The best campgrounds near Joseph, Oregon with horseback riding

The small city of Joseph sits in the northeast corner of Oregon, nestled in the foothills of the Wallowa Mountains. Joseph is home to Wallowa Lake State Park, which makes a lovely destination for alpine waterfront camping. Wallowa Lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, giving it an appealingly isolated feel. It's also a great spot for wildlife watching, as bears, bobcats, and elk all roam this area. Coming to Joseph via RV? The lake campground features an RV park with 121 full-hookup sites and 89 tent camping sites. You can also post up at the Mountain View Motel & RV Park. It's just about 5 minutes north of town, straight up OR-82. The charming motel rooms have excellent views of the Wallowa Mountains. For the best view in the area, take the Wallowa Lake Tramway. This gondola takes you 8,000 feet from the Wallowa Valley to the peak of Mount Howard. It's the steepest tram ride anywhere on the whole continent! Once you hop off, you'll be treated to a breathtaking overlook of the 360,000-acre Eagle Cap Wilderness.

97% (194)

Top-rated campgrounds

The small city of Joseph sits in the northeast corner of Oregon, nestled in the foothills of the Wallowa Mountains. Joseph is home to Wallowa Lake State Park, which makes a lovely destination for alpine waterfront camping. Wallowa Lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, giving it an appealingly isolated feel. It's also a great spot for wildlife watching, as bears, bobcats, and elk all roam this area. Coming to Joseph via RV? The lake campground features an RV park with 121 full-hookup sites and 89 tent camping sites. You can also post up at the Mountain View Motel & RV Park. It's just about 5 minutes north of town, straight up OR-82. The charming motel rooms have excellent views of the Wallowa Mountains. For the best view in the area, take the Wallowa Lake Tramway. This gondola takes you 8,000 feet from the Wallowa Valley to the peak of Mount Howard. It's the steepest tram ride anywhere on the whole continent! Once you hop off, you'll be treated to a breathtaking overlook of the 360,000-acre Eagle Cap Wilderness.

97% (194)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Overnight at the Oasis

95%

(71)

48mi from Joseph · 9 sites · RVs, Lodging · Anatone, WA

Boggan's Oasis is in the SE corner of Washington state, right on the breathtaking Grande Ronde River. Visitors can arrive by driving to the bottom of Rattlesnake Grade (WA-129), or the bottom of Buford Grade (OR-3). These two curvacious roads are extremely popular rides for motorcyclists and bicyclists nationally. Visitors may also arrive by water (rafts, driftboats, jetboats, kayaks, etc) coming downriver from Oregon, or upriver from the Snake River (WA/ID). Many other unpaved roads will lead guests to our canyon, which creates great opportunities for off-road vehicle adventures! The Grande Ronde River, which drains much of northeast Oregon's Union and Wallowa counties, is fed by snowpack in the Elkhorn Mountains. The Wallowa River, a major tributary to the Grande Ronde, headwaters in the Wallowa Mountains, mostly within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Twenty-two miles from Boggan's Oasis, the Grande Ronde River flows into the mighty Snake River. The river is surrounded by steep, rugged canyon walls that rise 3000 to 4000 feet above the river level. Dense conifer forests blend into grassy slopes set off by scattered conifer "stringers." Called "The Land of Winding Waters" by Native Americans, the river is home to rainbow trout, dolly varden, whitefish, squawfish, suckers, bass, and steelhead. Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, bear, bald eagles, and a variety of smaller animals and birds can be seen daily. And yes, there are rattlesnakes! Fishing, hunting, hiking, all kinds of boating/floating, offroad vehicle riding, and animal/bird watching are beyond expectations in this area. Seasonally, guests can also successfully gather a variety of mushrooms and berries while on one of the many nearby hiking trails. Many of these short walks also lead to incredible, far-reaching views of the Blue Mountains, Wenaha wildlife sanctuary, Hells Canyon, and the tri-state area. In the hotter summer months, the swimming hole below the Boggan's Bridge is a popular way to cool off. Boggan's Oasis also offers fishing trips, float trips, shuttles, and a FULL restaurant! Check our website for more info.

2. Glamp at the Evans Farm

97%

(45)

1.8mi from Joseph · 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.

3. Serenity on the River

99%

(101)

20mi from Joseph · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Imnaha, OR

Built in the 1940's by the late actor Eugene Pallette as a hideaway from Hollywood and a Refuge from looming world disaster after World War 2. There once was a cannery, a power plant a sawmill and a 5,000 sq' concrete warehouse built to withstand anything and house years of provisions. Many buildings are still standing and utilized. The past guest list included Cark Gable (Gone with The Wind) Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan and Errol Flynn and many more. Located on the shores of the Imnaha river we have 2 miles of accessible, private spots. There is a lot of wildlife here and there is no better place to "unwind" and regroup. Pitch your tent in total privacy along the shores of the River and then kick back and take in all the sights and sounds of Nature. Surrounded by canyons on all sides tucked away in a private Valley is 300+ acres of room to roam along the river. We have firewood and frozen bottles of water for coolers available for an extra charge And have added 3 outhouses. Potable water, picnic tables, and outhouses on site. Pets are welcome. Camp fires are permitted outside of a fire ban. Our guests love staying here: "Camping at the ranch was pure enjoyment. We did not see or hear anything but the rushing river and the surrounding woods. The stars at night we’re amazing and there was plenty to explore on the property and nearby."

4. Fluit Farms

94%

(8)

5.7mi from Joseph · 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!

5. Lemmie Camp

100%

(14)

7.2mi from Joseph · 1 site · Tent, RV · Enterprise, OR

15 Acre farm with views of the Wallowa Mountains, and the Seven Devils in Idaho. Only 2 miles from town, but secluded and quiet surrounded by bare land and hillsides. Easy access to all of the town amenities, with an out-of-town feel. Leave the busy sounds of traffic and tourism and enjoy your quiet serene space. Chance to see a variety of wildlife passing through. You are minutes from local restaurants, 13 miles from Wallowa Lake State Park & all that the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has to offer- trailheads for hiking, the lake for swimming or boating, and a bike or walking trail. Just outside of town you can head to the Minam River, or Snake River for fishing and recreation. 15 miles from the Zumwalt Prairie Nature Preserve where you can observe nature and agriculture.

Public campgrounds near Joseph

Hurricane Creek Campground

3.6mi from Joseph · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

100%

(9)

Wallowa Lake Campground

5.1mi from Joseph · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa Lake State Park

Walla Walla Forest Camp

8.7mi from Joseph · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

100%

(1)

Williamson Campground

8.9mi from Joseph · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Irondyke Forest Camp

8.9mi from Joseph · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Canyon Forest Campground

9mi from Joseph · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Turkey Flat Forest Camp

9.4mi from Joseph · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Arrow Forest Camp

9.7mi from Joseph · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Shady Campground

9.9mi from Joseph · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

100%

(2)

Two Pan Campground

10mi from Joseph · 5 sites · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Lick Creek Campground

16mi from Joseph · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Boundary Campground

18mi from Joseph · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Stories from the community

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.

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

A

Andy

September 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Serenity on the River

This place exceeded our expectations. The site was very private with expansive access to the river, which is gorgeous. You are really 'away' here, the hosts are available for help but our site was about .5 mi from their house. Amazing place to unplug and unwind. Michelle & Larry were friendly and available to help with water, ice, and questions. There's an old hiking trail you can access - we saw plenty of recent bear evidence! (Be aware there are large Idaho Power lines running through that can be noisy at times.)

Putting down roots with a tree growing out of an old foundation.

Michael

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Serenity on the River

Absolutely heaven! Just got home from an amazing Labor Day weekend at this amazing property. Beautiful wide open space with no other campers on top of us or even within ear shot. So peaceful and quiet, exactly what we needed for the weekend. I could’ve stayed forever. Michelle and Larry are awesome hosts. The communication from Michelle leading up to the trip with perfect directions and a reassurance of our decision to stay there was awesome. Then to be greeted by her wonderful smile and the ever so friendly and welcoming Larry! Larry guided us right to our spot. Gave us a great lay of the land, a brief history lesson and some helpful tips. Super amazing people. I’m excited to get back and visit them soon. Oh and to have a vault toilet was a plus in my wife’s eyes. Thanks Larry and Michelle! See you soon.

M

Meredith

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Serenity on the River

Tent platform spot by the river was delightful for a peaceful getaway!

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

Overview of camp with its new “upgrades”

Now has a rustic privacy fence on the sides that face the owner residence.

Includes a fire pit

A

April

August 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Lemmie Camp

The view was amazing. Even though the residence was nearby, it was down the hill from where we were and so our spot felt private. Was such a great location for exploring Enterprise, Joseph, and Wallowa Lake. We had a wonderful time!

amy

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Serenity on the River

Communication was on point, Michelle was wonderful and gave me a good recommendation as I was on a roadtrip. She was very understanding and caring. Larry met me at the gate and was knowledgeable about the property and very helpful with questions. They are a lovely couple with a beautiful property. I am a backpacker and it felt like I was backpacking because of how remote it felt. The drive out was also beautiful. I had no issues finding the property with the directions provided. Thanks you both for the healing stay on your gorgeous land.

B

Brittany

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Serenity on the River

Michelle & Larry are all stars! My friend and I ended up having tire troubles on the drive in and they were beyond helpful…patching the tire, filling with air, etc. Their land is also spectacular. The sites are spacious with gorgeous views of the river! Book now, you won’t regret it!

J

Joy

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Serenity on the River

Amazing! Privacy, views, wildlife, great riverside site. Don't forget to look up on that clear night ;) Plan on taking your time getting there, it's a long and winding road with a nice bumpy finish, but sooo worth it!

J

Janet

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Overnight at the Oasis

Nice and clean. AC works well and it was quite hot. The emu was fun. If youbarrive after dark, habe a flashlight to navigate the stairs. The solar lights are fun but they arent on tue stairs. Restaurant may close early.

J

Jennifer

July 2025

34 ft fifth wheel

With pets

2 nights at Lemmie Camp

Our host was incredibly responsive and accommodating—quick to answer any questions and made sure we had everything we needed. The site was peaceful and remote, giving us that off-the-grid feeling, yet still conveniently close to nearby activities. Super quiet at night, perfect for stargazing and relaxing. Would definitely stay again!

F

Floortje

July 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Serenity on the River

We had an amazing time at this beautiful campground right alongside the river! Definitely recommend.

T

Tracy

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Serenity on the River

The spot on the river was super private and beautiful. Lying in the hammock by the river was idyllic!! I wish there had been a picnic table for cooking.

S

Sarah

July 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lemmie Camp

Very quiet, stellar views of the mountains, and coyotes yipping.

A

Andy

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Serenity on the River

Really sweet campsite by the river with plenty of space for ourselves. Felt very private and serene :) Larry shared some of the storied history of his ranch after taking us down to the site. Pretty rustic overall for the price, but it had what we needed. Would be good for a big group if you’re worried about the campgrounds nearby filling up. I’d like to come back in a tougher vehicle and drive up to Imnaha.

M

Mariel

July 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Serenity on the River

This place is truly heaven on Earth. The owners are incredibly sweet and attentive, always checking in to make sure we were doing okay. The natural beauty is unbelievable—tons of wildlife, a breathtaking river, and so many trails and hidden spots to explore! My dog Sebastian had the time of his life. As a cow and horse lover, I was in awe—the owners have cattle and horses on the property, and they’re absolutely gorgeous. I loved every single piece of it. It’s super private, incredibly peaceful, and completely removed from the noise of everyday life. Honestly, I would pay anything to live here. Can’t recommend it enough!

M

Michelle

July 2025

23 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lemmie Camp

This site has a great view, is quiet, and just far enough from town that you get the best of both worlds. We were able to use our camper, and kids were able to set up their tents.

J

Joe

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Overnight at the Oasis

The hosts (tia) were terrific. Enjoyed the hospitality that went above and beyond. Tia assisted with extra gas as my fuel line had leaked. Above and beyond right in the middle of big horn country

M

Michael

June 2025

1 night at Overnight at the Oasis

I rode my bicycle into the canyon and stayed in a cabin. The cabin was rustic and comfortable. The hosts are amazingly accommodating! I highly recommend the Oasis!