Coalmine Hill Campground
4.686 reviewsCoalmine Hill Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
This is a fee-free campground. All campsites are first-come, first-served.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Umatilla National Forest, Coalmine Hill Campground transforms with the seasons—from a serene summer retreat to a winter wonderland snow park. This versatile mountain escape features one spacious campsite greeting visitors at the entrance, while five intimate sites dot the perimeter of the parking area, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness.
Coalmine Hill Campground offers primitive camping options suitable for tents and features a limited number of sites.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby Gibson Cave, where interpretive signage unveils the rich history embedded in these ancient rocks. For generations, this area has served as a beloved winter gathering place, where families and friends have carved fresh tracks through powder snow, continuing a tradition that connects past and present in this mountain sanctuary.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the Pacific Northwest at Coalmine Hill. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, with temperatures dipping below freezing and weekly snowfalls creating a paradise for snow enthusiasts. When summer arrives, the forest awakens to comfortable days in the mid-70s and crisp nights in the low-40s, perfect for stargazing and campfire stories under clear mountain skies.
ElevationHigh in the mountains of Eastern Oregon, Coalmine Hill offers that perfect alpine escape where the air feels lighter and the stars seem closer.
Natural Features and SceneryAdventure beckons from every direction at Coalmine Hill. Cast a line into the pristine waters of Penland Lake, explore the mysterious depths of Gibson Cave, or challenge yourself on the trails leading to Bald Mountain's panoramic vistas. This primitive campground embraces its wild setting, where towering evergreens create a natural cathedral and the only sounds are birdsong and wind through the branches—a true escape from the modern world.
Geological RegionJourney along the stunning Blue Mountain Scenic Byway to discover Coalmine Hill, a hidden gem within the majestic Umatilla National Forest. This remarkable landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient geological forces carved dramatic mountain peaks, mysterious caves, and verdant valleys. The rugged terrain showcases nature's artistry, from the weathered formations of Gibson Cave to the sweeping vistas that define this spectacular corner of the Blue Mountains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described in the authoritative or user-provided content.
Sites SizeThe campground includes one larger, separate site near the entrance and five additional sites along the tree edges of a large parking area.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are primarily located along the tree edges, which may provide some level of privacy, but the proximity to the parking lot suggests limited seclusion.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers suggest sites closer to the parking area for ease of access and proximity to trails.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No stay limit explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No guest limit explicitly mentioned.
Groups
There are no specific group sites mentioned in the provided information.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutOne larger site near the entrance and five smaller sites around the parking area.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonally maintained from Memorial Day through mid-November. Closed by snow but accessible in winter for snowmobiles.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; no reservations allowed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation details are not applicable as all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Coalmine Hill Campground offers a range of recreational opportunities primarily focused on outdoor experiences. Visitors can access notable hiking trails leading to sites such as Gibson Cave and Bald Mountain's viewpoint. Equestrians can enjoy the trails as well. About five miles away, Penland Lake offers fishing and non-electric boating opportunities.
Hiking
The campground provides access to the Bald Mountain, Hells Half Acre, and Willow Creek trails, with a total loop length of 7.5 miles. The Bald Mountain trail includes a 1.25-mile hike to Gibson Cave and continues to a scenic viewpoint overlooking drainages between Coalmine Hill and Little Bald Mountain. One user review notes the trail's appeal, stating, 'Beautiful area...primitive campground and incredible hiking trail.'Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at Penland Lake, located approximately five miles southwest of the campground.Boating
Non-electric boating opportunities are available at Penland Lake, five miles southwest of the campground.Winter Activities
The campground is designed to serve as a snow park in the winter, with access restricted to snowmobiles when roads are snow-covered.Water Sports
No additional water sports besides non-electric boating are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must be managed responsibly.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsWinter access is limited to snowmobiles due to snow-covered roads. There is no potable water on-site, and campfires must be managed responsibly.
Active alertsCurrently in winterized condition; no services available.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.5 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
Contact the Heppner Ranger District for emergencies during winter. Otherwise, closest emergency services are in Heppner, OR.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May to mid-November.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service at the campground. Visitors are required to pack out their trash and dispose of it at home.
Proximity to water featuresPenland Lake, about 5 miles southwest of the campground, offers fishing and non-electric boating opportunities.
Common complaintsSeveral user reviews mentioned the lack of potable water and cell service.
HostNo specific host information available.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Heppner, Oregon (40 minutes): Head south on Oregon Highway 206 until you've reached the edge of town. Take a left turn onto Willow Creek Road (County Road 678) and continue to make your way to and through the mountains for 22.3 miles. Coalmine Hill Campground will be on the left at the top of Coalmine Hill. From Ukiah, OR (41 minutes): Head west on Oregon Highway 244 for about two miles. Once you've reached a four-way stop, go straight, westbound, and follow Forest Service Road 53 for about 20 miles. Coalmine Hill Campground will be on the right.
The campground is accessible via paved highways and forest roads. However, during winter, access is limited to snowmobiles only due to snow-covered roads.Nearby places
Heppner, OR (22.3 miles, approx. 40 minutes)
Ukiah, OR (20 miles, approx. 41 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be accessed in Heppner, OR, approximately 22.3 miles away, including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.7
6 reviews
Coalmine Hill Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature, clean facilities, and excellent access to hiking trails. Positive sentiments focus on the clean restroom, serenity, and hiking opportunities, while complaints often mention the lack of water and cell phone service.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the cleanliness of the vault toilet and campsite, the scenic hiking trails, and the tranquil environment. Quotes include: 'rest room was clean and camping area was clean,' and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints are the lack of potable water and cell phone service, as noted in comments such as, 'There is no cell service.'
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to pack plenty of water and be prepared for a lack of cell phone service. One user suggested a hiking route: 'Next time I'd start at Cutsforth Campground, take Willow Creek trail...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is more enjoyable during the maintained season (Memorial Day to mid-November) due to available services. Winter access relies on snowmobiles, and there are no amenities...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'rest room was clean and camping area was clean.' 'Beautiful area...primitive campground and incredible hiking trail.' 'There is no cell service.'
Based on 6 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers are mentioned in the reviews, and there is no identification of 'best' or 'worst' sites.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews addressed accessibility features directly.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences involving pets.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025