Spring Creek Campground
4.5224 reviewsSpring Creek Campground, Spring Creek Road, Exit 248, Forest Road 21, La Grande, OR
Spring Creek Campground
$10.00 - $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$10.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight Use: Single Site is $10 per night with a 50% discount for Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders on Single Campsites. Payment must be made via cash or check at the self-service pay station on site.
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Spring Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just four secluded campsites. This hidden gem provides a back-to-basics camping experience where towering pines create a natural cathedral overhead and a peaceful meadow stretches nearby. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. True to its rustic charm, visitors should come prepared with their own water and pack out all trash, embracing the leave-no-trace ethos of this tranquil retreat.
Spring Creek Campground is a primitive camping site with four designated campsites, suitable for tent camping, small RVs, and trailers. It is also used for group gatherings due to its open layout.
Historical SignificanceWhile Spring Creek Campground may not boast documented historical landmarks, its very existence speaks to the enduring relationship between people and these ancient forests. This quiet corner of the Wallowa Whitman National Forest continues to serve as a sanctuary for those seeking connection with the natural world, just as it has for generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of the Pacific Northwest's changing seasons at Spring Creek. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with crisp air and frost-kissed mornings that demand warm layers and cozy sleeping bags. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with new growth, leading into glorious summer months where moderate temperatures and clear, dry days create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette, offering campers a different experience throughout the year.
ElevationNestled within the rolling forested terrain of the Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Spring Creek Campground sits at a comfortable elevation that balances accessibility with that authentic mountain forest experience. The surrounding landscape offers the perfect blend of gentle terrain and mountain ambiance, making it ideal for campers of all experience levels.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering pines frame an emerald meadow and nature puts on a daily show. The campground's pine forest setting creates a verdant sanctuary where sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. Lucky visitors frequently spot majestic elk grazing in the early morning mist, while deer bound through the undergrowth. The air comes alive with birdsong, and colorful butterflies dance among the wildflowers, creating an enchanting atmosphere that reminds you why you came to the woods in the first place.
Geological RegionSpring Creek Campground rests in the heart of an open pine forest ecosystem, where ancient trees stand sentinel over a charming meadow clearing. This unique setting within the greater Wallowa Whitman National Forest showcases the region's characteristic blend of dense coniferous forests and natural grassland openings, creating diverse habitats that support the area's rich wildlife and offer campers varied landscapes to explore.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is accessible via a gravel road that may have potholes, as noted by multiple reviewers. There is no mention of accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as large and cozy, suitable for small to medium-sized RVs or multiple tents. Reviews highlight level parking and spacious areas.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are in close proximity, offering limited privacy. While some visitors appreciate the peacefulness and quiet, others note the lack of seclusion.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest avoiding RVs longer than 30 feet due to limited space and accessibility.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers are identified as best; all four sites are similarly equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
You are allowed to camp for free up to 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site is large enough to accommodate tents and small trailers.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has four designated campsites arranged in a small, open area with overflow parking and dispersed camping options along the access road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May through late-season; specific closure dates are not provided.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are provided; payment is cash/check at a self-service pay station.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. User reviews indicate availability of overflow spots and dispersed camping along the road leading to the campground.
Cancellation PolicyNo information available on cancellation policy as this site operates primarily on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Spring Creek Campground are limited but appealing for nature enthusiasts. The surrounding area offers opportunities for picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. A small pond and dirt roads nearby add to the exploratory experience.
Hiking
The campground features several dirt roads and trails suitable for hiking. User reviews mention easy hikes into the surrounding forest and along Spring Creek.Wildlife viewing
Visitors have reported sightings of elk, deer, birds, and butterflies in the area, adding to the natural charm of the campground.Winter Activities
There is no information on winter-specific activities at this campground.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are provided at each site. Community firewood was reported by one reviewer, although this is not officially confirmed.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include cold temperatures, especially during off-season nights, and lack of potable water and trash services.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 in La Grande, 12.5 miles away, which include hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is likely summer and early fall, with May as the starting operational month.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities on-site. Visitors must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to Spring Creek, which runs near the campsites. Some reviews mention a small pond down the road from the campground.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the lack of potable water, no trash services, and the cleanliness of the vault toilet (e.g., 'hundreds of flies' reported by one user).
HostNo campground hosts are mentioned.
Campground Map
Spring Creek Campground, Spring Creek Road, Exit 248, Forest Road 21, La Grande, OR
Driving directionsFrom La Grande travel northwest on Interstate 84 for about 12.5 miles to the Spring Creek Road Exit 248; Travel southwest on the Spring Creek Road which becomes Forest Road 21 for 1.5 miles to the campground entrance on the right side of the road.
The campground is easily accessible from Interstate 84, with only 1.5 miles of gravel road leading to the entrance. User reviews mention that the road is wide and smooth but contains potholes.Nearby places
La Grande - 12.5 miles / approximately 15 minutes
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in La Grande, approximately 12.5 miles away for groceries, camping essentials, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.5
24 reviews
Spring Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Spring Creek Campground are generally positive, highlighting its peaceful and natural setting, spacious campsites, and the convenience of being close to Interstate 84. However, the lack of potable water, trash facilities, and the basic vault toilet are common drawbacks mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly praised aspects include the spacious and level campsites, the clean vault toilet, wildlife sightings, and the tranquil environment. Many users appreciate the proximity to Spring Creek and...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water and trash facilities, the rough gravel road leading to the campground, and limited privacy between campsites. Some users also noted issues with...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing your own water, packing out all trash, and carrying extra toilet paper. They also suggest arriving early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
Based on 24 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most popular in summer and early fall. Visitors during the colder months reported very low temperatures at night, highlighting the need to prepare for cold weather camping.
Based on 24 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'This was a great campground. The neighbors were friendly and quiet.' - KD Clark
- 'Nice free campground right next to Spring Creek. They have fire pits and picnic tables.' - DEBS CREEPY ABANDONED...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The four designated campsites are consistently described as spacious, level, and suitable for both tents and small RVs. Users note that additional overflow areas are available but less defined.
Based on 24 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address the accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 24 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed at the campground, and the open fields provide ample space for dogs to roam. One user described it as a 'really great place for dogs.'
Based on 24 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025