Emigrant Campground

4.40

7 reviews

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

4,938 ft

Price

$4 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Temporarily closed a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Emigrant Creek Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,938 ft

Price

$4 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Temporarily closed a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Emigrant Creek Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Emigrant Campground

$4.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use fees are $8 per single site per night, and $4 per additional vehicle per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

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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USFS

Provider

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

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 7 reviews

5 Google reviews

"User reviews praise the quiet and serene environment, the shaded sites under ponderosa pines, and the trout fishing opportunities. Vault toilets are noted for their cleanliness, and the lack of potable water is a common observation."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Emigrant Campground

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Driving directionsFrom the town of Burns, OR, travel west on US Highway 20 to the junction with County Road 127. Follow County Road 127 approximately 23 miles to the junction with Forest Road 43. Follow Forest Road 43 approximately 9.9 miles to the junction with Forest Road 4340. Follow Forest Road 4340 approximately 0.3 miles to the campground.

Accessible from paved highways until County Road 127, later transitioning to unpaved forest roads (Forest Road 43 and Forest Road 4340). Roads are navigable with caution but may require attention due to seasonal weather conditions.

Nearby places

Burns, OR: approximately 33.2 miles, 45 minutes by car.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely found in Burns, OR, approximately 33 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Emigrant Campground

Experience the full drama of mountain seasons at Emigrant, where summer days bring warm sunshine filtering through the pines while crisp nights remind you of the elevation. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures that can plunge well below freezing – perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of a frozen creek and frost-kissed mornings. The typically dry climate means more clear days for outdoor adventures, though winter visitors should come prepared for significant snowfall that blankets the forest in pristine white.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer brings warm sunny days with cool nights at elevation; ideal for creekside camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Mountain seasons are dynamic; fall likely pleasant though specifics not described.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers flowing creek and wildlife activity, though reviews lack seasonal detail.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Site noted to 'transform' in winter and near Snow Mountain, but campground currently listed closed and winter access unclear.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Temporarily closed as of status update.
Current Alerts: Temporarily closed status.

About Emigrant Campground

Tucked away in a serene pocket of ponderosa pines, Emigrant Campground offers a rare slice of solitude that feels like your own private wilderness retreat. This hidden gem draws those seeking peaceful mornings with coffee beside the gentle babble of Emigrant Creek, where native trout dart through crystal-clear pools. Just a scenic drive away, the historic Snow Mountain Fire Lookout rewards adventurers with sweeping 360-degree vistas that stretch across the rugged landscape. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or stargazing through the pine canopy at night, Emigrant provides the perfect basecamp for those who prefer their nature experiences off the beaten path.

Emigrant Campground offers 7 sites suitable for tent camping and small camp trailers up to 20 feet in length.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this tranquil spot remains quietly tucked away like the campground itself, the land speaks its own timeless story through ancient ponderosa pines and the enduring flow of Emigrant Creek.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of mountain seasons at Emigrant, where summer days bring warm sunshine filtering through the pines while crisp nights remind you of the elevation. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures that can plunge well below freezing – perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of a frozen creek and frost-kissed mornings. The typically dry climate means more clear days for outdoor adventures, though winter visitors should come prepared for significant snowfall that blankets the forest in pristine white.

Natural Features and SceneryMajestic ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their vanilla-scented bark and towering presence providing both shade and shelter throughout the campground. Emigrant Creek winds alongside the sites, its clear waters creating a soothing soundtrack and supporting a healthy population of native trout. Venture beyond your campsite to discover pocket meadows that burst with wildflowers in season, where morning visitors might spot grazing deer stepping delicately through the dew. The interplay of forest, water, and meadow creates an ever-changing canvas of mountain beauty.

Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Malheur National Forest, Emigrant Campground sits in a landscape shaped by volcanic forces and carved by water over millennia. The surrounding terrain showcases the characteristic beauty of Oregon's Blue Mountain region, where ponderosa pine forests dominate the mid-elevations and alpine meadows punctuate the higher reaches. Emigrant Creek has patiently carved its course through this ancient volcanic landscape, creating the gentle valley that now cradles this peaceful campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Groups

No group site accommodations available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSmall campground with 7 sites located near Emigrant Creek.

Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made through official forest service platforms; further details not provided.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may offer walk-up availability; specifics not detailed.

Cancellation PolicyReservation fees apply; further cancellation rules not specified.

AccessibilityCampground can accommodate camp trailers up to 20 feet in length. No explicit mention of additional accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 7 sites. Space for camp trailers is limited to 20 feet in length.

PrivacySites provide a quiet and secluded experience surrounded by ponderosa pines.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for visitors seeking solitude and fishing opportunities; proximity to Snow Mountain makes it suitable for panoramic sightseeing.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities include trout fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby scenic locations such as Snow Mountain Fire Lookout.

FishingThe campground is located along Emigrant Creek, providing convenient trout fishing opportunities.

Wildlife viewingUser reviews highlight deer sightings and the serene environment as key wildlife-viewing aspects.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water availability noted; visitors must carry their own water. Restrooms are available but no trash service is provided. Potential wildlife encounters (e.g., deer).

Active AlertsTemporarily closed status.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicySpecific rules regarding campfires not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmigrant Creek Ranger District, 265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738; Phone: (541) 573-4300; Closest hospital is in Burns, OR.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors must adhere to a strict pack-it-in/pack-it-out policy, taking all trash home, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Emigrant Creek; offers trout fishing.

Camp HostNo information on hosts provided.

Weather at Emigrant Campground

Reviews

4.4

7 reviews

Recommended

Emigrant Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the quiet and serene environment, the shaded sites under ponderosa pines, and the trout fishing opportunities. Vault toilets are noted for their cleanliness, and the lack of potable water is a common observation.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

"Lovely Ponderosa pines surrounding an alpine meadow with a small creek." "The vault toilet was blessedly hygienic."

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

No potable water or trash service on-site. Visitors must pack in/pack out all trash.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water and trash bags. Prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends mentioned in user reviews.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"USFS review is spot on. Lovely Ponderosa pines surrounding an alpine meadow with a small creek." "Vault toilet was blessedly hygienic."

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers or reviews mentioned.

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features limited to accommodating camp trailers up to 20 feet in length.

Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user feedback specifically addressing pet policies or experiences with pets.

Based on 7 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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