Divide Well Campground
00 reviewDivide Well 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
Divide Well Campground is a free site with no fees for camping.
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Umatilla National Forest, Divide Well Campground offers adventurous souls a true backcountry experience without the price tag. This free, rustic retreat draws elk hunters and solitude seekers alike to its remote location, where the only sounds you'll hear are wind through the pines and distant bugling elk. As a minimally maintained site that embraces its wild character, visitors should come prepared for a pack-it-in, pack-it-out adventure where self-sufficiency is part of the charm.
Divide Well Campground is a primitive campground featuring 11 campsites. It is designed for tent and potentially RV camping, but no hookups are provided.
Historical SignificanceJust a short journey from camp, the Potamus Point Interpretive Site tells a compelling conservation success story. Here, visitors can witness the triumphant return of bighorn sheep to their ancestral grounds, where a carefully managed herd now thrives after successful reintroduction efforts. This living testament to wildlife restoration adds an educational dimension to any camping adventure.
Weather and SeasonsFrom August through mid-November, seasonal maintenance keeps the campground accessible for peak hunting season and autumn explorations. While technically open year-round, winter transforms this remote outpost into a snow-blanketed wonderland accessible only by snowmobile, offering intrepid visitors a chance to experience the forest's dramatic seasonal transformation in complete solitude.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery by curious explorers, the campground's mountain setting promises crisp air and that distinctive high-country atmosphere that makes every breath feel fresher and every star shine brighter.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself camping in a sun-dappled meadow where towering ponderosa pines stand like sentinels, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the afternoon sun. Dense stands of fir trees frame the edges of this natural amphitheater, creating intimate camping spaces and windbreaks. A short trek leads to Potamus Point, where dramatic vistas unfold across unique geological formations, and if you're lucky, you might spot the resident bighorn sheep navigating the rocky outcrops with remarkable grace.
Geological RegionNestled within the North Fork John Day Ranger District of Umatilla National Forest, Divide Well Campground exemplifies the region's distinctive landscape mosaic. The meadow setting, embraced by a mix of stately ponderosa pines and dense fir forests, showcases the ecological diversity that makes this corner of Oregon a hidden gem for those willing to venture beyond the beaten path.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo vault toilets are noted as being accessible.
Sites SizeNo specific details about the sizes of the individual campsites are provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as being in a meadow surrounded by trees, which might offer some natural privacy, but no explicit details are provided.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific campsite recommendations; however, the campground's rustic ambiance may appeal to hunters and those seeking solitude.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite rankings were provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Open concept without strict check-in
- campers can arrive anytime.
Check-out
- No formal check-out process
- campers can leave anytime.
Stay Limit
- No explicitly stated limit
- campers may stay year-round.
Guests Allowed Per Site
11 campsites available.
Groups
No group-specific camping details are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 11 scattered sites in a meadow surrounded by trees.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is seasonally maintained from August to mid-November but accessible year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation required; operates first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely walk-in/first-come-first-serve given the free status of the campground.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation or cancellation policies apply since the campground is free and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Divide Well Campground are limited due to its primitive nature. It is a popular spot for elk hunting during the season and offers proximity to the Potamus Point Interpretive Site, which features 'breathtaking views, interesting geology, and a herd of re-introduced bighorn sheep.'
Wildlife viewing
The nearby Potamus Point Interpretive Site provides opportunities to see a herd of re-introduced bighorn sheep.Winter Activities
The campground remains open and accessible via snowmobile in winter, but no specific winter recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No information about water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are not explicitly available.
- Quiet hours are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as elk and bighorn sheep, along with the lack of potable water and garbage disposal facilities.
Active alertsSnow-covered roads during winter limit access to snowmobiles only.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
North Fork John Day Ranger District in Ukiah for information; other emergency services are not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesAugust to mid-November.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service, and campers are required to pack out all trash and dispose of it at home.
Proximity to water featuresThere are no nearby developed trails or water features directly linked to the campground.
Common complaintsMinimal maintenance and lack of basic amenities such as water and garbage disposal have been mentioned.
HostNo campground host available.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, OR, travel west 1 mile to the Hwy 395 junction. Cross Hwy 395 and continue to travel west on Forest Service Road (FSR) 53 for about 9 miles. Turn left (south) on FSR 5312 and travel about 7 miles to FSR 5320. Turn right (west) on FSR 5320 and go about 1.5 miles to Divide Well Campground on the right (east).
Access involves driving on Forest Service Roads with possible challenging terrain. During the winter, snowmobiles are required due to snow-covered roads.Nearby places
Ukiah (1 mile, approximately 5 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are not explicitly mentioned, but Ukiah, OR may serve as the nearest source for groceries and essentials.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Divide Well Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
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Review Summaries
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
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Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025