Catherine Creek State Park
00 review65586 OLD OREGON TRAIL RD., MEACHAM, Oregon, 97859, United States
Catherine Creek State Park
$20.00 - $35.00 / 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
Campsite fees range from $20 to $35. Group day-use sites may have different fees not specified in the authoritative content.
About this campground
Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, Catherine Creek State Park invites adventurers to experience authentic primitive camping in Eastern Oregon's high desert. Each campsite comes equipped with convenient water spigots and nearby flush toilets, ensuring comfort without sacrificing the wilderness experience. Whether you're pitching your tent under starlit skies or challenging friends to a game at the horseshoe pits, this park seamlessly blends rustic charm with essential amenities. Miles of hiking trails wind through the pine-scented forest, while shaded picnic areas provide perfect spots for afternoon gatherings with family and friends.
This campground offers primitive camping options with 20 sites available. These sites can accommodate tents and self-contained RVs, with a maximum equipment length of 20 feet. Group day-use areas are also available, and the park has a seasonal operating schedule.
Weather and SeasonsCatherine Creek State Park transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering year-round adventures for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and evening campfires under crystal-clear skies. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, painting the landscape in spectacular colors. Winter blankets the park in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. Spring emerges with a delightful mix of warming sunshine and cool mountain air, as wildflowers begin to dot the awakening landscape.
ElevationPerched in the heart of Eastern Oregon's captivating high-desert region, Catherine Creek State Park offers visitors a chance to experience the unique beauty of this elevated landscape. The park's position provides stunning vistas and the crisp, clean air that makes the high desert such a treasured destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking respite from lower elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryA verdant oasis of majestic ponderosa pines creates a natural cathedral at Catherine Creek State Park, where the gentle murmur of the namesake creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. Despite its accessibility from the nearby highway, the park maintains an atmosphere of profound tranquility, with thick stands of pines buffering campers from the outside world. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the pine canopy, the soft carpet of pine needles underfoot, and the creek's gentle presence create an enchanting environment that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Geological RegionCatherine Creek State Park showcases the dramatic beauty of Eastern Oregon's high-desert ecosystem, where ancient ponderosa pines have adapted to thrive in this unique landscape. The park sits at the convergence of desert and forest, where Catherine Creek has carved its path through the terrain over millennia. This distinctive geological setting creates a diverse habitat that exemplifies the rugged resilience and surprising lushness of Oregon's eastern reaches, offering visitors a chance to explore one of the Pacific Northwest's most fascinating and lesser-known landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate self-contained RVs, and the maximum equipment length is 20 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has mixed reviews regarding privacy. While some users appreciated the serene environment, others noted the proximity to the highway and the clustering of sites. One user remarked, 'Beautiful ponderosa pines tower over well-maintained campsites, just wish the highway was more than 100 ft away.'
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSpace 4 recommended for privacy and ambiance.
Best CampsitesSpace 4 praised for its location and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay length not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Maximum occupancy of 6 guests per regular campsite
- group sites allow up to 100 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are laid out with parking nearby; 20 primitive sites are available with proximity to picnic areas and water spigots.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: Mid-April to October 19. Winter closure applies.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Oregon State Parks website or by contacting the Oregon State Park Information Center at 800-551-6949.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; reservations are strongly recommended.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled according to Oregon State Park rules. Visit the website for detailed policies.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Catherine Creek State Park offers several outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and using the horseshoe pits. One user noted the presence of a 'nice hiking trail that takes you all the way around the park.' However, fishing is not considered good at this location, as stated by a reviewer: 'Not good for any fishing but has a nice hiking trail.'
Hiking
The park features a 3-mile hiking trail that loops around the area. User reviews generally praise the hiking opportunities, with one saying, 'Nice place to camp not good for any fishing but has a nice hiking trail that takes you all the way around the park.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not described in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Details not provided on campfire policies.
- Quiet hours are Specific quiet hours not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquito presence during summer, fast-moving creek water in spring, and no cell service noted by reviewers.
Active alertsDay-use area closed due to high water as of June 4, 2024.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
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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
Union Community Health Center (approx. 8 miles), Union Police Department (approx. 8 miles), La Grande Ranger Station (approx. 24 miles)
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season likely spans mid-April to October 19, exact dates not detailed.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not described in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresProximity to Catherine Creek, though access points are limited according to reviewers.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted highway noise and crowding during peak summer months.
HostHosts are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness.
Campground Map
65586 OLD OREGON TRAIL RD., MEACHAM, Oregon, 97859, United States
Driving directionsTake I-84 to La Grande, OR. Take exit 265. Turn on Highway 203/237 to Union, OR. - 16 miles. In Union, watch for turnoff for the park. The park is located 8 miles out of Union, OR.
The park is easily accessible from I-84 with well-maintained roads. The final stretch includes Highway 203/237 to Union and an 8-mile drive to the park after turning off.Nearby places
Union, OR (8 miles), La Grande, OR (approx. 24 miles)
Nearby supplies
Union, OR (8 miles) for basic supplies
La Grande, OR (approx. 24 miles) for larger stores and services.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Catherine Creek State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground's cleanliness, serene environment, and well-maintained facilities. However, some users expressed concerns about the proximity to the highway, lack of cell service, and absence of showers.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the clean and well-maintained facilities, beautiful natural surroundings with towering ponderosa pines, and friendly camp hosts. One user said, 'Clean, serene, beautiful and I...
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Common Concerns
The primary complaints include the lack of showers, absence of cell phone service, noise from the nearby highway, and crowded sites during peak times. One user stated, 'Just wish the highway was more...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing mosquito repellent due to the presence of mosquitoes in summer. Others suggested arriving early to secure a less crowded site and to be prepared for zero cell service.
Seasonal Insights
Spring and early summer appear popular for camping due to pleasant weather and fewer mosquitoes. In contrast, reviews noted that the river moves fast and mosquitoes are prevalent in early July.
Camper Quotes
1. 'First time I've been to Katherine Creek campground and it was amazing. Clean, serene, beautiful and I would return as many times possible.'
2. 'Infrastructure is better than 'primitive': water...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are limited, but one user mentioned, 'Space 4 is the best!'
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at this campground as noted in the provided data.
Last updated August 10, 2025