Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead
00 reviewWelch Creek Campground & Trailhead
$8.00 - $25.00 / 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$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single site: $8/night with an additional $5 fee for vehicles exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance. Group site (site 6): $25/night with no extra vehicle charge. Fees are charged through November 15.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Umatilla National Forest, Welch Creek Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with its intimate collection of 6 rustic campsites. This hidden gem attracts those seeking simplicity and solitude, where the only amenities are an accessible vault toilet and a 4-stall recreational stock corral for equestrian adventurers. Without running water or garbage service, visitors embrace the pack-it-in, pack-it-out philosophy, creating a pristine environment that has made this spot a cherished destination for multi-generational family reunions and traditional hunting camps. Whether you're casting a line in nearby streams, exploring countless hiking trails, or tearing up the renowned Desolation OHV trail system, Welch Creek serves as your basecamp for unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Welch Creek Campground offers primitive camping options, suitable for both individual and group campers. It is designed to accommodate tents and small groups, with one group site available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations at Welch Creek, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. From Memorial Day through mid-November, the campground springs to life with regular maintenance and easier access, welcoming visitors with mild days and crisp, star-filled nights. Late spring brings wildflower blooms and perfect hiking weather, while early fall transforms the forest into a tapestry of golden hues. When winter's snow blankets the region, the campground becomes a remote wonderland accessible only by snowmobile, offering intrepid adventurers a chance to experience the forest's serene, frozen beauty in complete solitude.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Umatilla National Forest, where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral around Welch Creek Campground. The rugged forest landscape unfolds in every direction, offering breathtaking vistas and hidden pockets of wilderness waiting to be explored. Morning mist often drifts through the trees, while afternoon sunlight filters through the canopy, creating an ever-changing display of light and shadow. Just 13 miles east, the pristine waters of Olive Lake beckon anglers and nature lovers, while the surrounding peaks and valleys provide endless opportunities for scenic photography and wildlife viewing.
Geological RegionNestled within the diverse geological tapestry of the Umatilla National Forest, Welch Creek Campground sits amid ancient volcanic formations and glacially carved valleys that tell the story of millions of years of Earth's history. The surrounding forested terrain showcases the region's dynamic past, with rocky outcroppings and varied elevations creating the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The famous Desolation OHV trail system winds through this rugged landscape, offering riders challenging terrain and spectacular views. A scenic 13-mile journey east leads to Olive Lake, a sparkling jewel set among the peaks that serves as a reminder of the glacial forces that shaped this magnificent wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAn accessible vault toilet is available, but additional accessibility features are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground includes six campsites. Specific dimensions of these sites are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe open area of the campground suggests limited privacy, which is ideal for group gatherings such as family reunions or hunting trips.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 6 is recommended for groups due to its larger capacity.
Best CampsitesSite 6 is popular for groups.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group Site 6 can accommodate larger parties and is available at $25 per night without additional vehicle charges.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonMay; operational from Memorial Day to mid-November.
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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Welch Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and photography. Additionally, it provides access to the Desolation OHV trail system, and Olive Lake is located nearby for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Hiking
The campground provides access to trails, including the Desolation OHV trail system, suitable for hiking. Detailed information regarding difficulty levels or trail lengths is not available.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in nearby rivers and streams. Olive Lake, located 13 miles away, offers additional fishing options.Swimming
Olive Lake, approximately 13 miles from the campground, provides a swimming area for visitors.Boating
Boating is available at Olive Lake, located 13 miles to the east of the campground. Specific details about boating restrictions or the types of boats allowed are not provided.Winter Activities
The campground is accessible during winter but is not maintained. Winter activities such as snowmobiling can be pursued when snow makes the area accessible only by this mode.Water Sports
Opportunities for water sports like fishing and swimming are available at Olive Lake. Specific water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsWinter access requires snowmobiles due to snow-covered roads. There may be risks associated with wildlife and rugged terrain.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4 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 likely in Ukiah, OR.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service on-site. Visitors are required to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresOlive Lake, a destination for fishing, boating, and swimming, is about 13 miles east along Forest Road 10.
Common complaintsRustic amenities—no potable water and no garbage service.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, OR, travel west 1 mile to the Hwy 395 junction. Turn left (south) on Hwy 395 and go about 15 miles, and then turn left (east) onto Forest Service Road (FSR) 55. Drive a little less than 1 mile, then turn right (south) onto FSR 10. Travel about 12 miles on Forest Road 10 and Welch Campground is on the right (south).
The campground is accessible through paved and unpaved roads. However, it becomes inaccessible during snowy conditions and requires snowmobiles for access.Nearby places
Ukiah (1 mile west)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Ukiah.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Welch Creek Campground at this time.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user-provided highlights are available.
Common Concerns
No complaints from prior visitors are available.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Seasonal Insights
No user reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are provided for this campground.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular campsites are available.
Accessibility Features
No user feedback on the accessibility features is provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specific to pet policies or experiences are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025