Mud Lake Campground
4.2716 reviews47500 ANTHONY LAKES HWY, NORTH POWDER, OR 97867, USA
Mud Lake Campground
$16.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$32.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Payment in full is required upon reservation completion. A $10 non-refundable reservation fee is applied online. Discounts apply for National Parks Pass holders (50% off). Late cancellations forfeit the first night's recreation fee and incur a $10 cancellation fee.
About this campground
Nestled in the shadow of the Anthony Lake Ski Area, Mud Lake Campground offers an intimate mountain escape where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral around just seven campsites. At 7,100 feet elevation, this hidden gem provides six electric hookup sites and one traditional tent site, perfect for those seeking a quieter alternative to busier campgrounds while still enjoying modern conveniences.
Mud Lake Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, offering sites suitable for tent and RV camping, as well as a group camping option that reserves the entire campground.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Mud Lake places you along the legendary Elkhorn Scenic Byway, a 106-mile journey through time where forgotten ghost towns whisper stories of Oregon's mining past. This historic route winds through a landscape dotted with pristine lakes and rushing rivers, connecting modern adventurers with the pioneers who first explored these rugged mountains.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Mud Lake brings a symphony of mountain weather that keeps visitors reaching for both sunscreen and warm layers. Crisp mornings can surprise you with temperatures dipping into the mid-20s, making that first cup of coffee extra special, before the afternoon sun warms the forest to a comfortable mid-60s. Pack your rain gear and bug spray—mountain showers and mosquitoes are part of the authentic wilderness experience here.
ElevationPerched at 7,100 feet above sea level, Mud Lake Campground offers a true high-country experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and mountain vistas stretch endlessly before you. This elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer months and frames spectacular views that make every sunrise worth the early wake-up call.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine wilderness where ancient pines and firs stand sentinel around crystalline Mud Lake, their reflections creating a perfect mirror of Gunsight Peak's dramatic silhouette. The Elkhorn Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife watching—keep your camera ready for majestic elk grazing in meadows and bald eagles soaring overhead. Every direction offers a postcard-worthy view in this photographer's paradise.
Geological RegionSet within the diverse landscapes of the Southern Elkhorn Mountains and Powder River Basin, this corner of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest showcases nature's architectural mastery. Gunsight Peak dominates the skyline, its distinctive profile carved by ancient glaciers, while Mud Lake reflects the surrounding peaks like a jewel set among the evergreens. This geological wonderland tells the story of volcanic activity and glacial sculpting that created one of Oregon's most scenic mountain regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets. The nearby Anthony Lake area has an accessible boat ramp.
Sites SizeSites tend to be on the smaller side, with some reviews noting difficulty accommodating larger setups, especially tents or RVs. For example, Thomas F mentioned, 'Site 6 listed as tent site, but it was poorly planned and not a flat area.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at the campsites varies. Some users, like Ron M, found that the sites were too close together during peak times, while others like Mindy M noted, 'The negatives were that we were very close to our neighbors so privacy came only in our trailer.'
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 6 is noted for electricity and cleanliness but is swampy. Sites 3 and 7 are recommended for their peacefulness and proximity to amenities.
Best CampsitesSites 6 and 7 receive positive mentions for being scenic and clean. Site 3 is highlighted for its proximity to trails and access to Anthony Lakes.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified
Groups
The group site encompasses the entire campground and is reserved as one unit via Recreation.gov. ANCA P notes, 'Finally, contrary to some reviews, this is not a group site with a few FF sites. The whole campground is the group site.'
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes six standard electric sites and one non-electric site. Sites are laid out around the perimeter and offer minimal privacy between neighbors.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen between June 1 and September 30 (peak season).
Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability neglected during peak season due to pre-reservation dominance. Many reserved sites remain unused according to user feedback.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight the day prior to check-in) forfeit the first night's use fee and incur an additional $10 fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Mud Lake Campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities centered around the nearby Anthony Lake area. Campers can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The Elkhorn Crest Trail offers extensive hiking opportunities, while the Anthony Lake Ski Area provides mountain biking trails. The area also offers picturesque scenery and a chance to spot wildlife such as elk and bald eagles.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with trails including the 22.6-mile Elkhorn Crest Trail and the 1-mile Black Lake Trail, which support hiking and horseback riding. The 1-mile Shoreline Trail is available for hiking only. User Peter R mentions, 'Quick walk across the street to Anthony Lakes proper and access to all the trails and activities you could want.'Fishing
Fishing at the nearby Anthony Lake is a popular activity, with opportunities to catch trout. Mindy M shares, 'Anthony lake was beautiful! ... We saw a ton of fish, didn’t catch any though.'Biking
The campground is near over 8 miles of single-track mountain bike trails, along with a downhill flow trail at the ski area. Piper M notes, 'The bike trails were amazing.'Boating
Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are available at Anthony Lake. There is an accessible boat ramp for convenience.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, with elk and bald eagles being common sightings. Peter R mentions, 'There was elk and bald eagles around too.'Winter Activities
The campground is across from the Anthony Lake Ski Area, offering winter recreation like skiing.Water Sports
Opportunities for non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are available at Anthony Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted; however, firewood must be sourced locally to comply with 'Don’t Move Firewood' guidelines.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitos are consistently reported as a significant nuisance. The campground is swampy in areas, and sites along roadways may experience noise from nearby logging truck activity.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest emergency services are located in North Powder (~5 miles) with additional hospital and police services available in Baker City (~35 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 – September 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available and reported to be well-maintained. Piper M notes, 'Appreciated the facilities (pit toilet and trash receptacles) were well kept up.'
Proximity to water featuresNear Mud Lake and directly across the highway from Anthony Lake. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are popular activities.
Common complaintsFrequent issues include reserved sites remaining unused, proximity to neighbors causing lack of privacy, and poor signage leading to confusion over reservations.
HostThe host resides across the highway at Anthony Lake Campground. User reviews report host interactions ranging from helpful to 'overseeing inconsistent reservations.'
Campground Map
47500 ANTHONY LAKES HWY, NORTH POWDER, OR 97867, USA
Driving directionsFrom Baker City, Oregon, head north on Highway 30 toward Haines for approximately 10 miles. In Haines, turn left and follow the Anthony Lake Highway signs (this turns into Forest Road 73 and Elkhorn Scenic Byway) for 25 miles to the Anthony Lake Recreation Area. Turn right into the campground across from the ski area. From La Grande, head south on Interstate 84 for 25 miles to exit 285 in North Powder, Oregon. In North Powder, follow the ski area signs on Highway 237 for 4 miles to Ellis Road. Turn left on Ellis Road and go about a mile to the Anthony Lake Highway. Turn right and follow the Anthony Lake Highway (becomes Forest Road 73) for 16 miles to the campground entrance on the right, across from the ski area.
Road access is via paved highways (Highway 237 and Forest Road 73). These roads are accessible year-round, but the elevation and proximity to the ski area may result in snow-related challenges during the winter.Nearby places
Baker City (~35 miles), La Grande (~41 miles), North Powder (~5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in North Powder (~5 miles) or Baker City (~35 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.3
16 reviews
Mud Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mud Lake Campground receives mixed reviews, with an emphasis on its scenic location and proximity to Anthony Lake. While many appreciate the clean and peaceful environment, issues such as mosquito infestations, lack of privacy, and occasional reservation system inefficiencies have been noted. The addition of electrical hookups has been widely appreciated.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers praise the campground's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and proximity to recreational activities at Anthony Lake. The quiet atmosphere during off-peak times and the well-maintained facilities are...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include heavy mosquito presence, proximity of campsites leading to lack of privacy, and issues with the reservation system, such as signs not accurately reflecting reservations. The...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent, especially during summer months, and prepare for cold mornings. Reviews suggest double-checking reservation details upon arrival and being flexible with site assignments.
Based on 16 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer sees high mosquito activity but also offers warm days and cool nights. Winter activities are available across the street at Anthony Lake. Off-peak seasons offer a quieter experience but may...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Though I rate the campsite ‘fair’, its proximity to Anthony Lake and gorgeous hiking make it a nice spot, if you’re lucky enough to reserve a site.' - Thomas F.
2. 'The mosquitoes were out in...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 006 is mentioned multiple times, with one review noting it was 'poorly planned and not a flat area' for tent camping (Thomas F). In contrast, Peter R found sites 2 and 3 to be 'probably the...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The accessible vault toilets are well-maintained. The campground's proximity to Anthony Lake's accessible boat ramp adds to its appeal for those with mobility needs.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews about pets. While the campground requires dogs to be leashed, Mindy M observed that several campers ignored this rule, making it inconvenient for those who complied.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025