Best Camping in and near Chief Joseph Wildlife Area

Discover the serene beauty of Chief Joseph Wildlife Area.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Chief Joseph Wildlife Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Chief Joseph Wildlife Area

96%

(52)

Overnight at the Oasis

9 sites · Lodging, RVs2 acres · Anatone, WA

Boggan's Oasis is in the SE corner of Washington state, right on the breathtaking Grande Ronde River. Visitors can arrive by driving to the bottom of Rattlesnake Grade (WA-129), or the bottom of Buford Grade (OR-3). These two curvacious roads are extremely popular rides for motorcyclists and bicyclists nationally. Visitors may also arrive by water (rafts, driftboats, jetboats, kayaks, etc) coming downriver from Oregon, or upriver from the Snake River (WA/ID). Many other unpaved roads will lead guests to our canyon, which creates great opportunities for off-road vehicle adventures! The Grande Ronde River, which drains much of northeast Oregon's Union and Wallowa counties, is fed by snowpack in the Elkhorn Mountains. The Wallowa River, a major tributary to the Grande Ronde, headwaters in the Wallowa Mountains, mostly within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Twenty-two miles from Boggan's Oasis, the Grande Ronde River flows into the mighty Snake River. The river is surrounded by steep, rugged canyon walls that rise 3000 to 4000 feet above the river level. Dense conifer forests blend into grassy slopes set off by scattered conifer "stringers." Called "The Land of Winding Waters" by Native Americans, the river is home to rainbow trout, dolly varden, whitefish, squawfish, suckers, bass, and steelhead. Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, bear, bald eagles, and a variety of smaller animals and birds can be seen daily. And yes, there are rattlesnakes! Fishing, hunting, hiking, all kinds of boating/floating, offroad vehicle riding, and animal/bird watching are beyond expectations in this area. Seasonally, guests can also successfully gather a variety of mushrooms and berries while on one of the many nearby hiking trails. Many of these short walks also lead to incredible, far-reaching views of the Blue Mountains, Wenaha wildlife sanctuary, Hells Canyon, and the tri-state area. In the hotter summer months, the swimming hole below the Boggan's Bridge is a popular way to cool off. Boggan's Oasis also offers fishing trips, float trips, shuttles, and a FULL restaurant! Check our website for more info.

100%

(11)

Eagle Cap Acres

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Joseph, OR

This is a 2 bedroom 2 bath mountain cabin on the side of Mt. Joseph 2 miles outside of Joseph Oregon, at 5200 foot elevation with a beautiful view to the north and east. The cabin was built about 20 years ago, and is still being improved upon, but it is very sturdy and insulated, so stays cool on hot days, warm on cold days There is a wood stove for heat. There is electricity for lights, a microwave, a queen bed and a bunk bed with 2 twin mattresses. There are 2 bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Water is spring water, cold and delicious, from a source nearby on the mountain. There is no shower or hot water. Please bring your own sleeping bags/bedding, and camp stove. Please don’t use your propane/gas stove inside the cabin due to trapped fumes. This is a lovely unique spot and we hope to keep it that way, so please clean up after yourselves and pack all trash out with you. Cabin is at the end of a short lane so is very private, quiet, and peaceful. It is backed by 10 acres of woods and the area is unfenced and people hike all around the area on trails and gravel roads. Beloved natural Wallowa lake is a short drive, or long walk, away.

100%

(121)

McGovern Residence

3 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · Pomeroy, WA

The McGovern Residence is a magical little world we've created at the base of the Blue Mountains. We're about an hour South of Palouse Falls, an hour East of Walla Walla wine country, and about an hour West of Lewiston/Clarkston. The property consists of 28 acres on the Tucannon River with mature Ponderosa Pines, wildflowers, curated gardens, hiking trails, incredible valley views, and direct access to 1.4 million acres of public land. Multiple stocked lakes are accessible for fishing just a few miles up the road. Close to the river, The Flat can accommodate up to 2 tents and 4 people. The main campsite includes a hammock, picnic table, fire ring with benches, and parking for up to 2 cars. Immediately off the parking area is a secondary site with another picnic table and fire ring for those camping directly out of their vehicle. Campers have a faucet for fresh potable water and an outhouse for 24/7 bathroom needs. A short path from either campsite leads to a small river clearing for cooling off and lazy afternoons by the water. The Flat is the only site that we offer and we keep the group size low to ensure a peaceful and relaxing experience for everyone. We allow tents, cars, and smaller camper vans, but unfortunately cannot accommodate trailers or RV's. The main property is a pocket of green with mature cottonwood, ponderosa pines, choke cherry and elder scrub. Our property borders the Wooten Wildlife area which leads into the Umatilla National Forest - so that's 1.4 million acres of public lands directly to our South. Just down the road are some really great hiking trails and access points to the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, or if you prefer to stay close, our property gains 1000' from river to property line. An afternoon trek to the top is challenging but provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Tucannon River valley. Pack some beer and some snacks and hang out for a wicked sunset. We're working hard on our hiking trail - currently it's 3/4 mile (1.5 mile round trip), and growing in length by the week. During your stay you'll probably see some wild turkey, quail, and some white tailed or mule deer. The area is known to have cougars (we run into them occasionally) bighorn sheep, rattlesnake, black bears, bobcats, and even the occasional moose! There's no shortage of wildlife in the area, and we enjoy when they visit us. Be on the lookout at dusk for the nightly bat show! We also have a flock of chickens that free-range during the day, so don't be surprised to get a visitor or two poking around for scraps. Our property is rural, but not isolated. Depending on where you stake your tent you might see some neighbors, but we can direct you to the right spot if you want to avoid it. The towns of Dayton and Pomeroy are both about 20 minutes away. Both have their own charm and offer a grocery store, a couple bars, gas, and supplies. There's an RV park and general store about a mile up the road if you need some quick essentials or a few gallons of gas. At the center of the property is a log cabin we're slowly renovating. We live here full time so when we're home we're out and about working on projects or clearing brush. You'll see us wandering, so interact with us as much as you want or just do your thing. This is our home and we like to host, but it's not necessary. On that note, this is not a 'campground'. We have a beautiful property with a campsite and like to share it! We hope you enjoy yourself while also respecting our home :)

96%

(34)

Glamp at the Evans Farm

3 sites · Lodging, Tents30 acres · Joseph, OR

The Evans Farm is a Century Farm which has been in our family for three generations (with the fourth generation children enjoying it now). It was a self sufficient family farm for many years with Jersey Dairy cattle, Suffolk Sheep, pigs, quality horses, both Draft and Riding, and a flock of chickens. A large garden supplied family vegetables. A love for the land and the area were all part of the Farm. Located two miles from Joseph, three miles from Wallowa Lake, and close to hiking, fishing, camping, and outdoor adventures, the Farm is secluded but offers easy access to the surrounding area.

100%

(3)

Triple Tree Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Moscow, ID

Dry RV parking in our Horse Pasture with a view our the valley of the South Fork of the Palouse River all the way to the Blue Mountain and the other way is Paradise Ridge covered with trees. The Fence line is large pine trees. There is room for 4 to 5 campers great spot to have a family gathering going to a football game. You can call it tailgating walking distance to the Kibby Dome through the University of Idaho Arboretum. You can feed the horse 🐎 and the mule and feed the chickens pop corn. This spot has been used as a wedding venue With a flatbed trailer For the wedding party to be on and BALES of hay for friends and family to sit on. Lots of car parking.

92%

(6)

Fluit Farms

10 sites · RVs3 acres · Joseph, OR

We have a 3 acre corner parcel of our 100+acre farm that we are offering for campers! We use natural and organic practices on our farm. You will be located in the country about 5 miles from Joseph, next to a trickling stream in the valley surrounded by farms and ranches. Pets are welcome, including horses. Activities on our road; McCully trailhead for finding Morels, hiking, or horseback riding and Kinney Lake fishing. Nearby attractions would be lots of hunting, Wallowa Lake, go carts and Tramway, paddle boarding, boating, rodeos events, rail rider cars, concerts, parades, car shows and more!

The best camping near Chief Joseph Wildlife Area guide

Overview

About

Ignite your wanderlust with a Chief Joseph Wildlife Recreation Area camping expedition. Nestled amidst undulating hills, camping near this location offers you unparalleled access to a wild and rugged landscape. As the sun ascends over the rolling landscape, start your day with a scenic hike along the trails, followed by a leisurely fishing session in the teeming rivers. The unique combination of stunning vistas, wildlife spotting, and tranquil moments around a crackling campfire, ensures a memorable Chief Joseph Wildlife Recreation Area camping experience. Nightfall welcomes a choir of nocturnal sounds, echoing under the star-studded sky, to conclude your day in this unrivaled natural setting. A visit here epitomizes the finest in outdoor adventures, perfect for families, friends, and solo travelers.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Chief Joseph Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for picnics and wildlife spotting, while winter can be challenging with colder temperatures and limited access.

Know before you go

Ensure to keep pets on a leash to protect the area's wildlife and for their safety.
Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and exploring the diverse terrain.
Remember to carry out all trash and leave the park as pristine as you found it.
Be aware of park hours and plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.