The best camping in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, OR

Spread out over around 2.4 million acres, Wallowa Whitman National Forest is Oregon's largest national forest and among the largest in the lower 48. It covers much of northeastern Oregon as well as a section of Idaho, and nearly a quarter of its land is designated wilderness. The scenery is fantastic, with alpine lakes, craggy mountains, and seemingly infinite stretches of high desert. Some of the most popular attractions include the massive Eagle Cap Wilderness, a favorite among fans of remote backpacking, and Hells Canyon—the deepest river gorge in North America—which runs along the Snake River on the Oregon-Idaho border.

• Best for active families: Anthony Lake Campground offers tent and RV sites, yurts, and a boat ramp in the heart of the Antony Lakes Recreation Area.
• Best for horses and their owners:  Two Pan Campground has four stock sites for campers who don’t want to leave their horses behind.
• Best for wilderness lovers: West Eagle Meadow Campground features meadow-side camping in the remote Eagle Cap Wilderness.

1. Make your plans six months in advance. Campsites, cabins, yurts, and many other facilities open up for reservations at 7am Pacific Time, six months in advance. You can make reservations by calling the US Forest Service or using their online reservation system.
2. Many of the campsites in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re after one of these spots, try to come before the weekend to secure your spot.
3. Look for alternative, privately run campgrounds. If you’re having a hard time securing a Forest Service campsite, look into booking with private landowners in the area.

Temperatures tend to be more extreme here than in western Oregon, with cold winters that often drop below freezing and hot summers. Higher altitudes tend to get a good amount of snow, which makes the forest a popular winter recreation area, but if you're here to camp, you'll find the most pleasant temperatures between June and September. While June can get a fair bit of rain, the later summer months tend to stay dry.

• This forest encompasses some of the most remote spots in Oregon, and cell service is limited. Be sure to stock up on supplies, download maps for offline use, and have plenty of fuel in your car before heading out.
• You can stock up on groceries and supplies in the towns of Baker City, La Grande, and Joseph. These spots also have ranger district offices.
• Many forest campgrounds offer accessible campsites and restroom facilities, and the northside Powder River Interpretive Trail in the Powder River Recreation Area is paved and wheelchair-accessible.