Pataha Campground
4.506 reviewsPataha 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
No charge to camp at Pataha Campground.
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About this campground
Nestled just inside the boundary of the Umatilla National Forest, Pataha Campground offers a tranquil retreat where the sounds of rushing creek water mingle with the whispers of recovering forest. This intimate campground serves as a gateway for outdoor adventurers, drawing anglers to its spring-stocked waters, hunters to its surrounding woodlands, and those seeking solitude to its peaceful campsites. Despite its modest size, Pataha provides an authentic forest experience where visitors can disconnect from the bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
Pataha Campground caters to primitive, low-impact camping. It has three campsites suitable for tent or small vehicle camping.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Pacific Northwest seasons at Pataha, where summer days can soar to a sizzling 108°F in the nearby valleys, making the campground's forest canopy a welcome refuge. As autumn arrives, the temperatures begin their descent, painting the landscape in golden hues before winter transforms the area into a snow-dusted wonderland. While the region receives modest precipitation overall, winter visitors should come prepared for occasional snowfall that blankets the campground in pristine white, creating a serene backdrop for cold-weather camping adventures.
ElevationPositioned at a comfortable elevation within the Umatilla National Forest, Pataha Campground provides a natural respite from the intense summer heat that grips the surrounding valleys and towns. This strategic location offers campers a refreshing microclimate where forest breezes and shade create a more temperate environment, making those hot summer days more bearable while still maintaining easy access to lower elevation amenities.
Natural Features and SceneryThe heart of Pataha Campground pulses with the gentle flow of Pataha Creek, a ribbon of water that comes alive each spring when fresh trout are released into its pools and riffles. The surrounding landscape tells a story of resilience and renewal, where fire-scarred trees stand as monuments to nature's cycles while young growth pushes skyward in a vibrant display of forest regeneration. This mosaic of burned snags and emerging greenery creates a unique aesthetic that photographers and nature lovers find both haunting and hopeful, offering glimpses of wildlife that thrive in this transitional ecosystem.
Geological RegionSet within the diverse tapestry of the Umatilla National Forest, Pataha Campground occupies a special niche where water and forest converge. The landscape bears witness to nature's powerful forces, with fire-sculpted terrain now serving as a living laboratory of ecological succession. Pataha Creek, the campground's liquid lifeline, carves its way through this recovering landscape, its pools and riffles replenished each spring with eager trout that draw anglers from across the region. This dynamic environment showcases the forest's remarkable ability to heal and transform, offering visitors a front-row seat to one of nature's most compelling restoration stories.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility specifics are not mentioned in the provided materials.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of three campsites. Amanda Z mentions, 'There are three sites, one pull through and two pull in spots.'
Sites PrivacyThe privacy of campsites varies. According to Daniel LaPoint, 'Two of the campsites did not have much shade whereas one did. Two of the campsites have a little access to Pataha Creek.'
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor tent campers, avoid the pull-through site due to deep ruts and uneven ground. Choose the shaded and isolated site if privacy and creek access are priorities.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest that the isolated campsite with shade and proximity to Pataha Creek is the most desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has three sites, one of which is a pull-through. Two sites are pull-in spots.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is May, according to the authoritative sources.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is free and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. User reviews confirm that the campground is often quiet and empty during weekdays.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pataha Campground provides outdoor activities focused on hunting and fishing. The creek is stocked annually with fish, offering opportunities for anglers.
Fishing
The creek at the campground is stocked with fish every spring, making it a good spot for fishing enthusiasts.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews highlight the overgrown and blocked conditions of Pataha Spur Road, making it inaccessible to vehicles. No potable water is available, and the terrain includes uneven ground and ruts at some sites.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.1 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
Emergency services in Pomeroy, Washington, include hospitals and local police stations.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresPataha Creek runs through the campground, providing opportunities for fishing and scenic views. Some campsites have limited access to the creek.
Common complaintsComplaints focus on the lack of potable water, uneven ground at some campsites, and limited amenities.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Pomeroy, Washington (35 minutes): Starting at Main Street, take 15th Street headed south. After 0.2 miles, continue onto Washington Highway 128 (or County Road Pomeroy-Peola) and continue to stay on Highway 128 for 13.2 miles. Continue straight onto Forest Service Road 42 (Iron Springs Road) for 2.5 miles. Iron Springs Road turns slightly right and becomes Ruchert Road, continue for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Pataha Spur Road and you will arrive at Pataha Campground in 1.2 miles.
The campground is accessible via mostly paved roads until Forest Service Road 42 and Ruchert Road, where conditions may vary. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain are not noted; however, RVs and trailers may have difficulty navigating due to limited turnaround space.Nearby places
Pomeroy, Washington: Approximately 35 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
The town of Pomeroy, Washington, provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel about 35 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
6 reviews
Pataha Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peacefulness and seclusion of Pataha Campground, as well as its minimal amenities. The campground is described as clean and quiet, albeit with challenges like uneven ground and limited access for larger vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
- Free camping site
- Extremely quiet and peaceful ('I was the only one there on a Sunday night,' Amanda Z)
- Clean vault toilet
- Fishing opportunities due to the creek being stocked with fish every...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- No potable water
- Uneven terrain, which may make tent camping challenging at some sites ('Some of the spots are not fantastic for tent camping as there are some big ruts in the pull through site,'...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own water or a water filter ('...no potable water, but there is a stream and a small pond if you have a filter,' Amanda Z)
- Suitable for tent campers and small vehicles, but not large...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer and spring are ideal for camping here due to the creek being stocked with fish during spring and the peaceful environment in summer.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Lovely small campground, no fee, one pit toilet, no potable water, but there is a stream and a small pond if you have a filter.' (Amanda Z)
- 'The single vault toilet was clean. No potable water...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Pull-through site has ruts and may not be ideal for tent camping
- Two campsites have some access to Pataha Creek, one has more shade
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related policies or experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025