The best forest camping near Elgin

637 sites · Wallowa Lake, Oregon

5. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

99%

(34)

Trek up massive peaks or descend into cavernous canyons on Oregon’s largest national forest.

Pets

7mi from Elgin · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Elgin, OR

6. Balloon Tree CG

Balloon Tree – Private, Gated Escape in Oregon’s Blue Mountains Looking for peace, privacy, and a true connection with nature? Balloon Tree is a gated, 40-acre off-grid retreat just 7 miles from Elgin, Oregon, tucked deep in the quiet, scenic Blue Mountains. The campground offers four spacious, private campsites, each surrounded by towering timber, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor adventure. At the center of camp is a large fire ring (for use when permitted), perfect for cooking, storytelling, and stargazing beneath some of the clearest skies in Oregon—no light pollution, just stars and silence. There’s plenty to do right on the land: • Miles of nearby trails for ATVs, snowmobiles, and hiking • A rustic disc golf course winding through the woods • Several scenic viewpoints for sunrise, sunset, or quiet reflection • A dedicated area to unload and park machines In season, foragers will find wild huckleberries, morel mushrooms, strawberries, and raspberries. Wildlife is abundant—elk and deer sightings are common—and the property borders public timberland, making it an ideal base for fall hunting trips. Access is easy via a well-maintained gravel road, typically 2WD-friendly. The campground is remote, peaceful, and completely off-grid—perfect for group getaways, solo retreats, or anyone needing a break from screens and schedules. A dump station and potable water are conveniently available in Elgin. ⸻ Please Note: • 🔥 Strict fire ban from July 1st - Sept 31st. • 📵 Limited cell service: Most guests can make calls, but plan ahead • 🐾 Wildlife safety: Do not feed animals; store food securely • 🌲 Leave no trace: Please do not cut down or damage trees and pack it in, pack it out. 🌦️ It can be dry and dusty in the summer and cold and wet in the winter. Be prepared. ✅ A liability waiver for each guest must be signed and returned prior to arrival. ⸻ Unplug. Ride. Explore. Reset. Balloon Tree is your basecamp for wild beauty, fresh mountain air, and deep connection to the outdoors.

7. Glamp at the Evans Farm

97%

(45)

35mi from Elgin · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Joseph, OR

The Evans Farm is a Century Farm which has been in our family for three generations (with the fourth generation children enjoying it now).  It was a self sufficient family farm for many years with Jersey Dairy cattle, Suffolk Sheep, pigs, quality horses, both Draft and Riding, and a flock of chickens.  A large garden supplied family vegetables.  A love for the land and the area were all part of the Farm. Located two miles from Joseph, three miles from Wallowa Lake, and close to hiking, fishing, camping, and outdoor adventures, the Farm is secluded but offers easy access to the surrounding area. 

8. Fluit Farms

94%

(8)

42mi from Elgin · 10 sites · RVs · Joseph, OR

We have a 3 acre corner parcel of our 100+acre farm that we are offering for campers! We use natural and organic practices on our farm. You will be located in the country about 5 miles from Joseph, next to a trickling stream in the valley surrounded by farms and ranches. Pets are welcome, including horses. Check out our new Farm Stand within sight of your camp! Featuring seasonal goodies. Activities on our road; McCully trailhead for finding Morels, hiking, or horseback riding and Kinney Lake fishing. Nearby attractions would be lots of hunting, Wallowa Lake, go carts and Tramway, paddle boarding, boating, rodeos events, rail rider cars, concerts, parades, car shows and more!

9. Beds At Bobsled

20mi from Elgin · 1 site · Lodging · Weston, OR

Located 28 miles east of Pendleton the base of the Blue Mountains and the nearby Umatilla River this site offers a you peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of town.

10. Hilgard Junction State Park

17 sites · La Grande, Oregon

Beneath the towering ponderosa pine and cottonwood of Northeastern Oregon sits this little slice of heaven. The Grande Ronde River flows through the park, so grab an inner tube and float on down--without getting tangled in the overhanging weeping willows. Or grab your fishing pole and see if you can reel in some dinner. Try to spot beaver, mink, deer, and a bustle of birds on the river bank. History buffs, rejoice: at the nearby Blue Mountain Crossing Interpretive Park you can actually see the ruts made by wagons rolling through the Oregon Trail in this area. Ideally situated right off of Interstate 84, the park serves as a great homebase for exploring the miles of scenic roads that wind through the region. And forget noisy crowds; with only 18 primitive campsites, this is the perfect place to hide away for the weekend.

20 sites · La Grande, Oregon

Picnic table

11. Red Bridge State Wayside

Inhale the fresh pine scent from the ponderosas' yellow bark full of sweet-smelling sap.

Picnic table

12. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

24 sites · Cayuse, Oregon

(2)

Live like a pioneer at this mountaintop retreat in eastern Oregon.

Pets

In Oregon's high desert, this creek babbles through a canyon beneath Ponderosa Pines.

13. Catherine Creek State Park

20 sites · Union, Oregon

232mi from Elgin · 3 sites · Blue River, OR

Picnic table

14. Holiday Farm RV Resort

Nestled in the breathtaking McKenzie River Valley, Holiday Farm RV Resort stands out as a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Located just an hour east of Eugene, Oregon, this resort offers beautiful, private sites surrounded by a magnificent woodland setting, ensuring a peaceful retreat for all visitors. Conveniently situated off Highway 126 at milepost 46.5, the park is only one mile from the renowned Toketee Golf Course. Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of memorable activities, including hiking along the picturesque McKenzie River or exploring the nearby Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Fishing enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to catch trout in the famous McKenzie River, while those seeking adventure can embark on guided whitewater rafting trips. Additionally, the soothing Belknap Hot Springs are just a short distance away, providing a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploration. With its stunning natural surroundings and a wealth of outdoor activities, Holiday Farm RV Resort is the ideal destination for creating lasting memories in the heart of Oregon's scenic landscape. Don't miss the chance to experience the always breathtaking McKenzie River, just a pleasant walk from your campsite!

Camper favorites near Elgin

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Balloon Tree CG

7mi from Elgin · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Elgin, OR

Balloon Tree – Private, Gated Escape in Oregon’s Blue Mountains Looking for peace, privacy, and a true connection with nature? Balloon Tree is a gated, 40-acre off-grid retreat just 7 miles from Elgin, Oregon, tucked deep in the quiet, scenic Blue Mountains. The campground offers four spacious, private campsites, each surrounded by towering timber, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor adventure. At the center of camp is a large fire ring (for use when permitted), perfect for cooking, storytelling, and stargazing beneath some of the clearest skies in Oregon—no light pollution, just stars and silence. There’s plenty to do right on the land: • Miles of nearby trails for ATVs, snowmobiles, and hiking • A rustic disc golf course winding through the woods • Several scenic viewpoints for sunrise, sunset, or quiet reflection • A dedicated area to unload and park machines In season, foragers will find wild huckleberries, morel mushrooms, strawberries, and raspberries. Wildlife is abundant—elk and deer sightings are common—and the property borders public timberland, making it an ideal base for fall hunting trips. Access is easy via a well-maintained gravel road, typically 2WD-friendly. The campground is remote, peaceful, and completely off-grid—perfect for group getaways, solo retreats, or anyone needing a break from screens and schedules. A dump station and potable water are conveniently available in Elgin. ⸻ Please Note: • 🔥 Strict fire ban from July 1st - Sept 31st. • 📵 Limited cell service: Most guests can make calls, but plan ahead • 🐾 Wildlife safety: Do not feed animals; store food securely • 🌲 Leave no trace: Please do not cut down or damage trees and pack it in, pack it out. 🌦️ It can be dry and dusty in the summer and cold and wet in the winter. Be prepared. ✅ A liability waiver for each guest must be signed and returned prior to arrival. ⸻ Unplug. Ride. Explore. Reset. Balloon Tree is your basecamp for wild beauty, fresh mountain air, and deep connection to the outdoors.

Glamp at the Evans Farm

97%

(45)

35mi from Elgin · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Joseph, OR

The Evans Farm is a Century Farm which has been in our family for three generations (with the fourth generation children enjoying it now).  It was a self sufficient family farm for many years with Jersey Dairy cattle, Suffolk Sheep, pigs, quality horses, both Draft and Riding, and a flock of chickens.  A large garden supplied family vegetables.  A love for the land and the area were all part of the Farm. Located two miles from Joseph, three miles from Wallowa Lake, and close to hiking, fishing, camping, and outdoor adventures, the Farm is secluded but offers easy access to the surrounding area. 

Fluit Farms

94%

(8)

42mi from Elgin · 10 sites · RVs · Joseph, OR

We have a 3 acre corner parcel of our 100+acre farm that we are offering for campers! We use natural and organic practices on our farm. You will be located in the country about 5 miles from Joseph, next to a trickling stream in the valley surrounded by farms and ranches. Pets are welcome, including horses. Check out our new Farm Stand within sight of your camp! Featuring seasonal goodies. Activities on our road; McCully trailhead for finding Morels, hiking, or horseback riding and Kinney Lake fishing. Nearby attractions would be lots of hunting, Wallowa Lake, go carts and Tramway, paddle boarding, boating, rodeos events, rail rider cars, concerts, parades, car shows and more!

Beds At Bobsled

20mi from Elgin · 1 site · Lodging · Weston, OR

Located 28 miles east of Pendleton the base of the Blue Mountains and the nearby Umatilla River this site offers a you peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Holiday Farm RV Resort

232mi from Elgin · 3 sites · Blue River, OR

Nestled in the breathtaking McKenzie River Valley, Holiday Farm RV Resort stands out as a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Located just an hour east of Eugene, Oregon, this resort offers beautiful, private sites surrounded by a magnificent woodland setting, ensuring a peaceful retreat for all visitors. Conveniently situated off Highway 126 at milepost 46.5, the park is only one mile from the renowned Toketee Golf Course. Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of memorable activities, including hiking along the picturesque McKenzie River or exploring the nearby Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Fishing enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to catch trout in the famous McKenzie River, while those seeking adventure can embark on guided whitewater rafting trips. Additionally, the soothing Belknap Hot Springs are just a short distance away, providing a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploration. With its stunning natural surroundings and a wealth of outdoor activities, Holiday Farm RV Resort is the ideal destination for creating lasting memories in the heart of Oregon's scenic landscape. Don't miss the chance to experience the always breathtaking McKenzie River, just a pleasant walk from your campsite!

Public campgrounds near Elgin

Woodland Campground

13mi from Elgin · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Umatilla National Forest

Umatilla Forks Campground

17mi from Elgin · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Umatilla National Forest

17mi from Elgin · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Umatilla National Forest

(1)

Woodward Campground

Target Meadows Campground

18mi from Elgin · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Umatilla National Forest

Boundary Campground

19mi from Elgin · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Jubilee Lake Campground

19mi from Elgin · 53 sites · Tents, RVs · in Umatilla National Forest

Hilgard Junction Campground

22mi from Elgin · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hilgard Junction State Park

Moss Springs Campground

23mi from Elgin · 8 sites · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Red Bridge Campground

23mi from Elgin · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Red Bridge State Wayside

Spring Creek Campground

24mi from Elgin · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

26mi from Elgin · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

(1)

Bird Track Springs Campground

26mi from Elgin · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

(2)

Emigrant Springs Campground

Stories from the community

S

Shelsie

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

4 nights at The High Road Cabins N camping

The directions and communication were wonderful. The spot was pretty. I had a nice time.

S

Shawn

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Mill Creek Farm/Park

Exactly as described. Plenty of room, but even more privacy. Easy to find, park, and enjoy.

Howl propane fire pit backdropped by the silhouette of the Wallowas.

Teri

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Fluit Farms

This site is great for boon-docking on solar power, while enjoying great views of the Wallowa Mountains and surrounding farm/ranch land in relative privacy. Graveled Tucker Down Road runs on the west side of the sites, separated by a small creek, deciduous trees, and wild shrubs & flowers. The road gets a fair amount of ranch and farm traffic, but the trees do knock down most of the dust. While the site is flat, be ready for ann uneven surface with lots of tall grass, clover, & thistles. We were happy to be able to light our Howl propane fire pit for an evening under the stars. The site location is convenient with a short 5 minute drive to Joseph and just a 15 minute drive to Wallowa Lake & the Tramway. I can understand comments about the $75 per night being steep since there are no hookups but for us it was worth it.

R

Raymond

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The High Road Cabins N camping

View of the forest was very pretty. The sound of elk in the evening and morning was very peaceful. Lower site was closer to the cabins than what I was hoping for but still felt somewhat private. Never used the pit toilet but looked at it and it was one of the nicest ive ever seen. Cell phone coverage was disappointing but only because I was hoping there was none (wife enjoyed the service), Tmobile 5G 3-4 bars.

T

Taylor

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The High Road Cabins N camping

We loved this campsite! We backed our truck with the pop up tent toward the trees and woke up to beautiful pine trees and complete silence. We’ll definitely be back if we find ourselves driving through again.

B

Bruce

September 2025

20 ft Class C

With pets

This is the secluded and private spot that I look for in Hipcamp. Three or so miles down dirt road and no view of others. Be cautious on directions. Apple Maps took me to a 5 mile dead end. Mark will set you on course. Enjoy the privacy.

S

Shelly

September 2025

2 nights at Glamp at the Evans Farm

What a wonderful place Grady Sr. and Kathleen have created on their beautiful farm. The Glamping tent was perfect for exploring the Joseph area. The nights were quiet and the bed was the most comfortable we've ever slept in. The outdoor shower was the perfect way to relax after a day on the trails. Very private and sitting on the front deck watching the sunsets over the mountains will be memorable. We will surely be back when in Joseph. Thanx Grady Sr and Kathleen. So great meeting you both. Shelly and Shelley

C

Cecilia

September 2025

16 ft car

I’ve loved to camp in High Roads Cabin. The camping spot was very comfortable, clean bathroom and I loved the fact that it was literally surrounded by the forest.

L

Lindsay

August 2025

19 ft campervan

Really nice spot for van camping for the night while passing through. Very clear directions and responsive hosts. Only wish I could have stayed longer. Thank you!!

S

Steve

August 2025

With pets

3 nights at Glamp at the Evans Farm

The tent was very clean and full of amenities / nice surprises. The view is beautiful

Mary

August 2025

20 ft Class B

With pets

Private and quiet this is a wonderful place to enjoy the pine forest and the night sky. Off leash pups had a great time checking things out. The directions were accurate. The turn into the property is marked with a wood frame as stated. The road into the property is posted with no trespassing signs until you reach the gate. A nice variety of leveling supports are available if you need them and the pit toilet is “one to write home about”: clean, comfortable, and inside a well constructed building. Solar lights are strategically placed to help you find your way at night. Thanks for a lovely stay!

C

Chris

August 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Great wooded site and lighted path to toilet! Great directions and host information!

Polly

August 2025

16 ft car

Beautiful property! Not to far off the interstate but feels like a world away. I loved the chipmunks.

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Beautiful and remote, loved the eclectic materials used for the cabins! Our host sent excellent instructions, and was very responsive. There were several thoughtful accommodations around the site. Would absolutely visit again!

A

Angelo

July 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Great spot. Just what we wanted. Thank you Mark for a nice visit.

J

Jessie May

July 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at Mill Creek Farm/Park

It was a lovely and calm place to park for a night. And very safe. My only feedback for the hosts would be to clear a path to the water. My legs got pretty scratched up getting down there, but it was absolutely worth it to sit by the lovely creek for a bit in the morning.

C

Courtney

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The High Road Cabins N camping

The host and quiet were awesome. It was a nice stay

K

Kent

July 2025

18 ft campervan

Group trip

1 night at Mill Creek Farm/Park

Nice rural farm camp. Lots of nettles, but no high grass in the meadow when I was there. The real treat of this spot is the creek, perfect to hang out in on a hot day, I didn’t want to leave. Didn’t see anyone else. Irrigation pipes mentioned in other reviews are on the right side of the meadow when you enter through the tree gap. The left side was fully clear. Park next to the trees for shade.

Margarett

June 2025

10 ft travel trailer