Yellowjacket Campground
05 reviews265 Highway 20 South, Hines, OR 97738
Quick Facts
4,800 ftPrice
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
18 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
4,800 ftPrice
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
18 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsYellowjacket 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%...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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USFS
Provider(541) 573-4300SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 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."
Fees & Passes at Yellowjacket Campground
$5 - $10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Reservations are not available, but walk-up is first-come first-serve. There are no details on cance...
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Emigrant Creek Ranger District website.
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.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible. No additional accessibility information is provided.
Sites SizeStandard-sized sites suitable for tents and small recreational vehicles.
Sites 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 CampsitesRecommendation to choose sites closer to the lake for better views.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 20 through November 11, weather dependent.
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.
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.
Fishing
Fishing 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."Boating
Non-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 viewing
The campground offers abundant birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors may encounter eagles, osprey, and pronghorn antelope.Beach activities
Yellowjacket Lake has a small sand beach, which provides opportunities for shoreline activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are supported.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsWarm weather may bring blue-green algae blooms to lakes, which could pose a risk to visitors.
Active alertsSite is currently closed.
Weather at Yellowjacket Campground
43
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Burns, OR, approximately 30 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is not explicitly stated, though the campground operates between late May and early November.
Trash and recyclingYellowjacket Campground follows a 'Pack it in/Pack it out' policy, requiring visitors to take all trash and recycling with them.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly next to Yellowjacket Lake, with easy access to the shoreline for fishing.
Common complaintsMinimal privacy due to closely spaced sites. Warm weather brings algae blooms, which may affect water activities.
HostNo specific host information.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Yellowjacket Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 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 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Limited privacy and sparse shade due to the closely spaced campsites and minimal vegetation are common complaints.
Based on 5 reviewsPro 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 5 reviewsSeasonal 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 5 reviewsCamper 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 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some sites offer views of Yellowjacket Lake. Melissa Phillips mentioned free camping spots further down the road.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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