Misery Spring Campground
03 reviewsMisery Spring Campground, Forest Road 4030, Pomeroy, Washington
Misery Spring Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
There is no fee for camping at Misery Spring Campground.
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About this campground
Perched high in the Umatilla National Forest at 5,500 feet, Misery Spring Campground offers adventurous souls a free gateway to wilderness exploration. Don't let the name fool you—this remote mountain retreat rewards visitors with sweeping vistas across Ray Ridge and into the untamed Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. Whether you're tracking elk through ancient forests or simply seeking solitude beneath towering pines, this rustic campground serves as your basecamp for authentic backcountry experiences.
Misery Spring Campground offers a primitive camping experience with facilities for tents. User reviews support this impression, with one reviewer describing the campground as a 'free forest service campground.'
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here tells a tale of dramatic seasons, with temperatures dancing between bone-chilling 15°F winter nights and pleasant 73°F summer afternoons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, challenging even seasoned outdoorspeople. But come summer, the high elevation delivers refreshingly cool nights and crystal-clear days perfect for stargazing. Savvy campers time their visits for the golden months of summer through early fall, when wildflowers carpet the meadows and wildlife emerges from winter hiding.
ElevationAt 5,500 feet above sea level, Misery Spring sits in that sweet spot where the air stays crisp even on summer days. This lofty perch not only provides natural air conditioning but also serves up commanding panoramic views that stretch for miles. The elevation creates a distinct microclimate where mountain breezes whisper through the pines and morning mists reveal the wilderness slowly, like nature's own theater curtain.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the emerald embrace of old-growth forest, Misery Spring frames some of the Pacific Northwest's most breathtaking wilderness panoramas. From your campsite, watch as morning light paints Ray Ridge in shades of gold, revealing layer upon layer of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness beyond. Visitors consistently marvel at the raw beauty here—where towering conifers shelter peaceful sites and every vista reminds you why these wild places deserve protection.
Geological RegionThe Umatilla National Forest cradles this high-altitude haven, where the landscape tells stories written in stone and timber. Ray Ridge rises like a natural watchtower, offering glimpses into the pristine Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness—one of the region's last truly wild frontiers. This geological wonderland showcases the dramatic uplift and erosion that sculpted the Blue Mountains, creating the rugged terrain that today provides both challenge and sanctuary for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not covered in the provided materials, leaving this aspect undefined.
Sites SizeNo specific details about campsite sizes are provided in the sources.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not described in the provided materials.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No specific limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit mentioned.
Groups
Group site details are not provided in the supplied materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June to November.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is first-come-first-served as there are no reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are required. Cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Misery Spring Campground is ideal for hunting and hiking enthusiasts. Official sources highlight panoramic views into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, providing a natural backdrop for outdoor activities. User reviews suggest mixed experiences with recreational opportunities, citing the beauty of the terrain and the presence of pests such as horse flies.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available, particularly day hikes, as mentioned in the authoritative description. The panoramic views from Ray Ridge into the wilderness provide a scenic hiking experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are not applicable or mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not discussed in the sources.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include limited shade, downed trees, and horse flies as noted in user reviews. Potable water is not available.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Pomeroy, WA serves as the nearest location for emergency services including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune-November
Trash and recyclingInformation on trash and recycling facilities is not provided in the materials.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight limited shade, downed trees, and horse flies as concerns.
Campground Map
Misery Spring Campground, Forest Road 4030, Pomeroy, Washington
Driving directionsFrom Pomeroy, Washington (90 minutes): Starting at Main Street, take 15th Street south from State Highway 12. Continue for 15 miles to the National Forest boundary. At the boundary, cross a cattle guard and transition to gravel (Forest Road 40). Drive south on Forest Road 40 for 15 miles to the Misery intersection (sign 50 feet before intersection). Turn right onto Forest Road 4030, then left onto 4030-20 to reach Misery Spring Campground.
Road access is gravel after crossing the National Forest boundary and includes cattle guards. It may require a high-clearance vehicle. Seasonal gravel road conditions should be considered.Nearby places
Pomeroy, WA - 90 minutes (approx. 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping items are available in Pomeroy, WA.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Misery Spring Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Misery Spring Campground are mixed, with some praising its scenic views and rustic charm, while others highlight issues such as lack of shade, downed trees, and horse flies.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes mentions of the scenic beauty ('Beautiful scenery' and 'panoramic views') and the presence of amenities like picnic tables and fire pits.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include 'Not much shade,' 'a lot of down trees,' and 'loads of horse flies' as noted by Ted Sockwell.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips or recommendations were extracted from the provided user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not specifically addressed in the reviews, but the presence of horse flies may suggest a summer issue.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful scenery, picnic tables fire pits free forest service campground, many others nearby. 5,500 ft elevation' - Pat Harding
2. 'We really enjoy Misery Springs Campground. We have stayed...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite details are not mentioned in any reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences are not mentioned in the provided reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025