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Established Camping

Social Security Point

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Social Security Point is located in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. Temperatures in the area can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Anthony Lakes Recreation Area, known for its hiking trails and scenic views.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

The Social Security Point Trailhead is located in an open ponderosa pine forest above the northern shore of Phillips Lake. Although the area is used by many visitors, it is also a trailhead for the Phillips Lake North Shoreline Trail #1608 which goes west to the upper end of the lake, or east back towards Union Creek Campground and Mason Dam Boat Launch.

In developed camping areas (e.g. campgrounds) or dispersed camping areas (e.g. non-designated campsites, or hunting camps) it is prohibited to camp in excess of 14 days within any 30 day period, except as authorized by a Forest Officer or District Ranger Causing a public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm by making unreasonably loud noises is prohibited. Operating or using a device such as a radio, television, musical instrument, motor or engine to cause an unreasonable disturbance is prohibited.

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Location

Social Security Point is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 (also known as the Elkhorn Scenic Byway) towards John Day, Oregon for about 20 miles to Forest Road 300; The entrance to the trailhead is signed on the left side of the highway; Travel down Forest Road 300 for 0.5 miles to the trailhead near the toilet building; The Phillips Lake North Shoreline Trail #1608 goes east or west from this area. Advisory: The forest road from Highway 7 to the trailhead is not plowed yet is still driveable most of the winter for high clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive or traction tires.

Coordinates

44.69379445 N
118.0476074 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Social Security Point needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed May. 29, 2022

Beautiful spot with easy access

The drive in is gorgeous and the spots are nice with plenty of distance between. There are only 5 or 6 spots off the main road, but you can drive a bit further and camp on the dried up lake bed (depending on water height).

There is also a mountain bike trail at the end of the road with varying degrees of difficulty.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Social Security Point by Casey B., May 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Social Security Point by Casey B., May 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Social Security Point by Casey B., May 29, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2021

Beautiful spot

Beautiful spot near Phillips Lake. Unfortunately this spot is not on the waters edge at the moment since lake levels are low, but it is still beautiful none-the-less. Lots of wildlife. Had coyotes go through the area last night which was pretty loud, and we think we’ve been hearing elk bugling…but we are unsure. Lots of birds and other creatures as well.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2021

Good place to spend the night

Stopped here for one night on a cross country road trip. 20 minutes off of 84. 3 immediate sites off the road, then toilets, then more sites down the road. Past toilets road is slightly washed. Road noise is present from first 3 sites

Site2
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Social Security Point?

    Social Security Point is located at 4169 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Social Security Point?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Social Security Point, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Social Security Point?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.