Mud Lake Campground

Star3.98
45 reviews
47500 ANTHONY LAKES HWY, NORTH POWDER, OR 97867, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,100 ft

Price

$16 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open between June 1 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Wallowa-Whitman National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mud Lake Campground
$16.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Payment in full is required upon reservation completion. A $10 non-refundable reservation fee is applied online. Discounts apply for National Parks...
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Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$32.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-894-2332campgrounds@anthonylakes.com
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What Campers Say

3.98

Mixed Reviews

Based on 45 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlakewell-maintained

Some mention

reservation

"Mud Lake Campground receives mixed reviews, with an emphasis on its scenic location and proximity to Anthony Lake. While many appreciate the clean and peaceful environment, issues such as mosquito infestations, lack of privacy, and occasional reservation system inefficiencies have been noted. The addition of electrical hookups has been widely appreciated."

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Campground Map

47500 ANTHONY LAKES HWY, NORTH POWDER, OR 97867, USA

Mud Lake Campground

47500 ANTHONY LAKES HWY, NORTH POWDER, OR 97867, USA

Driving directionsFrom Baker City, Oregon, head north on Highway 30 toward Haines for approximately 10 miles. In Haines, turn left and follow the Anthony Lake Highway signs (this turns into Forest Road 73 and Elkhorn Scenic Byway) for 25 miles to the Anthony Lake Recreation Area. Turn right into the campground across from the ski area. From La Grande, head south on Interstate 84 for 25 miles to exit 285 in North Powder, Oregon. In North Powder, follow the ski area signs on Highway 237 for 4 miles to Ellis Road. Turn left on Ellis Road and go about a mile to the Anthony Lake Highway. Turn right and follow the Anthony Lake Highway (becomes Forest Road 73) for 16 miles to the campground entrance on the right, across from the ski area.
Road access is via paved highways (Highway 237 and Forest Road 73). These roads are accessible year-round, but the elevation and proximity to the ski area may result in snow-related challenges during the winter.
Nearby places
Baker City (~35 miles), La Grande (~41 miles), North Powder (~5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in North Powder (~5 miles) or Baker City (~35 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Mud Lake Campground

Summer at Mud Lake brings a symphony of mountain weather that keeps visitors reaching for both sunscreen and warm layers. Crisp mornings can surprise you with temperatures dipping into the mid-20s, making that first cup of coffee extra special, before the afternoon sun warms the forest to a comfortable mid-60s. Pack your rain gear and bug spray—mountain showers and mosquitoes are part of the authentic wilderness experience here.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open June–Sept with warm days and cool nights; active recreation but high mosquito activity in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Sept 30; cooler, quieter, scenic—likely excellent shoulder-season experience.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed until June 1; spring camping not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; winter activities exist nearby but no winter camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1 – September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open between June 1 and September 30 (peak season).
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Mud Lake Campground

Nestled in the shadow of the Anthony Lake Ski Area, Mud Lake Campground offers an intimate mountain escape where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral around just seven campsites. At 7,100 feet elevation, this hidden gem provides six electric hookup sites and one traditional tent site, perfect for those seeking a quieter alternative to busier campgrounds while still enjoying modern conveniences.
Mud Lake Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, offering sites suitable for tent and RV camping, as well as a group camping option that reserves the entire campground.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights per reservation.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Mud Lake Campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities centered around the nearby Anthony Lake area. Campers can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The Elkhorn Crest Trail offers extensive hiking opportunities, while the Anthony Lake Ski Area provides mountain biking trails. The area also offers picturesque scenery and a chance to spot wildlife such as elk and bald eagles.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant, with trails including the 22.6-mile Elkhorn Crest Trail and the 1-mile Black Lake Trail, which support hiking and horseback riding. The 1-mile Shoreline Trail is available for hiking only. User Peter R mentions, 'Quick walk across the street to Anthony Lakes proper and access to all the trails and activities you could want.'
FishingFishing at the nearby Anthony Lake is a popular activity, with opportunities to catch trout. Mindy M shares, 'Anthony lake was beautiful! ... We saw a ton of fish, didn’t catch any though.'
BikingThe campground is near over 8 miles of single-track mountain bike trails, along with a downhill flow trail at the ski area. Piper M notes, 'The bike trails were amazing.'
BoatingBoating, canoeing, and kayaking are available at Anthony Lake. There is an accessible boat ramp for convenience.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, with elk and bald eagles being common sightings. Peter R mentions, 'There was elk and bald eagles around too.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitos are consistently reported as a significant nuisance. The campground is swampy in areas, and sites along roadways may experience noise from nearby logging truck activity.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Mud Lake Campground

Reviews

4.0
45 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mud Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mud Lake Campground receives mixed reviews, with an emphasis on its scenic location and proximity to Anthony Lake. While many appreciate the clean and peaceful environment, issues such as mosquito infestations, lack of privacy, and occasional reservation system inefficiencies have been noted. The addition of electrical hookups has been widely appreciated.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the campground's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and proximity to recreational activities at Anthony Lake. The quiet atmosphere during off-peak times and the well-maintained facilities are...
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Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include heavy mosquito presence, proximity of campsites leading to lack of privacy, and issues with the reservation system, such as signs not accurately reflecting reservations. The...
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Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, especially during summer months, and prepare for cold mornings. Reviews suggest double-checking reservation details upon arrival and being flexible with site assignments.
Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees high mosquito activity but also offers warm days and cool nights. Winter activities are available across the street at Anthony Lake. Off-peak seasons offer a quieter experience but may...
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Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Though I rate the campsite ‘fair’, its proximity to Anthony Lake and gorgeous hiking make it a nice spot, if you’re lucky enough to reserve a site.' - Thomas F. 2. 'The mosquitoes were out in...
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Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 006 is mentioned multiple times, with one review noting it was 'poorly planned and not a flat area' for tent camping (Thomas F). In contrast, Peter R found sites 2 and 3 to be 'probably the...
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Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible vault toilets are well-maintained. The campground's proximity to Anthony Lake's accessible boat ramp adds to its appeal for those with mobility needs.
Based on 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews about pets. While the campground requires dogs to be leashed, Mindy M observed that several campers ignored this rule, making it inconvenient for those who complied.
Based on 45 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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