Yellowjacket Campground

4.38

25 reviews

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Emigrant Creek Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Emigrant Creek Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Yellowjacket Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use is $10 per night for single sites and $5 per night for additional vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50%...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

4.38

Recommended

Based on 25 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwaterlake

"Reviews for Yellowjacket Campground highlight its peaceful atmosphere, good fishing opportunities, and scenic location near Yellowjacket Lake. However, some users note challenges like limited privacy between campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Yellowjacket Campground

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Driving directionsFrom Burns, OR., travel west on US Highway 20 to the junction with the County Road 127/Forest Road 47. Turn right onto County Road 127/Forest Road 47 at the sign for Yellowjacket Lake and Delintment Lake. Follow County Road 127/Forest Road 47 for approximately 30 miles to the junction with Forest Road 37. Turn right onto Forest Road 37 and continue on for approximately 2.3 miles to the junction with Forest Road 3745. Turn right on to Forest Road 3745 and continue for 1 mile then turn right at the end of Yellowjacket Lake into the camping area.

Accessibility is challenging due to winding forest roads. Directions mention turning onto gravel and forest service roads, which might be difficult during certain weather conditions.

Nearby places

Burns, OR (approximately 30 miles).

Nearby supplies

Closest locations for supplies are in Burns, OR, including grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Yellowjacket Campground

Mountain weather here keeps campers on their toes with its unpredictable personality – brilliant sunshine can quickly give way to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, while crisp mornings often greet early risers with frost-kissed meadows. Operating seasonally to work with nature's rhythms, the campground experiences true four-season mountain conditions. Even during peak camping months, evening temperatures can dip surprisingly low, and weather records show that snow and freezing conditions aren't uncommon visitors, making warm layers and weather-ready gear essential companions for any stay.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open in summer with fishing, boating, beach access; afternoon thunderstorms noted but typical mountain weather.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open into November; tranquil setting and good wildlife viewing make fall appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open late spring; birding and early-season fishing noted, though season starts May 20.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed seasonally (open May 20–Nov 11); winter not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is not explicitly stated, though the campground operates between late May and early November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 20 through November 11, weather dependent.
Current Alerts: Site is currently closed.

About Yellowjacket Campground

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Yellowjacket Lake, this hillside campground offers an authentic forest retreat where towering Ponderosa pines cast dappled shadows across two interconnected camping loops. While the sites sit closer together than some might expect, creating a more social atmosphere, each spot provides its own window into the serene lake views below. The gentle slope of the terrain adds character to the camping experience, with many sites offering elevated perspectives of the shimmering water through the pine branches.

Yellowjacket Campground provides 18 combined tent and RV sites, designed for rustic outdoor experiences.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this particular campground may be quietly kept, the land itself whispers stories of the generations who have sought solace in these pine-covered hills and the pristine mountain environment that continues to draw visitors seeking connection with the natural world.

Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here keeps campers on their toes with its unpredictable personality – brilliant sunshine can quickly give way to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, while crisp mornings often greet early risers with frost-kissed meadows. Operating seasonally to work with nature's rhythms, the campground experiences true four-season mountain conditions. Even during peak camping months, evening temperatures can dip surprisingly low, and weather records show that snow and freezing conditions aren't uncommon visitors, making warm layers and weather-ready gear essential companions for any stay.

ElevationPerched at 4,800 feet above sea level, the campground sits in that sweet spot of mountain elevation where the air is refreshingly crisp, the stars shine with exceptional clarity, and the altitude adds just enough adventure to remind you that you've truly escaped to the high country.

Natural Features and SceneryThough Yellowjacket Lake began as a human creation, nature has embraced it as her own, transforming it into a vibrant ecosystem where morning mist dances across the water and evening light paints the surface gold. The understory of native grasses sways gently in the mountain breeze, creating an open, park-like setting beneath the Ponderosa canopy. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in good company – graceful deer often browse through camp at dawn and dusk, while a symphony of birdsong fills the air and waterfowl trace patterns across the lake's surface throughout the day.

Geological RegionSet within the diverse landscapes of Malheur National Forest, the campground occupies a unique ecological niche where the rugged high desert meets mountain forest. This transition zone creates a fascinating blend of environments – the hardy Ponderosa pines stand as sentinels over a landscape that bridges two worlds, offering campers the chance to experience both the austere beauty of the high desert and the welcoming embrace of the forest, all while enjoying views of the sparkling man-made jewel that is Yellowjacket Lake.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is 2:00 p.m.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampground has two overlapping loops on a hillside overlooking the lake, with ponderosa pines providing some shade.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are available.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Walk-up camping is the only option provided.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available, but walk-up is first-come first-serve. There are no details on cancellation policies.

AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible. No additional accessibility information is provided.

Site SizeStandard-sized sites suitable for tents and small recreational vehicles.

PrivacyMinimal privacy due to closely spaced sites and limited vegetation. "With only a grass understory and little middlestory, privacy is minimal.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommendation to choose sites closer to the lake for better views.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the wildlife viewing, non-motorized boating, and fishing opportunities at Yellowjacket Campground. The man-made Yellowjacket Lake is a focal point for recreational activities, including birding and trout fishing.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Yellowjacket Lake, which is known for rainbow and brook trout. "The man-made Yellowjacket Lake is known for its fishing."

BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted. Yellowjacket Lake allows power boats, but they are limited to a maximum speed of 5 mph. The boat ramp is described as gravel and primitive.

Wildlife viewingThe campground offers abundant birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors may encounter eagles, osprey, and pronghorn antelope.

Beach activitiesYellowjacket Lake has a small sand beach, which provides opportunities for shoreline activities.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWarm weather may bring blue-green algae blooms to lakes, which could pose a risk to visitors.

Active AlertsSite is currently closed.

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

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Burns, OR, approximately 30 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingYellowjacket Campground follows a 'Pack it in/Pack it out' policy, requiring visitors to take all trash and recycling with them.

Water FeaturesLocated directly next to Yellowjacket Lake, with easy access to the shoreline for fishing.

Camp HostNo specific host information.

Weather at Yellowjacket Campground

Reviews

4.4

25 reviews

Recommended

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

Reviews for Yellowjacket Campground highlight its peaceful atmosphere, good fishing opportunities, and scenic location near Yellowjacket Lake. However, some users note challenges like limited privacy between campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Users often praise the tranquil setting, birding opportunities, and proximity to the lake. Melissa Phillips noted, "$10 per night, they do take golden age pass for half price. Some sites have lake...

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited privacy and sparse shade due to the closely spaced campsites and minimal vegetation are common complaints.

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to pack out all trash to comply with the campground's policies. Be prepared for limited privacy and plan visits during warmer months if water access is essential.

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fishing quality may vary by season, as noted by user Rosalie Jones, who said, "My husband stated the trout was biting better before."

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very peaceful, took awhile to catch trout. Deer walking thru camp." - Rosalie Jones. "Great campsite-- Great camp host-- access to water for fishing or playing-- porta potty close by-- I'd go back...

Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites offer views of Yellowjacket Lake. Melissa Phillips mentioned free camping spots further down the road.

Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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