How much does camping cost at Idlewild?

Camping fees at Idlewild range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Idlewild first-come first-served or reservation?

Idlewild accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Idlewild before I book?

Yes! Idlewild has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Idlewild?

Idlewild is open May 15 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Idlewild?

Idlewild does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Idlewild?

Fire policies at Idlewild: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Idlewild?

Pets are not allowed at Idlewild. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Idlewild?

Idlewild offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Idlewild?

Popular activities at Idlewild include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Idlewild

3.00

10 reviews

Idlewild

Top 22% in ORWinter

Peace & Quiet

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Malheur National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Malheur National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Idlewild

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-573-4300SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Idlewild

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Idlewild

43.7992, -118.9914

Nearby places

Burns, OR (nearest city).

Driving directionsFrom Burns, OR: Travel northeast toward Vale 2.8 miles on US Highway 20 to the junction with US Highway 395, turn left onto US Highway 395 and head north. Follow US Highway 395 for approximately 14.6 miles to the junction with Forest Road 2820. Turn right and continue on Forest Road 2820 for 0.8 miles to the junction with Idlewild Campground Road. Turn right after the Sno-Park and follow Idlewild Road for approximately 1 mile to the campground.

Weather at Idlewild

Current alerts(4)

A $5.00 fee will be charged at the campground for each additional vehicle.
Campers and day users need to bring garbage bags. This is a pack it in pack it out facility.
Click here for more information on the Malheur National Forest
No off-road vehicles allowed in the campground

Best Time to Camp at Idlewild

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm, dry weather and fully accessible trails — expect daytime highs typically in the 60–85°F (15–29°C) range with cool nights around 35–50°F (2–10°C). This is peak season for hiking and mountain biking through the Ponderosa stands and across the open meadow, with wildflowers and long daylight hours making day trips and group use easy. Expect higher weekend use and occasional fire restrictions or afternoon thunderstorms; plan weekdays for quieter camps and always/ Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is prime: hiking and mountain biking with reliable 60–85°F days and cool nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Idlewild

Idlewild sits in the Malheur National Forest near Burns, Oregon, offering mid-elevation forest camping among Ponderosa pines and open meadows. Operated by the Forest Service, this seasonal campground draws praise for quiet, well-spaced sites and exceptionally clean vault toilets. Campers come for hiking access and group camping options in a secluded mountain setting.

Individual overnight camping sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A reserved, accessible group day-use picnic shelter (up to 75 people) is provided for large gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm, dry weather and fully accessible trails — expect daytime highs typically in the 60–85°F (15–29°C) range with cool nights around 35–50°F (2–10°C). This is peak season for hiking and mountain biking through the Ponderosa stands and across the open meadow, with wildflowers and long daylight hours making day trips and group use easy. Expect higher weekend use and occasional fire restrictions or afternoon thunderstorms; plan weekdays for quieter camps and always/ Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation5000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads through a stand of large ponderosa pines at the edge of an open meadow that catches morning light. At 5,000 feet elevation in the Blue Mountains, the landscape reflects millennia of volcanic activity and erosion that shaped eastern Oregon's high country. The Strawberry Mountain and Monument Rock Wilderness areas lie nearby. Reviewers praise the big trees, dark skies for stargazing, and the peaceful forest setting.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

An accessible group day-use picnic shelter is available for reservations for up to 75 people
equipped with picnic tables, a campfire ring and grills.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityOne accessible group day-use picnic shelter (seats up to 75) is available for reservations.

Recommended SitesDevine Summit Trail begins within the campground. The accessible group day-use shelter seats up to 75 and is located near a meadow; individual overnight sites are first-come, first-served.

Need help booking Idlewild?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Group day-use shelter (accessible) with picnic tables, campfire ring and grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided; individual overnight sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Seasonal recreation includes hiking and mountain biking in summer and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter; picnicking and general camping are also offered. Devine Summit Trail begins within the campground.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.0

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Idlewild has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently describe Idlewild as a quiet, secluded, and very clean campground with well‑spaced, comfortable sites and excellent basic facilities. Many see it as a peaceful stopover or destination for those who value solitude, dark skies, and simple hiking rather than abundant activities. A few note some highway noise and limited nearby attractions, but overall impressions are very positive with multiple 5‑star reviews.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the strong sense of quiet and seclusion, with multiple reviews calling it calm, relaxing, and a “GEM.” They highlight very clean vault toilets/bathrooms, good spacing between sites,...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

The main negatives are modest: some reviewers mention a bit of traffic noise from US 395, though usually described as low and not very disruptive. One reviewer thought the campground was “a bit...

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer with a 22' truck and 24' trailer reported no problem finding a suitable site at 5 pm and noted that several pull‑through sites are available. Another suggests choosing sites around the...

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several reviewers suggest it as a great alternative if you can’t get into nearby Paige Springs. For less road noise, one person recommends choosing spots near the entrance, as US 395 traffic is light...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Loved this place. So quiet. Very clean vault toilets. Water available for drinking. $10.00 a night. Private camp spots.” “We camped here on a whim while traveling through the area… What a GEM!… it...

Based on 10 reviews

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