- Chief Joseph Wildlife Area
The best camping in Chief Joseph Wildlife Area, WA
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Chief Joseph Wildlife Area
Overnight at the Oasis
Overnight at the Oasis
95%
(76)
11mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$38
/ night
Triple H Mini Ranch
Triple H Mini Ranch
100%
(11)
25mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Park like setting, in town mini ranch on 3 acres, with pastures, trees, and gardens. We have horses, chickens, goats and ducks to keep you company while you explore the grounds, with several benches to sit and relax. Our property is fenced and gated, therefore private and secure.
We are close to the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, with world class steel head fishing. Within 30 minutes you can be exploring the Waha or Blues Mountains.
We are 40 minutes from Moscow ID and Pullman WA.
We have room for you to park your campers and/or boats. If you’re here for the rodeo, you can board your horse here along with you.
Small groups are welcome. We have a large covered area for group eating and gatherings.
Glamping groups are welcome too!
We are on the southeast corner of the Lewiston Orchards area, just up from the Rodeo grounds.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
McGovern Residence
McGovern Residence
100%
(122)
39mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
The McGovern Residence is a magical little world we've created at the base of the Blue Mountains. We're about an hour South of Palouse Falls, an hour East of Walla Walla wine country, and about an hour West of Lewiston/Clarkston. The property consists of 28 acres on the Tucannon River with mature Ponderosa Pines, wildflowers, curated gardens, hiking trails, incredible valley views, and direct access to 1.4 million acres of public land. Multiple stocked lakes are accessible for fishing just a few miles up the road.
Close to the river, The Flat can accommodate up to 2 tents and 4 people. The main campsite includes a hammock, picnic table, fire ring with benches, and parking for up to 2 cars. Immediately off the parking area is a secondary site with another picnic table and fire ring for those camping directly out of their vehicle. Campers have a faucet for fresh potable water and an outhouse for 24/7 bathroom needs. A short path from either campsite leads to a small river clearing for cooling off and lazy afternoons by the water. The Flat is the only site that we offer and we keep the group size low to ensure a peaceful and relaxing experience for everyone. We allow tents, cars, and smaller camper vans, but unfortunately cannot accommodate trailers or RV's.
The main property is a pocket of green with mature cottonwood, ponderosa pines, choke cherry and elder scrub. Our property borders the Wooten Wildlife area which leads into the Umatilla National Forest - so that's 1.4 million acres of public lands directly to our South. Just down the road are
some really great hiking trails and access points to the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, or if you prefer to stay close, our property gains 1000' from river to property line. An afternoon trek to the top is challenging but provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Tucannon River valley. Pack some beer and some snacks and hang out for a wicked sunset. We're working hard on our hiking trail - currently it's 3/4 mile (1.5 mile round trip), and growing in length by the week.
During your stay you'll probably see some wild turkey, quail, and some white tailed or mule deer. The area is known to have cougars (we run into them occasionally) bighorn sheep, rattlesnake, black bears, bobcats, and even the occasional moose! There's no shortage of wildlife in the area, and we enjoy when they visit us. Be on the lookout at dusk for the nightly bat show! We also have a flock of chickens that free-range during the day, so don't be surprised to get a visitor or two poking around for scraps.
Our property is rural, but not isolated. Depending on where you stake your tent you might see some neighbors, but we can direct you to the right spot
if you want to avoid it.
The towns of Dayton and Pomeroy are both about 20 minutes away. Both have their own charm and offer a grocery store, a couple bars, gas, and supplies. There's an RV park and general store about a mile up the road if you need some quick essentials or a few gallons of gas.
At the center of the property is a log cabin we're slowly renovating. We live here full time so when we're home we're out and about working on projects
or clearing brush. You'll see us wandering, so interact with us as much as you want or just do your thing.
This is our home and we like to host, but it's not necessary. On that note, this is not a 'campground'. We have a beautiful property with a campsite and like to share it! We hope you enjoy yourself while also respecting our home :)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Lemmie Camp
Lemmie Camp
100%
(14)
42mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$75
/ night
Glamp at the Evans Farm
Glamp at the Evans Farm
97%
(45)
46mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$75
/ night
Convenient Palouse Paradise
Convenient Palouse Paradise
97%
(30)
48mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 1 site · Tent, RV
A quiet, scenic, and convenient location just a couple minutes from Moscow. We live on 1 acre surrounded by farmland just outside town. The views and sunsets are amazing, and it's very quiet for being so close to town. We are a family of four with a dog, barn cats, and free range chickens. We enjoy providing a convenient and tidy location for travelers to stay, and can provide as much assistance as needed while giving you as much privacy as possible. It is 4 minute drive to the UofI campus and 17 minutes to the WSU campus from the site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Triple Tree Ranch
Triple Tree Ranch
100%
(13)
48mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Dry RV parking in our Horse Pasture with a view our the valley of the South Fork of the Palouse River all the way to the Blue Mountain and the other way is Paradise Ridge covered with trees. The Fence line is large pine trees. There is room for 4 to 5 campers great spot to have a family gathering going to a football game. You can call it tailgating walking distance to the Kibby Dome through the University of Idaho Arboretum. You can feed the horse 🐎 and the mule and feed the chickens pop corn. This spot has been used as a wedding venue With a flatbed trailer For the wedding party to be on and BALES of hay for friends and family to sit on. Lots of car parking.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
AirField Estates
AirField Estates
94%
(33)
48mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 30 sites · Tents, RVs
One tent or one camper per reservation. Multiples need to make thier own reservation, We are a century old farm, the 4th generation of Nelson farmers and working on the 5th! 360 degree view of the Palouse farm ground with beautiful mountains in the background. enjoy the fire pit on the back or the covered front porch. Call for information to fly into our private air strip!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Edwards Acres Ranch
Edwards Acres Ranch
40mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 6 sites · Tents
Quiet remote property. This area is the hunters dream in the fall.
Beautiful sunset views, especially at the top.
There is tent camping on the lower 15 acres, Rv and camper space for dry camping at the top.
We are an operating Ranch, in close by fields there are Highland cows, Horses and Angus cows.
We are Edwards Acres Ranch on Google. We do family farm visits. Miss Poppy being our highlight Highland cows for loving on. Also a great location for photography. People come out to take family photos with the views and the livestock.
Pets
from
$18
/ night
AssCrackOutfitters
AssCrackOutfitters
42mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 1 site · RV
Quite property located on the Clearwater Canyon with fantastic views of the Clearwater River and unbelievable sunsets
Water, Electric, WiFi / Septic will be available soon.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$60
/ night
Big Canyon Ranch Retreat
Big Canyon Ranch Retreat
43mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 1 site · Lodging
Come out to the ranch and escape to the beauty of Wallowa County. This is the perfect jumping off point for hiking, fishing, dipping into Wallowa Lake or just a place to relax, unwind and unplug. We have the camper all set for you, with a spacious bathroom within walking distance.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$95
/ night
Sundown RV Park
Sundown RV Park
100%
(3)
43mi from Chief Joseph Wildlife Area · 10 sites · RVs
Welcome to Sundown RV Park and Campground, conveniently located right in the town of Grangeville. We are within walking distance of restaurants, grocery store/deli, Family Dollar Store, a department store, hospital and churches. Although a small town, Grangeville is by far the largest within an hour and a half, and has many more amenities than the smaller towns in the area. Most cell phones can get reception in Grangeville, and we have free WIFI.
As new owners we knew this little park needed some TLC and improvements so we got to work. So far we have added new gravel, signs, electrical meters, and 4 retaining walls, flower planters, and have worked hard to clean and spruce up the property.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Austin
2 weeks ago
24 ft campervan
With pets
This was a good spot for the night. We were car camping and got in late. Fairly quiet with some street noise and trains.
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J
Jared
November 2025
With pets
Cabin was great, Clean, Cozy, and inviting. I do wish they provided a better bbq or cookware, but we had a feeling so came prepared. The host was awesome and did everything she could to make sure we were comfortable. It was a really nice stay!
Bogans should carry bait for steelhead as well ;)
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A
Alan
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Overnight at the Oasis
Great setup. Warm clean bunks, hot food, shuttles....everything you need. Wonderful people, too!
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Robert
November 2025
3 nights at Overnight at the Oasis
Louis and Tia were awesome hosts and the cabin (I was switched to cabin 3) was perfect for what I needed. I was out for a trip to fish the Grande Ronde for fall steelhead. There was plenty of easy access even when towing a trailer/raft to get around to the front of the cabin, as well as "raft parking" where I could leave my rig since it had a trailer. The property is well kept and has a fun vibe. The cabin was cozy and had three beds (two singles and a double). I'd say bring some silverware, cups, kitchenware, etc., if you plan to cook or make coffee. I planned on doing some camp-cooking on the front porch so had those supplies anyways, otherwise the restaurant has everything you'd need.
The restaurant was awesome and the crew there was VERY accommodating even when I rolled in five minutes prior to closing to get a burger. In general the vibe is super chill and the folks are super nice.
Would I recommend this place to others and will I be back? You can bet on it. Thanks for a great weekend Louis and Tia!
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J
Janelle
November 2025
36 ft Class A
With pets
Middle of small town Idaho. Gas station and restaurants within walking distance.
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jill
November 2025
26 ft travel trailer
With pets
Mr. Doug was a sweet man.
Got his skitsdeer to help us get our spot prepared.
And had grace for us when we couldn't get checked out in time because we were waiting an hour for our lunch in town.
Also offered us firewood if we wanted a campfire.
We will be back!!!'
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Jessica
November 2025
25 ft campervan
With kids
Great location with beautiful views and friendly host!
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S
Samantha
November 2025
26 ft travel trailer
With pets
Doug was very friendly and accommodating making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed from before arrival to the entire time we were there.
I would recommend to anyone!
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J
Jennifer
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Nice spot very close to campus. We walked through the Arboretum to the UofI Kibbie Dome for game day. Evenings were quiet and we felt comfortable and safe camped under the trees. Thank you, Doug for a very nice stay!
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H
Heather
October 2025
17 ft travel trailer
We brought our travel trailer for parents weekend. Super convenient to WSU. The hosts were very kind and accommodating.
See moreW
Wayne
October 2025
32 ft Class C
With pets
Great location close to campus. Nice level spots. Handy shuttle service to/from campus.
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W
Wendy
October 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Beautiful view - even when it was not the best weather. Very close to U of Idaho and not far from Pullman. Very quiet and private.
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J
Joan
October 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Nice views, quiet, several horses to watch and a brief walk to the botanical garden next door .
See moreS
Scott
September 2025
22 ft campervan
Awesome sunrise and sunsets! Nice quiet place near Moscow ID. Loved watching the chickens run around, if you stay here definitely get the eggs!!
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Teri
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
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.
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J
Janet
September 2025
17 ft travel trailer
Doug was a great host! Met us at his place and showed us the best place to have level ground and great views. We had a quiet stay and enjoyed seeing stars.
See moreR
Romy
September 2025
30 ft Class C
New site, nice hosts, would recommend staying here. Space was nicely kept
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R
Ryan
September 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a great trip. Only minutes from the University of Idaho, the space was level and roomy and the hosts were friendly and helpful. We already have our next reservation locked in for October.
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Carol
September 2025
25 ft Class C
Wonderful quiet space for a few nights. Visiting family in Pullman before as busy weekend so it was lovely to have a quiet space. Bonus 120w electrical!
Botanical garden nextdoor was a great place for a stroll. Saw a moose there!!
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K
Kelli
September 2025
Tent
What a spot! We loved camping on Kathleen and Grady’s land right next to the river. It was so peaceful, beautiful views, and just what we were looking for after a few days of backpacking in the Eagle Cap. We will definitely be back!
See moreThe best camping in Chief Joseph Wildlife Area, WA guide
Overview
About
Ignite your wanderlust with a Chief Joseph Wildlife Recreation Area camping expedition. Nestled amidst undulating hills, camping near this location offers you unparalleled access to a wild and rugged landscape. As the sun ascends over the rolling landscape, start your day with a scenic hike along the trails, followed by a leisurely fishing session in the teeming rivers. The unique combination of stunning vistas, wildlife spotting, and tranquil moments around a crackling campfire, ensures a memorable Chief Joseph Wildlife Recreation Area camping experience. Nightfall welcomes a choir of nocturnal sounds, echoing under the star-studded sky, to conclude your day in this unrivaled natural setting. A visit here epitomizes the finest in outdoor adventures, perfect for families, friends, and solo travelers.
When to go
The ideal time to visit Chief Joseph Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for picnics and wildlife spotting, while winter can be challenging with colder temperatures and limited access.
Know before you go
- Ensure to keep pets on a leash to protect the area's wildlife and for their safety.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly.
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and exploring the diverse terrain.
- Remember to carry out all trash and leave the park as pristine as you found it.
- Be aware of park hours and plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.
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