Emigrant Campground
02 reviews265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738
Emigrant Campground
$4.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
Overnight use fees are $8 per single site per night, and $4 per additional vehicle per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees, applicable only to the site occupied by the pass holder. Payments must be made by cash or check.
About this campground
Tucked away in a serene pocket of ponderosa pines, Emigrant Campground offers a rare slice of solitude that feels like your own private wilderness retreat. This hidden gem draws those seeking peaceful mornings with coffee beside the gentle babble of Emigrant Creek, where native trout dart through crystal-clear pools. Just a scenic drive away, the historic Snow Mountain Fire Lookout rewards adventurers with sweeping 360-degree vistas that stretch across the rugged landscape. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or stargazing through the pine canopy at night, Emigrant provides the perfect basecamp for those who prefer their nature experiences off the beaten path.
Emigrant Campground offers 7 sites suitable for tent camping and small camp trailers up to 20 feet in length.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this tranquil spot remains quietly tucked away like the campground itself, the land speaks its own timeless story through ancient ponderosa pines and the enduring flow of Emigrant Creek.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of mountain seasons at Emigrant, where summer days bring warm sunshine filtering through the pines while crisp nights remind you of the elevation. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures that can plunge well below freezing – perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of a frozen creek and frost-kissed mornings. The typically dry climate means more clear days for outdoor adventures, though winter visitors should come prepared for significant snowfall that blankets the forest in pristine white.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their vanilla-scented bark and towering presence providing both shade and shelter throughout the campground. Emigrant Creek winds alongside the sites, its clear waters creating a soothing soundtrack and supporting a healthy population of native trout. Venture beyond your campsite to discover pocket meadows that burst with wildflowers in season, where morning visitors might spot grazing deer stepping delicately through the dew. The interplay of forest, water, and meadow creates an ever-changing canvas of mountain beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Malheur National Forest, Emigrant Campground sits in a landscape shaped by volcanic forces and carved by water over millennia. The surrounding terrain showcases the characteristic beauty of Oregon's Blue Mountain region, where ponderosa pine forests dominate the mid-elevations and alpine meadows punctuate the higher reaches. Emigrant Creek has patiently carved its course through this ancient volcanic landscape, creating the gentle valley that now cradles this peaceful campground.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampground can accommodate camp trailers up to 20 feet in length. No explicit mention of additional accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 7 sites. Space for camp trailers is limited to 20 feet in length.
Sites PrivacySites provide a quiet and secluded experience surrounded by ponderosa pines.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIdeal for visitors seeking solitude and fishing opportunities; proximity to Snow Mountain makes it suitable for panoramic sightseeing.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
No group site accommodations available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with 7 sites located near Emigrant Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonTemporarily closed as of status update.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made through official forest service platforms; further details not provided.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may offer walk-up availability; specifics not detailed.
Cancellation PolicyReservation fees apply; further cancellation rules not specified.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities include trout fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby scenic locations such as Snow Mountain Fire Lookout.
Fishing
The campground is located along Emigrant Creek, providing convenient trout fishing opportunities.Wildlife viewing
User reviews highlight deer sightings and the serene environment as key wildlife-viewing aspects.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities noted.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Specific rules regarding campfires not detailed.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water availability noted; visitors must carry their own water. Restrooms are available but no trash service is provided. Potential wildlife encounters (e.g., deer).
Active alertsTemporarily closed status.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
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
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emigrant Creek Ranger District, 265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738; Phone: (541) 573-4300; Closest hospital is in Burns, OR.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingVisitors must adhere to a strict pack-it-in/pack-it-out policy, taking all trash home, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Emigrant Creek; offers trout fishing.
Common complaintsAbsence of potable water and trash services as noted by users.
HostNo information on hosts provided.
Campground Map
265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738
Driving directionsFrom the town of Burns, OR, travel west on US Highway 20 to the junction with County Road 127. Follow County Road 127 approximately 23 miles to the junction with Forest Road 43. Follow Forest Road 43 approximately 9.9 miles to the junction with Forest Road 4340. Follow Forest Road 4340 approximately 0.3 miles to the campground.
Accessible from paved highways until County Road 127, later transitioning to unpaved forest roads (Forest Road 43 and Forest Road 4340). Roads are navigable with caution but may require attention due to seasonal weather conditions.Nearby places
Burns, OR: approximately 33.2 miles, 45 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely found in Burns, OR, approximately 33 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Emigrant Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the quiet and serene environment, the shaded sites under ponderosa pines, and the trout fishing opportunities. Vault toilets are noted for their cleanliness, and the lack of potable water is a common observation.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Lovely Ponderosa pines surrounding an alpine meadow with a small creek." "The vault toilet was blessedly hygienic."
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No potable water or trash service on-site. Visitors must pack in/pack out all trash.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water and trash bags. Prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"USFS review is spot on. Lovely Ponderosa pines surrounding an alpine meadow with a small creek." "Vault toilet was blessedly hygienic."
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or reviews mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features limited to accommodating camp trailers up to 20 feet in length.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user feedback specifically addressing pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025