Target Meadows Campground
4.446 reviewsTarget Meadows 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
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About this campground
Step into living history at Target Meadows Campground, where towering Engelmann spruce and Lodgepole pine create a cathedral-like canopy above your campsite. This remarkable destination seamlessly blends natural beauty with fascinating military heritage—here, late 19th-century U.S. Army soldiers from Fort Walla Walla once practiced their marksmanship and artillery skills during summer training exercises. Today, visitors can still discover century-old bullet grooves etched into ancient trees, silent witnesses to the cavalry's presence that ended in 1906. The campground invites modern adventurers to create their own stories while camping in the very meadows where soldiers once bivouacked under starlit skies.
This campground primarily supports tent and primitive camping. RV and group details are not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceTarget Meadows serves as an extraordinary open-air museum where the frontier military history of the American West comes alive. From the late 1880s through 1906, these peaceful meadows echoed with the thunder of artillery practice and the crack of rifle fire as U.S. Army soldiers from Fort Walla Walla honed their skills during annual summer encampments. The most compelling evidence of this military past remains visible today—weathered trees throughout the area still bear the distinctive scars of cavalry target practice, their bullet-scarred trunks standing as monuments to a bygone era when the U.S. military helped shape the Pacific Northwest frontier.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a pristine mountain meadow that opens like a natural amphitheater, Target Meadows offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Mountains' forested ridges and peaks. The campground serves as your gateway to exceptional wilderness experiences, with the popular Burnt Cabin Trailhead beckoning hikers to explore the stunning South Fork Walla Walla River Trail. Whether you're drawn to wildflower-filled meadows in summer, golden aspen groves in fall, or the serene beauty of snow-dusted pines in winter, the surrounding landscape provides an ever-changing backdrop of natural splendor that photographers and nature enthusiasts will find irresistible.
Geological RegionTarget Meadows sits within the heart of the magnificent Umatilla National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted the dramatic Blue Mountains landscape. This rugged wilderness region showcases nature's artistry through its diverse ecosystems—from dense stands of Engelmann spruce and Lodgepole pine that provide cool shade and fresh mountain air, to expansive meadows that burst with wildflowers each summer. The campground's unique position offers visitors an authentic Blue Mountains experience, where the interplay of forest, meadow, and mountain creates a quintessentially Pacific Northwest setting that has captivated outdoor enthusiasts for generations.
Campsite details
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Activities you can enjoy
Target Meadows Campground provides access to historical exploration and hiking opportunities. The Burnt Cabin Trailhead connects to the South Fork Walla Walla River Trail, offering activities for nature enthusiasts. No specific information is provided on other recreational activities.
Hiking
The Burnt Cabin Trailhead at the end of the road provides a route to the South Fork Walla Walla River Trail. Details on trail difficulty and length are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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Good to know
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the South Fork Walla Walla River Trail, providing opportunities for scenic views and outdoor activities.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Weston, Oregon: Travel 20 miles east of Weston on Highway 204. Turn left (north) onto Forest Service Road 64. Go two miles then turn left onto Forest Service Road 6401. Follow the road for 1.5 miles until you come to a T-intersection. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 060. Target Meadows is located approximately ¼ to ½ mile further down the road. From Elgin, Oregon: Travel 21 miles northwest of Elgin on Highway 204. Turn right (north) onto Forest Service Road 64. Go two miles then turn left onto Forest Service Road 6401. Follow the road for 1.5 miles until you come to a T-intersection. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 060. Target Meadows is located approximately ¼ to ½ mile further down the road.
Access involves paved roads for much of the route; however, Forest Service Roads (FSRs) can be unpaved with winding and narrow sections. It may require cautious driving, particularly during bad weather or seasonal conditions.Camper Reviews
4.4
6 reviews
Target Meadows Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Target Meadows Campground is appreciated for its quiet location and historical significance, being a former U.S. Army artillery range. However, the lack of detailed amenities and activity information can limit its appeal for some.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
The serene environment and historical significance make it a charming destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking solitude. "Located around a scenic meadow and surrounded by majestic...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Few amenities and lack of detailed information may limit its appeal to some visitors.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Consider exploring the Burnt Cabin Trail for historical insights and natural beauty. Bring all necessary supplies as there is no mention of on-site facilities.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No data on seasonal trends is provided.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Located around a scenic meadow and surrounded by majestic trees," "Visitors who explore the campground and surrounding area can even find grooves in trees left by the Calvary's bullets."
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025