Saddle Creek Campground
4.006 reviewsSaddle Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee for walk-in tent sites is $10, according to user reviews. Payment is cash or check only.
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About this campground
Perched dramatically on the rim of North America's deepest river gorge, Saddle Creek Campground offers an intimate wilderness experience unlike any other. This secluded retreat features seven walk-in tent sites that place you at the edge of the magnificent Hells Canyon, where sweeping vistas of Idaho's Seven Devils Mountains paint the horizon. Accessible via the scenic Hat Point Road, this remote sanctuary bears the marks of nature's raw power—past wildfires have sculpted an open landscape where pioneer vegetation thrives amid the remnants of ancient forests, creating an otherworldly camping experience for those seeking solitude and spectacular views.
Saddle Creek Campground primarily caters to tent campers with its 7 walk-in sites. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the challenging access road.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Saddle Creek into a crystalline wonderland, with weekly snowfalls averaging 5.2 inches blanketing the canyon rim. January temperatures often plunge to a brisk 13.8°F, creating a frosty landscape best suited for well-prepared cold-weather adventurers. As winter retreats, the high-elevation setting moderates summer's heat, offering refreshingly cool evenings under star-filled skies. Moderate winds sweep across the exposed rim year-round, carrying the scent of sagebrush and wildflowers, while the relatively dry climate means more days to explore this dramatic landscape.
ElevationAt its lofty perch high above the Snake River, Saddle Creek Campground commands a spectacular vantage point that brings refreshingly cool mountain air even during summer months. The elevated position creates an ever-changing atmospheric theater—morning mists rise from the canyon depths while afternoon breezes carry the crisp essence of high-country wilderness. This natural air conditioning, combined with panoramic views, makes the campground a coveted escape from lower elevation heat.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your tent door at Saddle Creek, the legendary Seven Devils Mountains rise like ancient sentinels across the chasm of Hells Canyon, their jagged peaks catching alpenglow at sunrise and sunset. The landscape tells a story of resilience—where wildfires once raged, carpets of vibrant wildflowers now bloom among silver snags and sun-bleached logs, creating a hauntingly beautiful mosaic. A hidden pond reflects the changing sky, offering a peaceful spot for contemplation, while the open terrain grants unobstructed views that stretch for miles across this geological masterpiece.
Geological RegionSaddle Creek sits atop the spectacular rim of Hells Canyon, where eons of the Snake River's relentless carving have created the deepest river gorge in North America. Within the boundaries of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, this dramatic landscape showcases nature's extremes—sheer canyon walls plunge thousands of feet to the river below, while the rim offers a front-row seat to this geological amphitheater. The terrain bears witness to the area's dynamic history, where fire and time have created a rugged, open landscape that reveals the canyon's grandeur in every direction.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground comprises 7 walk-in tent-only sites. Specific dimensions of the sites are not provided.
Sites PrivacyNo direct information about privacy levels of the campsites is provided, but the campground is small and remote, suggesting a more secluded experience.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites that maximize views of Hells Canyon and the Seven Devils Mountains.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group sites are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSeven walk-in tent sites are spread across a small area, providing minimal shade and sparse tree coverage due to past wildfires.
Walk-in AvailabilitySaddle Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews suggest minimal crowds, especially during off-peak months like late September.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not allowed; therefore no cancellation policy applies.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Saddle Creek Campground offers minimal activities directly on site, but its location provides access to stunning views of Hells Canyon and the Seven Devils Mountains, as well as opportunities for nearby exploration.
Wildlife viewing
User reviews note the presence of wildflowers and a diverse natural environment. Specific wildlife sightings are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsSteep and narrow gravel roads leading to the campground may pose challenges for visitors. The area has been affected by wildfires, making shade scarce. High winds have also been noted.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned. Campers should prepare to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresA small pond is located near the campground.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Enterprise, Oregon travel south 6 miles on Highway 82 towards Joseph; In Joseph turn left on Highway 350 and go 30 miles to Imnaha, Oregon; In Imnaha travel about 18 miles on Forest Road 2640 (Hat Point Road) to the campground entrance on the right side of the road. Advisory: Forest Road 2640 is very steep, narrow winding gravel road. Low clearance vehicles, RVs, and vehicles pulling trailers are advised to use caution when traveling the lower sections of this road. The road can also be slippery when wet or frozen and is not recommended for trailers in the late fall and winter.
Access to Saddle Creek Campground is challenging due to the steep and narrow gravel road conditions on Forest Road 2640. The road can become slippery when wet or frozen, and RVs, low-clearance vehicles, and trailers are discouraged, particularly in late fall and winter.Camper Reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Saddle Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's stunning views, remote location, and minimalist amenities. Some reviewers appreciated the solitude and found the $10 fee reasonable for the experience. The steep and narrow access road received frequent mentions as a challenge.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors frequently praised the 'jaw-dropping views,' the peacefulness of the area, and the availability of basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. One reviewer described the sunrise as...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The steep and narrow access road was a common concern, especially for low-clearance vehicles and trailers. Another noted the lack of shade and mature trees due to wildfire damage. A reviewer...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water, drive carefully on the steep and narrow road, and prepare for windy conditions. Bringing sufficient lighting was also recommended.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Late September appears to be a quieter time for visitors, with one reviewer noting 'almost nobody on a Sunday night.' Windy conditions and high elevation were mentioned as considerations for camping...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Phenomenal sunrise. Not sure if I got lucky or if it's often this good.' 2. 'Drive carefully. Very steep and narrow.' 3. 'Jaw-dropping views from the campground; five sites.' 4. 'A hidden oasis...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews or site-by-site details are available in the source.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025