Bear Wallow Creek Campground
00 reviewBear Wallow Creek Campground
$8.00 - $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
Single site fees are $8 per night. An extra $5 fee applies for vehicles exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance. Occupancy is limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.
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About this campground
Tucked away in a peaceful grove of towering pines just off State Highway 244, Bear Wallow Creek Campground invites you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's tranquility. This intimate hideaway features 8 thoughtfully spaced campsites, including one fully accessible site, nestled beneath the forest canopy. While the campground embraces a rustic, back-to-nature experience with no running water or garbage service, it compensates with pristine wilderness and two well-maintained accessible vault toilets. Adventure seekers will discover excellent hunting grounds, while nature enthusiasts can spend hours spotting diverse bird species or exploring the fascinating accessible interpretive trail that reveals the remarkable journey of steelhead salmon through their complete life cycle.
Bear Wallow Creek Campground offers primitive camping suitable for tent and RV campers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the changing face of Bear Wallow Creek throughout the seasons, with the campground welcoming visitors year-round. From Memorial Day through mid-November, the Forest Service maintains the facilities, ensuring optimal camping conditions during peak season. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, accessible only by snowmobile, offering intrepid adventurers a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the forest blanketed in white.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's setting within the majestic Umatilla National Forest creates a natural sanctuary where sunlight filters through pine boughs and the air carries the fresh scent of evergreens. Wildlife abounds in this pristine ecosystem, making it a paradise for birdwatchers who might spot everything from songbirds to raptors. The crown jewel of the campground's natural features is the interpretive trail, where visitors can walk alongside Bear Wallow Creek and discover the incredible story of steelhead salmon, learning how these remarkable fish navigate their challenging life journey from mountain streams to the ocean and back.
Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Umatilla National Forest, Bear Wallow Creek Campground sits in a region characterized by dense pine forests and clear mountain streams. The area's geological features have created the perfect habitat for steelhead salmon, whose fascinating life cycle is showcased along the campground's interpretive trail. This unique ecosystem represents the intersection of forest and aquatic environments, where ancient geological processes have shaped both the landscape and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes 1 accessible site and 2 accessible vault toilets. Additionally, there is a 1/4-mile-long accessible interpretive trail detailing the life cycle of steelhead salmon.
Sites SizeThe campground offers standard-sized campsites.
Sites PrivacySpecific details about site privacy are not mentioned.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum occupancy: 8 people, 2 vehicles.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8people per campsite.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day to mid-November; campground is accessible year-round.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable for walk-ups; fees apply through November 15.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for hunting, bird watching, photography, and exploration of the interpretive trail. Hiking is available through a 1/4-mile accessible interpretive trail that focuses on the life cycle of steelhead salmon.
Hiking
Hiking is limited to a 1/4-mile accessible interpretive trail that offers educational insights into the life cycle of steelhead salmon.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing includes bird watching and observing the natural environment near the campground.Cultural and Educational Programs
An accessible interpretive trail provides educational content about the life cycle of steelhead salmon.Winter Activities
The campground is open during winter, but access is limited to snowmobiles once snow closes the road.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned as available activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water and no garbage service; prepare accordingly. Snowmobile access required during winter.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
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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
Contact the North Fork John Day Ranger District for emergencies during winter access.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May through November 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash service is unavailable. "Please dispose of your garbage at home." (Authoritative Source).
Proximity to water featuresFeatures an accessible interpretive trail detailing the life cycle of steelhead salmon.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, Oregon: Travel east on Highway 244 and continue for 11.5 miles to Bear Wallow Campground on the left-hand side (north).
Adjacent to State Highway 244, accessible by car during maintenance season. Snowmobiles are required during winter when the road is snowed in.Camper Reviews
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Bear Wallow Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
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Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
No user reviews are available to assess seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are provided, but 8 sites are available, including 1 accessible site.
Accessibility Features
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Pet-Friendly Features
No information is available regarding pet policies or related user reviews.
Last updated August 10, 2025