John H.recommendsAugust 15, 2022
Big Firs Site 1
This place was a great and well equipped. Host was very helpful and responsive. Definitely needed our tent stakes for the wind but we enjoyed the stay and have already been back a second time.
Catherine M.recommendsAugust 6, 2022
Sunny Site 3
Nice overnight stay
We planned to tent camp but it was a very windy evening so we stayed in the Yurt. The Yurt has a comfy mattress, electricity, a chair and side tables. There is a picnic table at the Yurt and at each tent site, and fire spots. There are no showers but a good porto potty nearby the camping sites. The cute country store is a great place to access wifi, pick up a cup of coffee and other provisions. The history of the defunct town of Pondosa is fascinating! Lori and Dennis are excellent hosts. Highly recommend!
Crysta G.recommendsJuly 17, 2022
Sunny Site 3
Calm, peaceful, and relaxing
We were greeted by Lori’s dad, who was very kind and gracious. The sites were well laid out, clean, and quiet.
We didn’t have very much time, as we needed to continue on our way, but it will was a perfect place for us to stop and rest overnight.
Sunny Site 3
Beautiful area and friendly host! A little close to the other sites, but a great spot. Would have loved to see more of the ghost town part of the camp
Debra B.recommendsJune 23, 2022
Big Firs Site 1
Site was beautiful and Lori waited up for us, showed us to our site and gave us a bit of history! Site is roomy with water and electrical hookups. Beautiful drive in and a beautiful area!
Kristina N.recommendsJune 19, 2022
Sunny Site 3
We will be back!
Lori was so incredibly welcoming! We really enjoyed chatting with her and learning the history of the town and seeing what survived after 100 years. Her dogs were friendly with ours and her horses were right outside our RV in their pasture when we woke. Their store had essentials which was handy. Firewood was provided and the tree swing was fun. It’s a bit off the beaten path but a beautiful drive. Well worth it!
Adrian & Kevin C.recommendsJune 12, 2022
Sunny Site 3
Great place!
This place is awesome! Would recommend it for anyone. Lori and Dennis were perfect hosts. Very interesting local history.
Cheryl F.recommendsMay 29, 2022
Big Firs Site 1
There is something for everyone
The owners were gracious and friendly. There is lots of history in this property and they love sharing. It is a labor of love as they work to restore parts of the property to be enjoyed and appreciated. The property is rural with spotty cell service and no wifi at the sites. Consider it an unplugged trip. With that said there is wifi at the store and they have an extra large deck patio area with tables and chairs that can catch the wifi. It's great to sit and have morning coffee catching up on the morning news or evenings with a growler of brew or bottle of wine from the local winery. If the weather is not cooperating the store provides tables and chairs if you really must do a bit of remote work. There is so much to do in the area it was a blessing to be even partially unplugged for the week. You are midway between Baker City and La Grande and a few miles from Catherine Creek State Park, The Oregon Trail, Elkhorn Scenic Bypass and so much more. It is a great central hub for your activities, remote enough to be quiet, have deer outside your windows or enjoy the pond at the back of your site. Hospitality at its best - we had a gorgeous fire pit with provided wood, charcoal grill if we wanted it, picnic table and plenty of seating around the campfire. We will definitely use this place again when in the area!
Nick F.recommendsMay 25, 2022
Sunny Site 3
Lori was great and the spot was exactly what we were looking for!
Sylvia M.recommendsMay 16, 2022
Big Firs Site 1
Beautiful road leading to the camp. Hosts are very friendly and helpful. Horses, owls, songbirds-a peaceful experience away from the crowds.
Elise W.recommendsMarch 26, 2022
Big Firs Site 1
A wonderful pit stop
What a cute little place! This was worth the extra stop. The hosts were so friendly and welcoming when we pulled in late last evening after a long day of driving. The site has water, an electric hook up (which were pleasant surprises to us!) and an outhouse. We enjoyed a fire in the pit provided this am (wood was also provided!!!). What a wonderful piece of property with some very interesting history too! We had a restful, quiet stay and would recommend to anyone passing through. Lori and her husband are wonderful. Thank you for your kindness during our stay!
Amanda E.recommendsMarch 25, 2022
Big Firs Site 1
Super cute spot & beautiful area :) I would totally stay there again & recommend it to others
Carrie M.October 29, 2021
Sunny Site 3
I arrived much later than anticipated. It was much further off I-84. With that being said, Lori's father met me and helped get me set. He actually backed in my camper! Very thoughtful!
As I mentioned, it was late (almost 9:00pm) by the time I arrived, the sky was filled with stars and it was windy as heck! I heard the call of the wild throughout the evening and in the morning a rooster from a neighboring farm.
I got up and out for a walk around property and unfortunately, what I saw did not equal the experience of evening before...its a graveyard full of old machinery, junked vehicles, appliances etc... my dog wanted to explore...I did not. It bummed me out. Such a beautiful part of the country, friendly and generous host(I actually didn't meet Lori) but she was very responsive via text. Her dad was present and stopped by the next morning to check in before he left for the day.
other than the back forty, I felt safe, the porta potty was clean, fresh water and electric, plenty of fire pits and no city lights to spoil the night sky.
Michael L.recommendsSeptember 26, 2021
Sunny Site 3
Loved it!
Lori and Dennis were absolutely lovely hosts. Great knowledge of the area and it history. The site itself was fantastic, stocked with dry firewood for the excellent firepit, which we enjoyed while watching the wildlife wander by.
Nick G.recommendsSeptember 15, 2021
Big Firs Site 1
Great Spot
Great spot outside of Baker City, OR. Clean and well kept. Provides water and power if needed. Firepit with wood ready for you when you arrive. Hosts are very nice and accommodating. History of the site and area are a real bonus if you like that kind of thing. Check out the pictorial history book of the mill and Mineral Springs in the store.
Amanda H.recommendsSeptember 10, 2021
Big Firs Site 1
Wonderful
Great hosts. I had a very difficult trip especially starting out and when we got to the site to set up, the hinge on my tent broke. Was in no position to buy a new tent or just go home.
The kind older gentleman in the store helped me fix something to temporarily work while we were there. Had the campground to ourselves which was nice. Only two things that werent good 1. Bees, got bit by two within ten minutes of getting there. 2. Colder than anticipated.
Really the best option for camping if you're in the area.
Phil M.recommendsSeptember 8, 2021
Big Firs Site 1
A model Hip Camp!
What a tremendous night sky! No light pollution, lots of stars and shooting stars. Very helpful camp host and a lovely drive to the camp.
My navigation software wanted me to go down a side road, don't. Stay on the highway and you can easily find the camp.
I plan to return on my next trip down that way.
Helen L.recommendsAugust 16, 2021
RV or tent Site 2
It's a charming setting with a unique history as a former lumber mill camp. Trees, grass, patio. Go have a beer on the store's porch and enjoy!
Steven T.recommendsAugust 15, 2021
RV or tent Site 2
We really enjoyed our stay! The family shared some stories and history of the place with us. We would definitely be back! Very spacious site and comfy...
The Taylor's
Helen L.recommendsAugust 14, 2021
Big Firs Site 1
Great Little Place
Lovely setting, great hosts, we really enjoyed. Couple of headsup- when coming from the south (Baker City) you should pass the camp, go round the curve and pull into the big fire station lot just to the north to turn around - the backins are facing the "wrong way" when you go into the driveway from the south and it's difficuly to turn around within the parking lot. Also don't try to turn around via the road behind the park, there's 2 bridges that are not too sturdy on that "road" and several really narrow pass throughs, and it's technically private property. We really enjoyed the history of the Pondosa, that Lori was expert in, and sitting on the porch with beers purchased from the little store, which has an amazing array of things one might need despite it's tiny size. The highlight was "Grampa", Lori's 98 YO father who was a delight, helped fix up a few connection issues we had with electric hookup and rode around the property on his quad like a 16 year old. Thanks for the experience Lori, we really enjoyed.
David L.recommendsAugust 11, 2021
Sunny Site 3
Very nice quiet place with friendly hosts.
Linner M.recommendsAugust 10, 2021
RV or tent Site 2
Definitely worth the 16 mile drive❣️
What a delightful stay. Our host, Lori, was very helpful in guiding us for backing in to the camp sites. We learned that Pondosa is actually a ghost town with some remnants of buildings. Big Creek runs through the property, a short distance from the camp sites. Being somewhat remote there was minimal light pollution allowing for a spectacular night sky. Grizz, the large lab is the sweetest dog ever.
Kristin N.recommendsAugust 9, 2021
Big Firs Site 1
Camping in the heart of an old mill
The sites were level and graveled. Each site had a grassy area with a picnic table. The outhouse was clean and water was available.
Horses, pronghorn antelope and deer visible on the hills in the evening.
This camp is situated on a historical mill site from the 1940s. An American history treasure.
Access and the directions were clear and easy to follow.
Lauren T.recommendsAugust 8, 2021
Sunny Site 3
Stars and muffins!!
What a wonderful night!! Arrived late but Lori was there to greet us and show us our spot. Got gas and a muffin in the morning and was given a tour. Wish we could stay longer! Area is stunning and amazing stars at night, definitely come stay here.