Wallowa-Whitman NF 21, near La Grande, Oregon, is a dispersed camping area that offers a rugged escape into nature. With a variety of primitive sites scattered throughout, it’s perfect for those looking to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors without the frills of modern amenities.

Visitors have noted that while the sites are generally spacious, some may lack privacy. However, the area is rich with wildlife, and many campers have spotted elk and even rattlesnakes during their stay. As one camper mentioned, “There are hundreds of spots to camp,” making it easy to find a spot that suits your needs.

For those who love hiking, the surrounding Wallowa-Whitman National Forest provides ample trails to explore. The occasional ATV or OHV can be seen, but most of the traffic is minimal, allowing for a peaceful experience. Just keep an eye out for litter and broken glass, as some areas have reported these issues.

If you’re looking for a quick overnight stop or a longer stay, this location offers a unique blend of solitude and adventure. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty that this area has to offer.

Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest.  Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a  meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.

It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.

There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.

Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents.  To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.

Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

Join the fun near La Grande. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—La Grande is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

La Grande

The Best Camping Near La Grande, Oregon

Easy and vacant find for a last minute change to our route. Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste. Would have driven further down into the woods if I had more time to set up as we got here late. All in all its an easy find just off the highway.

Hasty overnight

So much camping

Stayed one night on my way to Seattle. I drove up the road some and found it pretty passable in my van, although most of the sites were too muddy and I was worried about getting stuck. Camped in the first spots behind the Spring Creek Info sign and had good phone service (verizon) and a uneventful night. But area had a ton of broken glass, nails and shotgun shells and a decent amount of litter. Don't know how rowdy it gets in the warmer months but it might be wise to skip this place or camp further up the road at the campground then, especially if you're a solo female.

Good Quick Overnight Spot in the Off Season

We just needed a quick tent soot on a monday night on the way to moab. better than expected. bit muddy. some shells. but lots of space. drove in to about 45.35967, -118.30846

Great spot for overnight. 

Many options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV. Tons of great hiking around.  

Easy Nature

Sites are far apart but some lack privacy. I saw Lots of elk and turkeys(?) and a rattlesnake. Outside of the lack of privacy there are some people who it appears that they live there(I a have no issues with that) my issue is the drive up and down the road multiple multiple time a day at high rates of speed leaving dust flying. When I was out walking I walked past one of their campsites on accident I didn’t get close and they started firing a gun in the air. I slept in my car that night and left the next morning. Also trash is an issue as well as people using the bathroom right on the ground and leaving used baby wipes everywhere. So watch out for human waste if you use a tent. 

Photos of Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

Real photos from real campers