Tamarack Campground
00 reviewTamarack Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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 single site fee is $15/night. Interagency Senior/Access Passes provide a 50% discount for physically occupied campsites. Payment by cash or check only.
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About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic Eagle Creek, Tamarack Campground offers an intimate escape into the southern Wallowa Mountains. This charming facility welcomes adventurers with 12 thoughtfully positioned tent and trailer sites, including three fully accessible options designed for all visitors. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and convenient vault toilets, creating a comfortable base camp for your wilderness adventures. While you'll need to bring your own water supply, the campground rewards self-sufficient travelers with exceptional fishing opportunities, scenic hiking trails, and prime bird watching spots where nature's symphony plays throughout the day.
Tamarack Campground is a small, primitive facility offering 12 tent/trailer sites, three of which are fully accessible. No RV-specific or group camping facilities are available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of changing seasons at Tamarack, where winter brings a pristine blanket of snow and crisp mountain air that transforms the landscape into a wonderland. As spring emerges, watch the forest come alive with new growth, leading into glorious summer days with clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Each season paints the campground in different hues, from the golden larches of autumn to the fresh greens of summer, offering year-round appeal for those seeking nature's ever-changing canvas.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 4,500 feet above sea level, Tamarack Campground delivers an authentic high-altitude camping experience. This elevation brings cooler temperatures, clearer air, and that distinctive mountain atmosphere that makes every breath feel refreshing and every view more spectacular.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the serene beauty of a Western Larch forest, where towering tamaracks create a natural cathedral above your campsite. The soft grass understory cushions your steps as you explore this peaceful mountain retreat. Though Eagle Creek remains hidden from view, its melodic rushing waters provide a constant, soothing soundtrack that lulls campers to sleep and greets them each morning. The closely spaced sites foster a sense of community while still maintaining the intimate connection with nature that draws visitors to this special corner of the Wallowa Mountains.
Geological RegionDiscover the rugged splendor of the southern Wallowa Mountains, where ancient geological forces have carved a landscape of stunning beauty. Your campground home sits alongside the federally protected Wild and Scenic Eagle Creek corridor, surrounded by majestic Western Larch trees that tower overhead. This unique ecosystem, characterized by its tamarack forest and verdant grass understory, represents one of Oregon's most distinctive mountain environments, offering visitors a chance to experience the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest's alpine wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThree campsites are fully accessible, and there is a short, accessible path leading to the creek that ends at two fishing platforms.
Sites SizeOne specific site (#11) has an apron size of 20' x 97'; the average parking aprons are grass and gravel.
Sites PrivacyLimited privacy due to closely spaced campsites and a grass understory.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days maximum per stay.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFeatures 10 combined tent/trailer sites and picnic tables at each site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 20 through October 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers several recreational opportunities centered around its natural setting. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.
Hiking
Although no specific trails are mentioned, hiking is listed as one of the popular activities in the surrounding area.Fishing
Fishing in the nearby Eagle Creek is a popular activity. Notably, bull trout are catch-and-release only.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is highlighted as a popular activity, indicating opportunities for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
No information on winter activities is provided.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports opportunities like kayaking or paddleboarding are indicated.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include narrow and gravel roads, lack of potable water, and limited privacy between campsites due to close spacing.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.1 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
Emergency services available in Baker City, OR.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune through September
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' campground. No trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresNear Eagle Creek; features accessible fishing platforms.
Common complaints"The grass understory and closely spaced campsites result in poor privacy between campsites."
Campground Map
Driving directions
From Baker City, OR, at intersection of I-84 and Campbell St., take I-84 west
(to La Grande) and go 5.1 miles to Exit 298 (Medical Springs/State Rt. 203).
At end of exit ramp, turn right onto State Rt. 203 and go 18 miles to Boulder
Park/Eagle Cr. Drive sign. Turn right at sign and go 15 miles to a "Y"
intersection. Bear left onto Forest Rt. 67 (Big Creek Rd.) and go 6.7 miles
to a "T" intersection. Turn left and go 7.1 miles to an intersection. Continue
straight onto Forest Rt. 77 and go 0.6 miles to campground on right.
Note: From the turn onto State Rt. 203 to the campground, the road is gravel
and intermittently single-lane and two-lane with a rough, washboard surface
- not RV friendly.
Accessible but challenging roads with gravel and dirt surfaces; intermittent single and two-lane stretches; rough and washboard conditions, not RV-friendly.Nearby places
Halfway (approximately 5 miles)
Baker City (approximately 38.3 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Baker City, OR.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Tamarack Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The overall sentiment about Tamarack Campground is generally positive, with users appreciating the natural surroundings and recreational opportunities. However, some reviewers noted the lack of potable water as a drawback. The limited privacy between campsites was also mentioned.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users frequently praised the campground's scenic location near the Wild and Scenic Eagle Creek, as well as the accessibility features such as the fishing platforms and trails.
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water and limited privacy between campsites due to the open layout and grass understory.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water due to the lack of on-site potable water. Arriving early, especially during holiday weekends, is recommended to secure a spot.
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from May 20 through October 15. It tends to be busier during summer and holiday weekends.
Camper Quotes
"The rushing water of Eagle Creek can be heard throughout the campground, making for a relaxing atmosphere." "The lack of privacy between sites was a bit of a downside, but the setting more than made...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #11 is noted for its larger parking apron (20' x 97'), making it a good choice for those needing extra space.
Accessibility Features
Positive feedback was given on the accessibility of certain campsites and the fishing platforms.
Pet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet policies or experiences were mentioned.
Last updated August 10, 2025