Ladybug Campground
04 reviewsLadybug Campground, Forest Service Road 4712, Umatilla National Forest, Washington
Ladybug Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
An overnight camping fee of $8.00 is charged between April 1 and November 30. An additional $5 fee is charged for each vehicle exceeding the maximum allowance of two vehicles per site.
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About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the Tucannon River, Ladybug Campground offers a serene escape where nature's smallest wonders meet grand wilderness adventures. This intimate riverside retreat serves as your gateway to the majestic Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, where hiking trails wind through ancient forests and hunters pursue their seasonal traditions. Named for the charming ladybugs from the Coccunellidae family that call this area home, the campground provides a peaceful basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking everything from challenging mountain bike rides to tranquil riverside contemplation.
Ladybug Campground primarily offers primitive camping facilities, with options for tent sites. RV camping is possible, but the road conditions may make access difficult. Group camping or cabins are not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this tranquil spot remains untold, the land itself whispers stories of centuries past through its ancient trees and time-worn river stones. The enduring presence of the forest and the gentle flow of the Tucannon River serve as reminders of the timeless connection between people and this pristine wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of the changing seasons at Ladybug Campground, where each visit promises its own unique character. Early season adventurers will encounter crisp, freezing temperatures that gradually give way to warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river activities. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, creating a magical atmosphere for those prepared for cold-weather camping. The seasonal transitions paint the forest in ever-changing hues, from spring's vibrant greens to autumn's golden displays.
ElevationThe campground's position within the mountainous terrain of the Umatilla National Forest creates a natural sanctuary where river valley meets rising slopes. Though specific elevation markers await documentation, visitors will experience the characteristic mountain environment that defines this region of the Pacific Northwest.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering evergreens frame the melodic Tucannon River, creating a natural amphitheater of sight and sound. The campground serves as your launching point for two spectacular trail experiences: the Tucannon River Trail, which traces the waterway through dramatic canyon scenery, and the Sheep Creek Falls Trail, where cascading waters create a misty sanctuary amid moss-covered rocks. This forested paradise offers photographers endless compositions of dappled sunlight, wildlife sightings, and the interplay of water and stone.
Geological RegionLadybug Campground sits within the remarkable tapestry of the Umatilla National Forest, where the geological forces that shaped the Tucannon River valley are on full display. This unique convergence of forested mountains and riverine ecosystems creates diverse habitats that support everything from towering ponderosa pines to delicate wildflowers. The nearby Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness adds another layer of pristine backcountry, where untouched landscapes showcase the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest's volcanic and sedimentary heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details regarding accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps or ADA-compliant facilities are provided.
Sites SizeThe campground is described as small and quiet in user reviews. David Smith notes, 'Nice, small, quiet campground.'
Sites PrivacySome sites offer privacy, especially the ones off the beaten path. Freddy Spinks notes, 'Some are farther off the beaten path and offer a good bit of privacy.'
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend campsites at the back of the campground for a quieter experience and more privacy.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight the sites further from the main road as being quieter and offering more privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No information provided.
Check-out
No information provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive nights is not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Maximum two vehicles per site
- guest limit not explicitly stated.
Groups
No designated group camping sites or their specifications are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of four distinct camping areas, with some offering more privacy than others.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open for use from June to November.
Reservation PlatformsNo advance reservation system is mentioned; the site operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a first-come-first-serve basis; no reservation system is indicated.
Cancellation PolicyNo information provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, as noted in authoritative content. User reviews highlight the proximity to the Tucannon River Trail and Sheep Creek Falls, which offer pleasant hiking experiences.
Hiking
Official sources mention hiking opportunities near the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness area. User reviews elaborate on this, with Casey Potts describing the Tucannon River Trail as 'a pleasant, mostly flat walk in its entirety,' and highlighting a '1-mile side trail to Sheep Creek Falls.' However, Potts warns campers that the trail becomes 'fairly sketchy/damaged/slick after about a half mile.' Alex Mendoza mentions, 'It's near several hiking trails, you can hike 20 miles per day.'Biking
Mountain biking is listed as an activity in authoritative sources but lacks detailed descriptions in user reviews.Winter Activities
No details regarding winter activities are provided.Water Sports
No information about water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Several fire pits are available for use, and fallen logs can be sawn into usable firewood.
- Quiet hours are No information provided.
Hazards
General hazardsThe gravel road leading to the campground can be rough and muddy after rain. Early season visitors are advised to carry a saw for clearing obstacles.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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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 are available at The Last Resort located approximately 9 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific details regarding trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated along the Tucannon River; however, fishing is prohibited in this area.
Common complaintsComplaints from reviews include the rough road conditions leading to the campground and the lack of potable water.
HostNo information provided about campground hosts.
Campground Map
Ladybug Campground, Forest Service Road 4712, Umatilla National Forest, Washington
Driving directionsFrom Pomeroy, Washington (75 minutes): Travel west on Highway 12 for 4 miles. Turn left onto Tatman Mountain Road. Follow paved road to the top, take hairpin turn to right until pavement ends, then follow gravel grade to stop sign. Turn left (south) onto Tucannon River Road; you should be at The Last Resort. Continue approximately 9 miles to the end of pavement, then follow gravel road for 4 miles to the Y in the road. Turn left (east) on Forest Service Road 4712. Ladybug Campground will be on your left in approximately 2 miles. From Dayton, Washington (68 minutes): Head east on Highway 12 for approximately 11 miles and turn right (south) on Tucannon River Road. Drive approximately 17 miles to The Last Resort. Continue approximately 9 miles to the end of pavement, then follow gravel road for 4 miles to the Y in the road. Turn left (east) on Forest Service Road 4712. Ladybug Campground will be on your left in approximately 2 miles.
The road leading to the campground includes gravel sections and can be rough, especially after rain. Large puddles and potential obstacles may require preparedness, including carrying a saw for early-season trips.Nearby places
Pomeroy, WA (approximately 75 minutes)
Dayton, WA (approximately 68 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel may be available at The Last Resort approximately 9 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Ladybug Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Ladybug Campground are mixed but generally positive. Common themes include its quiet, secluded atmosphere, clean vault toilets, and enjoyable hiking opportunities nearby. However, rough road conditions and lack of potable water are frequently mentioned as challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground for its tranquility and privacy, with reviews like Freddy Spinks mentioning, 'some are farther off the beaten path and offer a good bit of privacy.' Vault toilets are...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Challenges noted by users include the absence of potable water, rough road conditions, and limited opportunity to turn around vehicles on some roads. Casey Potts warns, 'The road up there however is...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
User-provided tips include arriving early to secure secluded sites and bringing necessary equipment like a saw during early season for clearing paths. Freddy Spinks recommends asking at the Last...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal reviews stress the importance of timing visits to avoid overcrowding and difficult road conditions. David Smith notes that even on Saturday nights, 'not full, pretty quiet,' suggesting...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Nice, small, quiet campground,' - David Smith. 2. 'One pit toilet that has always been clean and fully stocked serves the camp,' - Casey Potts. 3. 'Some are farther off the beaten path and offer...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
David Smith mentions that even with only 7 sites, the campground didn’t fill during his visit in mid-September. Casey Potts refers to 'getting in the back' as offering more seclusion.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025