Camping Near La Grande Oregon

Popular State Parks Near La Grande Oregon

La Grande, Oregon, is home to several state parks, including Wallowa Lake State Park. Situated between three mountains, this park is a well-known boating and fishing area. The park hosts lots of uncovered and covered areas where you can host family get-togethers or picnics. Kids can also play on the large grassy fields or hang out in the swim area. Wallowa Lake State Park also has some trails that campers can access by bike or foot.

Upcoming Events Near La Grande Oregon

• Eastern Oregon Beer Festival Each November, visitors have the opportunity to sample beer from different breweries across eastern Oregon.

• Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday Experience the creativity and diversity of independent businesses when you shop during this event in December.

• Safe Trick-or-treat and Trunk-or-Treat This event is a safe and fantastic alternative for young kids and adults during the Halloween period.

Three Forks Recreation Site

Three Forks is one of the most remote campsites, located on the far-east side of the state on BLM land. The site is named Three Forks for the three rivers the Owyhee, the North Fork Owyhee, and the Middle Fork Owyhee that converge in the area. The site has five designated campsites, a boat launch, vehicle parking, and vault restrooms.

Be on the lookout for the remains of a historic military road that can still be seen today, zig-zagging up the canyons west face. There are also old wagon and ranching roads that allow for hiking and walking in the area.

Read Also: Camping Near Stone Mountain Nc

You May Like: Best Discount Camping Gear Sites

Minam Five More State Parks Around La Grande Offer Old

With hot weather arriving, it’s time to plan that summer camping trip.

But wait, you should have planned it nine months ago.

At least that’s how it works during busy times at Oregon’s most popular state park campgrounds

If you want a Saturday-night spot in a busy Oregon coastal park, too bad: you snoozed, you lost .

There is a place to find redemption, however. It’s in northeast Oregon, around La Grande.

This is four-hour drive from Portland, but the wilds of the Blue Mountains offer a real Western camping experience, far removed from saltwater taffy and latte stores on the coast.

La Grande is surrounded by six state park campgrounds that don’t take reservations. Get there, find a spot, set up a tent and it’s yours.

Park managers are quick to say that these campgrounds are smaller than those at the coast and, yes, some do fill up.

But never all six at the same time.

“It’s a different mentality out here, like stepping back in time,” said Jim Hutton, eastern Oregon district manager for Oregon State Parks. “You see more families sitting around the campfire. They show kids how to start a fire, how to fish in a stream. It’s very outdoor-activity-oriented.”

These campgrounds offer fewer amenities than bigger parks , but they have drinking water, picnic tables and fire pits. And you may find a more scenic tent campsite than in wall-to-wall conditions at busier parks.

Northeast Oregon also has some bigger campgrounds that take reservations.

More

Popular Rv Storage Facilities Near La Grande Oregon

La Grande’s weather can be rough in the offseason, forcing you to find a high-quality storage facility for your RV. Fortunately, there are several La Grande storage facilities that can help safeguard your RV. A-1 Mini Storage is a secure and safe facility located within La Grande that is perfect for storing your RV or boat. This facility has storage features such as lighted driveways, on-site residents, lighted units, coded keypad access, and individual door locks. Minutes away from the Grande Ronde Valley, C’s Storage is also a safe and secure RV storage facility. Its ideal location makes accessing your RV and belongings convenient as it sits at the border of La Grande and Island City. This storage facility comes with lighted units, lighted driveways, coded keypad access, and other features.

Don’t Miss: Rv Camping At Lake Thunderbird

Additional Things To Know About Free Camping In Oregon

Before grabbing one of the best Outdoorsy RV rentals across the US and traveling to Oregon, here are a few additional things to keep in mind. We want you to have a great time, but also want everyone to respect their surroundings so that these free campsites in Oregon can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

These rules apply to most free campgrounds, but always double-check to be sure:

• Many free campgrounds have a 14-day limit.
• Camp at least 200 feet from water sources.
• Use biodegradable soap and toilet paper.
• If there are no toilets, bury human waste at least 6 inches below ground.
• Dont camp in the middle of clearings in meadows camp in existing sites in developed areas.
• Practice fire safety and build fires in existing fire rings.
• If there is no garbage disposal, take all of your trash with you.
• Most free campgrounds are dog friendly, but some require dogs to be kept on a leash.

Also Check: Trailers To Rent For Camping

Popular Poi Activities Near La Grande Oregon

• Candy Cane Park This recreational park features a beautiful green lawn, picnic tables, a small ballfield, and a half basketball court.

• Birnie Park This is one of the most famous parks in La Grande, and it features fascinating scenery, an Oregon trail display, picnic tables, and a playground.

• Wallowa Lake Tramway Take on an exciting trip to the peak of the mountain that enables you to enjoy the scene as the gondola carries you above the waters of Wallowa Lake.

Also Check: Big Cypress National Preserve Camping

Burnt River Canyon #1 Dispersed

Address31413 Burnt River Canyon LaneBaker City, OregonElevation: 2802

Management: Public Bureau of Land Management

Free Oregon boondocking locations in the Bureau of Land Management: Baker District. First come -> first served. No reservations accepted. It gets very, very hot in the Burnt River Canyon. This camping spot is also WHERE THE RATTLESNAKES GO to COOL OFF. Be VERY AWARE OF EVERY STEP YOU TAKE.

Also Check: Best Camping In West Virginia

South Lake Dispersed Area

Located along the northern edge of South Lake inside Siuslaw National Forest is South Lake Dispersed Area. There are campsites along the lake and a vault toilet. The area is at an elevation of 2,400 feet.

Those who enjoy fishing will love South Lake as it is stocked periodically with rainbow trout. There is also access for launching non-motorized boats. The South Lake Dispersed Area is also the easternmost point of the Pioneer-Indian Trail. This trail was used by Native Americans and early settlers to travel from the Willamette Valley to the Pacific Coast.

Don’t Miss: Rv Camping Hocking Hills Ohio

Camping Near You Find A Free Campsite

Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, weâve got you covered. You can simply use your smart phoneâs GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.

Our community provides the best free camping information available. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip.

This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, weâll all have more places to go camping.

Please come back and let us know what you find!

We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing.

Spring Creek Dispersed Area Wallowa

Named for a tiny creek that roughly parallels I-84, Spring Creek Dispersed Area is an area of Wallowa-Whitman National Forest popular with campers, hikers, and hunters. Forest road NF-21 takes you into the heart of the area where you will find numerous other roads branching off it, leading you to dozens of free, boondocking sites that offers lots of quiet, privacy, and the experience of Nature at its finest.

This area of the forest lies along a mountain range, and elevation here ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Youll experience temperatures in the 70s mostly, with occasional 80s, even in August.

There is also a developed campground along NF-21, named Spring Creek Campground, only about 2 miles from the I-84 off-ramp. This campground offers only four campsites, yet is totally free, with no hookups. It does offer a pit toilet and an information kiosk explaining the flora and fauna in the area.

Forestry crews can be seen driving their trucks along these forest roads, but for the most part these are workers cutting down dead trees. The good news is that they cut up the trunks and limbs and leave them in piles. You can gather them up and take them back to your camp. Youll have to split them into smaller chunks, however.

Forest rangers still make their way through the greater Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, but they dont seem concerned with campers. Theyre mostly interested in unlicensed hunters.

Recommended Reading: Fort Desoto State Park Camping

Free Oregon Boondocking Locations

If you prefer to camp in your van or trailer, Oregon RV boondocking is a simple and enjoyable way to save money. Boondocking is usually done outside of developed campsites, which means there is no water or electricity. Campers may easily take advantage of free camping in Oregon and experience all of the states picturesque beauties with a little extra effort.

Overnight RV boondocking in Oregon in a parking lot, like a Walmart, is sometimes possible, but campers should first obtain permission from the business management.

Eastern Oregon: Welcome to the Wild West in Oregons NE corner. The landscape here is dominated by wide-open skies, sagebrush plains, and jagged mountain ranges. Perfect for Oregon dispersed campsites. Its totally up to you how you use this large outdoor playground. Ski down isolated slopes, fish for ravenous steelhead, or simply observe wildlife as it passes by.

Wagon ruts from the Oregon Trail, colorful prehistoric fossil beds, and creepy ghost towns are all available at dispersed campsites in Oregon. Thats only the beginning. Eastern Oregon is where your next great story will be discovered.

When you visit the Painted Hills, from your Oregon boondocking campsites, you may see millions of years of history exposed one color at a time in the strata of earths mountains. The hills name comes from the beautifully colored stratifications in the soil, and the Painted Hills yellows, golds, blacks, and reds are best viewed late in the afternoon.

Grande Hot Springs Rv Resort

Improve this listingFellowTraveler748595I see potentialToo pricey for what you get . You do get full hook up, which all work. The bathrooms are nice. With three available showers, I could see them having a line with so many camp spots. My poor rating comes from horrible to non existent wifi that they boast they have. When I mentioned it, I felt blown off that the owners were siding their house and had to take the antenna down. Also, crazy soaking pool hours. Closed from 5pm to 9pm, and then after 11, whats up with that? Other hot springs let their guests use the springs 24 hours. I see potential in this place for sure. I wish the new owners luck on figuring it all out, they seem to have a lot on their plate!Susan HBig Rig FriendlyBev LSo RelaxingWe stayed here twice. Unfortunately we did not get to use the hot springs either time. . The first time we stayed we got in late and were too tired to enjoy the waters. The second time we did not read the sign stating that the hot springs hours had changed and would not be opened until later in the evening. By then we were too tired to go and we had to head out early the next morning. However! We enjoyed the quietness of the RV park and how far apart each space was. Maybe a 3rd time is a charm!Melissa MClean and quiet location. RV spots are level and hook up is easy. Great staff and Check in was great. Pet friendly. Confidently located off freeway. Clearly marked signs. Definitely in my top 5 places to stay.NTF007

Recommended Reading: Camping World Spartanburg Sc Used Motorhomes

Dispersed Camping Rules & Regulations

One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of permits, reservations, and other requirements youll often find at developed campgrounds. However, that doesnt mean there arent important rules you should always following when dispersed camping.

It is best to check current regulations with the relevant USFS or BLM office, but you should plan on adhering to the following as outlined by the USFS:

Read Also: Camping World In Marion Nc

Free Camping Near La Grande Oregon

Location: Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge

The campground near Hart Mountain Hot Springs is among my absolute favorites in all of Oregon.

Although its a developed campground and dispersed camping isnt allowed anywhere within the National Antelope Refuge, camping here is still completely free of charge.

The biggest draw is undoubtedly Hart Mountain Hot Springs . These natural hot springs consist of a built-up concrete pool surrounded by a stone wall and a separate undeveloped pool with no improvements. Although its much shallower, I prefer the undeveloped pool thanks to its wide-open views of the nearby mountains.

The campground is just a short walk from the springs and has 30 first-come, first-served campsites. The drive in is very long with moderate washboarding, but any passenger vehicle should be able to survive the journey . Small RVs and trailers should be fine, but avoid camping here in big rigs.

Camping is allowed year-round, but Id avoid this area in winter. Heavy snows often make the roads impassable, even in 4WD. The best times to enjoy the hot springs are spring and fall .

What I Like:

The scenery at Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground is simply stunning. Wildlife, especially pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep, is abundant. The area is extremely remote which makes for very dark night skies. Of course, the nearby natural hot springs are one of the best reasons to make a trip here.

What I Dont Like:

For More Info:

Don’t Miss: Portable Power Supply For Camping

Is Dispersed Camping Allowed In Oregon

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Oregon and can be a wonderful way to explore the state. Dispersed camping is allowed in the state and national forests year-round, and the state does not require a permit or prior permission to do so.

While the Forest Service campgrounds in Oregon typically offer amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and in some cases plumbing, dispersed camping means you will not have access to any of these features.

Dispersed camping in Oregon is truly an adventure. While this type of camping does require extra know-how and experience, it can be a wonderful way to enjoy free camping in Oregon.

Campers are required to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines. These include regulations such as camping on bare soil rather than vegetation, keeping your campsite a minimum distance of 200 feet away from any water source, and removing all trash and debris from the site when you leave.

AddressNational Forest Development Road 21Dayville, OregonElevation: 4147

Management: Public Forest Service

Billy Fields Forest Camp is open Jun-Oct. Camping spots in Oregon Billy Fields Forest Camp is a great starting point for those wanting to hunt, fish, or look for wild horses. For those wishing to hike and explore Fields Peak Trail is within 3 miles of the campground. This camping area offers a 6 horse tie-stall with manger. Water for horses is available in adjacent Billy Fields Creek. This rustic campground features wooden picnic tables and metal fire rings.

Trillium Lake Airstrip: Mt Hood National Forest

Popular for its enchanting views and a broad choice of recreation, Trillium Lake Airstrip Campground is a picturesque campground located in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

Located 40 miles southeast of Portland near the old-world town of Government Camp, the campground is a suitable family camping spot in Oregon.

The site rests 3,600 feet above sea level in the shade of a conifer forest that creates an aura of serene peace and privacy between the campsites.

From Trillium Lake Airstrip Campground, youll be treated to a magnificent view of the majestic Mt. Hood.

The camping area features several single and double tent and RV sites that are either fully available or accessible on a first-come, first-served basis.

The parking ground is mostly paved but some portions are gravel. Each of the sites contains a campfire ring, grill, and picnic table.

This campground is equipped with tent pads, accessible vault toilets, and campers are provided with drinking water.

It also has a group picnic area that can hold 30 people alongside a 30-person amphitheater that you can reserve for day-use.

When camping here, take some time to enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on the 63-acre Trillium Lake.

The campground has a small boat ramp and fishing pear besides the large ramp at the day-use area.

You can also take in the peaceful outdoors by hiking or biking on the numerous trails around. Dont forget to visit the historic Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood

You May Like: Camping In Michigan Near Lake