Bird Track Springs Campground
4.4829 reviewsBird Track Springs Campground, State Highway 244, La Grande, OR
Bird Track Springs Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Overnight camping fees are $10 per single site per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites occupied by the pass holder. Use cash or check for payment at the self-service fee station. Day use fee is $5.
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About this campground
Discover the tranquil beauty of Bird Track Springs Campground, where majestic ponderosa pines and Douglas firs create a natural cathedral in the heart of the Grande Ronde River Valley. This pristine 'pack it in, pack it out' wilderness retreat features three distinct camping loops, each with its own character. Loops A and B invite you to pitch your tent beneath centuries-old Ponderosa pines, where sunlight filters through the canopy onto a carpet of native grasses and fragrant wild roses. For those seeking deeper shade and solitude, Loop C offers a more secluded experience under the protective embrace of towering Douglas firs, providing a fair degree of privacy for your outdoor adventure.
Bird Track Springs Campground exclusively features primitive camping, with its 22 combined sites suitable for tents and trailers. No RV pull-through sites or designated group camping areas are available.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Bird Track Springs, where the echoes of pioneer history still resonate through the valley. Just a short journey away lies the remarkably preserved Blue Mountain Crossing of the Oregon Trail, where you can trace the actual wagon ruts carved by countless pioneer families seeking new beginnings in the West. These enduring marks in the earth, alongside rope scars etched into ancient trees, tell the powerful story of America's westward expansion and serve as a humbling reminder of the courage and determination of those who traveled this rugged path before us.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect balance of mountain climate from May through October, when Bird Track Springs awakens from its winter slumber. During these golden months, you'll enjoy pleasantly cool mornings that give way to comfortable afternoons, with temperatures dancing between a refreshing 35°F at dawn to pleasant 79°F peaks during summer days. As autumn approaches, the campground transforms into a tapestry of changing colors before winter's snow blanket signals the end of the camping season, preserving this pristine landscape until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 3,200 feet above sea level, Bird Track Springs offers the perfect sweet spot for mountain camping. This moderate elevation provides all the benefits of mountain air and cooler temperatures without the challenges of high-altitude camping, making it an ideal basecamp for hikers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels seeking to explore the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking Grande Ronde River Valley, where nature's grandeur unfolds at every turn. Towering ponderosa pines stretch skyward alongside stately Douglas firs, their branches creating a living mosaic of light and shadow. Below, a delicate understory of native grasses sways in the mountain breeze while wild roses perfume the air with their subtle fragrance. This vibrant ecosystem serves as home to an impressive array of wildlife – from majestic elk grazing in nearby meadows to curious deer peeking through the forest. Listen for the haunting calls of owls at dusk, the distant howl of coyotes under starlit skies, and watch playful chipmunks dart among the trees, making every moment at Bird Track Springs a front-row seat to nature's endless theater.
Geological RegionThe campground rests within the spectacular Grande Ronde River Valley, a geological masterpiece carved by ancient waters and time. This dramatic landscape showcases the region's volcanic heritage, where massive basalt flows have created the foundation for today's thriving forest ecosystem of towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs that define this corner of the Pacific Northwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available. The campground includes a designated disabled campsite.
Sites SizeSites are relatively spacious and flat, accommodating larger trailers.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; Loops A and B offer poor privacy, while Loop C provides fair privacy due to denser tree cover.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoop C offers better privacy and ample shade compared to Loops A and B.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single campsites accommodate typical group sizes.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features three loops (A, B, and C) with varied vegetation and privacy levels. Loops A and B are characterized by mature Ponderosa pines, while Loop C is shaded by Douglas firs.
Open and Closed SeasonMemorial Day weekend to September 31.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 22 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Commonly uncrowded even during weekend visits.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not applicable as reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bird Track Springs Campground offers diverse recreational activities, emphasizing its natural surroundings and local wildlife. Hiking trails, wildlife observation opportunities, and river fishing are key draws for visitors seeking outdoor engagement.
Hiking
The Birdtrack Interpretive Trail is a 1-mile footpath offering access to the Grande Ronde River and scenic views of the surrounding valley.Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Grande Ronde River, suitable for river and stream fishing enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
The campground is an excellent spot for wildlife observation, with users reporting sightings of owls, elk, coyotes, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, but the availability of vault toilets and the 'pack it in, pack it out' approach suggest limited winter usability.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not offered at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire pits and grills are available at campsites. Guests should adhere to fire safety regulations.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as deer, elk, and coyotes. Lack of potable water and proximity to the highway may pose challenges.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.6 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
Closest emergency services are located in La Grande, OR, approximately 15 minutes away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season runs from May to October.
Trash and recyclingCampground operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' basis, meaning campers must dispose of their own trash and recycling.
Proximity to water featuresNear the Grande Ronde River. A short trail leads to the river, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention outdated or overgrown facilities, such as picnic tables and fire rings, while others note the lack of potable water.
HostCampground hosts are not mentioned.
Campground Map
Bird Track Springs Campground, State Highway 244, La Grande, OR
Driving directionsFrom La Grande, Oregon, travel north on Interstate 84 for about eight miles; exit the interstate onto the Ukiah/Hilgard exit number 252 onto State Highway 244 towards Ukiah. Travel on State Highway 244 for about six miles. The campground is on the left side of the road, directly across the highway from Bird Track Interpretive Site.
The road to the campground is paved with gravel parking aprons. The campground is directly accessible from State Highway 244 and is less than one-half hour from Interstate 84.Nearby places
La Grande (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies and amenities are available in La Grande, OR, which is about 8 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
29 reviews
Bird Track Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground for its quietness, spacious sites, and opportunities for wildlife observation. Some highlight its lack of amenities as a positive for those seeking a rustic experience, while others indicate the primitive nature of the campground as a drawback.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback focuses on the campground's tranquility, abundant shade, clean vault toilets, and proximity to hiking trails and a river. Wildlife sightings and the low $5 overnight fee are also...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative remarks include the lack of potable water, overgrown sites, and aging picnic tables. Some users noted small-size campsites and limited amenities as drawbacks.
Based on 29 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray and your own potable water. 'Pack it in, pack it out' is emphasized. Sites in Loop C offer better shade and privacy. The campground is especially suitable for those familiar with...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Users generally report enjoying the campground during warmer months when the weather is favorable for outdoor activities. There are no reviews explicitly addressing winter camping.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Listened to coyotes and deer calling at night, walked to the river from campsite." 2. "Vault toilets were clean and well-vented; for pit toilets, they were surprisingly nice." 3. "Super...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Loop C is noted for providing better shade and privacy compared to Loops A and B.
Based on 29 reviewsAccessibility Features
Positive reviews mention wheelchair-friendly vault toilets and the availability of a designated disabled campsite.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet-related policies or features.
Based on 29 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025