two neighbors and it was very quiet all night. No trash. There was a working water pump at the campsite. No bugs. Accessible via a long dirt road, no issue for my Honda Civic. Campground is not marked from the road. I’ve slept at 10 or so free campsites nationwide and this is definitely the best one so far. 

Best free campground ever

This is the best free campground I’ve found myself at. It was very easy to find, the roads were fine for any vehicle and the views were incredible in every direction! The facilities were clean and the camp spots were relatively spread out but you could see/hear others. 

So gorgeous!

Found this spot on this app and we are so happy we did! The drive here is gorgeous farm country and the camping spots are beautiful. First come first serve, there was 3 or so spots open when we got here. Definitely coming back if we’re ever passing through again :)

Gorgeous spot

We were swinging south from Seattle to hook up with I80 and this spot was in our wheelhouse. Not too far off of I 84 and really not to bad to find. The road entering was stone but it still easily passable. 
Most of the sites overlooked a beautiful lake stick among the hills, and we’re in decent shape with a fire ring, table and little grill. We got there on a Sunday and there were still a couple smoldering campfires so the place was probably crowded on the weekend. 
Not a lot of property associated with the area as most is fenced off and private. Still though enough to walk the dogs around. 


Well kept little spot 

Free camp site just a short drive from the interstate (~8 miles). Be aware the road leading to the camp is mostly gravel. The 16 sites are first come first serve, but even though we drove in a little past midnight, we had no trouble finding a perfect spot overlooking the reservoir. There are vaulted toilets on either side of the camp, and each site comes with a metal fire pit, standing grill, and picnic bench. If I'm ever in the area again, I will definitely be stopping by.  👍

Hidden Gem

This was our first stop in our newly purchased camper van and it did not disappoint. We arrived after dark and gps got us there no problem. It was quiet and only 2 or 3 other campsites were occupied. We woke up to a beautiful mountain range out our back windows and the sun rising over the reservoir out our front windows. Vaulted toilets were fine for what they are. Would stop here again!

Picturesque and peaceful 

This was a lovely site with multiple spots to pull in and small beaches plus boat landings. It has two vault toilets, grills, and picnic tables. The road in was nice. However, I wouldn’t describe Verizon service as good there. It said I had 1-3 bars, but I struggled to send photos. Texts went through slowly but ok.

Beautiful site with easy road in

Free camping on a lake not too far from the freeway.  Good roads to the campsite.  There are pull through and back in sites that would accommodate good-sized rigs, although some of the sites aren't terribly level.  Surprisingly, there weren't any bugs. T-Mobile was good.  Able to stream. As you come into the campground,  there are campsites to the right and left with easy turn arounds.

Nice quiet spot on a lake

Super quiet spot that has beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges. If you are passing through, this would be a great place stop off for the night. 
No services here, so bring your own water.

Quiet & beautiful location 

Spent the night here on a road trip from Utah to Arizona. Although there’s not a ton of spots, it’s lovely and was a quiet solitude away from the road but not too far. Saw a ton of wildlife too (bring your bear spray). 
Service was good too and road wasn’t bad at all 


A Beautiful place tucked away 

This place had such good reviews but it was pretty trashed. Broken glass, trash in the fire pits, trash in the campsites, the pit toilet was shockingly clean. Quiet place to camp, not full but plenty of other campers. Wouldn’t seek this camp spot out. Reservoir pretty small and marshy.

Photos of Pilcher Creek Reservoir

Real photos from real campers