How much does camping cost at Yellowjacket Campground?

Camping fees at Yellowjacket Campground range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Yellowjacket Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Yellowjacket Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Walk-up camping is the only option provided.

What is the best time to visit Yellowjacket Campground?

Yellowjacket Campground is open Peak season is not explicitly stated, though the campground operates between late May and early November.. 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 Yellowjacket Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Yellowjacket Campground?

Fire policies at Yellowjacket Campground: No specific fire policies mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Yellowjacket Campground have?

Yellowjacket Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Yellowjacket Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Yellowjacket Campground?

Yellowjacket Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Yellowjacket Campground?

Popular activities at Yellowjacket Campground include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Yellowjacket Campground

4.03

25 reviews

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Oregon

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

Check Availability 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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Yellowjacket Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $10 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per day $10/Night for single unit, $5/Night for extra vehicle

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

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

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Yellowjacket Campground

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Campground Map

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

Yellowjacket Campground

265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738

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.

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.

Weather at Yellowjacket Campground

Current alert: Site is currently closed.

Best Time to Camp at Yellowjacket Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions for fishing and boating, with daytime highs between 70-85°F and nights dropping to 35-50°F. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally. Early mornings can bring frost even during peak season. The campground operates seasonally, closing when snow and freezing temperatures arrive. Low to moderate lake levels in summer make water access most dependable.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer (70–85°F days) is best for fishing and boating; peak recreational season.

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.

About Yellowjacket Campground

Yellowjacket Campground sits on a hillside above Yellowjacket Lake in Malheur National Forest, offering 18 sites across two loops with lake views through Ponderosa pines. Sites run $5-10 per night and accommodate tents and small RVs. The campground occupies a transition zone where high desert meets mountain forest at 4,800 feet elevation.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions for fishing and boating, with daytime highs between 70-85°F and nights dropping to 35-50°F. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally. Early mornings can bring frost even during peak season. The campground operates seasonally, closing when snow and freezing temperatures arrive. Low to moderate lake levels in summer make water access most dependable.

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 SceneryPonderosa pines tower over a sparse understory of native grasses, creating an open, park-like setting with minimal vegetation between sites. The man-made lake has integrated into the surrounding ecosystem, attracting deer that browse through camp at dawn and dusk, waterfowl on the water, and active bird populations throughout the day. The hillside terrain provides elevated views of the lake through pine branches, while the surrounding landscape blends high desert and mountain forest environments. Late summer algae blooms can affect water clarity during warmer weather.

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.

Scenic ViewsSome sites have views of Yellowjacket Lake, but they are limited due to the layout of the campground.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging or accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted.

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 layoutTwo overlapping loops wind down the hillside. Sites sit close together with minimal screening from the grass understory and scattered pines. The open layout creates a social atmosphere but offers little privacy between neighbors.

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.

Best CampsitesSeveral sites offer direct lake views. The elevated positions on the hillside provide better perspectives of the water through the pines.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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.

Cell CoverageInformation about cell phone service coverage or quality at the campground is not provided.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

Rate Yellowjacket Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.0

25 reviews

Satisfactory

Yellowjacket Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers chasing rainbow and brook trout who don't mind a primitive setup: gravel boat ramp, no showers, no hookups, but lake views from several sites and a small sand beach for the kids. Bring all your water.

Skip if

Sites sit close together with almost no screening between them, so anyone who needs distance from neighbors will be frustrated. Also confirm the closure has lifted before making the drive, since the campground is currently listed as closed.

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Campgrounds

Malheur National Forest

Yellowjacket Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Yellowjacket Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

This campground sits on the quiet shores of Yellowjacket Lake.  This beautiful and quiet location offers abundant birding and wildlife viewing opportunities with eagles, osprey and pronghorn antelope frequenting the area.  The lake has a small sand beach and an easily accessible shoreline for fishing.  This campground has a very nice covered group picnic area. Public should be aware warmer weather can bring blue-green algae blooms to lakes. <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd767457.pdf">Please read the attached information for what to look for and what to do should you encounter a blue-green algae bloom.</a>

About the campground

The elevation is 4,800 ft. The campground has two overlapping loops on a hillside overlooking Yellowjacket Lake. Ponderosa pine provide some shade. While some sites have a view of the Lake, they can be close together. With only a grass understory and little middlestory, privacy is minimal. The man-made Yellowjacket Lake is known for its fishing and is visited by birds and wildfowl.

Seasons & access

Open May 20 through November 11 - weather dependent

Facilities

The water system is solar powered.

Water activities

Yellowjacket Lake is 30 acres. Power boats are limited to 5mph. Boat ramp is gravel and primitive.

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel. An RV Waste Station, with potable water, is available for a fee at the Chevron Gas Station located at the border of Burns and Hines, OR on US Rts. 20 and 395.

Directions

In Hines, OR (south end), at intersection of US Rt. 20 and Hines Logging Road (County Rt. 127), turn west onto Hines Logging Rd. and go 12.1 miles to an intersection and Yellow Jacket Lake sign. Turn right, onto Forest Rt. 47, and go 6.9 miles to Yellowjacket sign. Turn right, onto Forest Rt. 37, and go 2.5 miles to another intersection. Bear right and go 0.7 miles to campground.

National Forest: Malheur National Forest
Ranger District: Emigrant Creek
Elevation: 4800
Rate: $8 per day
Maximum Stay: 14