Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

Star4.26
143 reviews
65586 OLD OREGON TRAIL RD., MEACHAM, Oregon, 97859, United States

Quick Facts

3,802 ft

Price

$19/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

56 campsites

Season

October 15 through A...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website
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Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area
$19.00 - $19.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fee for standard sites is $19 per night as noted in user reviews. Extra vehicle fee is $7 per night. Cabins and premium amenities may have higher...
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Standard Site Fee$19.00
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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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 143 reviews

86 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationstafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"The campground receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its cleanliness, friendly staff, and scenic environment, while negative comments focus on noise from the nearby interstate and closely packed campsites."

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Campground Map

65586 OLD OREGON TRAIL RD., MEACHAM, Oregon, 97859, United States

Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

65586 OLD OREGON TRAIL RD., MEACHAM, Oregon, 97859, United States

Driving directionsLocated 26 miles east of Pendleton and 26 miles west of LaGrande. Just off Hwy I-84, exit #234 on Old Hwy 30. East bound on I-84 take exit 234. Continue east (straight ahead) on Old Hwy 30. Park entrance 1/2 mile on your right. West bound on I-84 take the 234 exit. At stop sign go west (left turn) on To Old Hwy 30. Continue west across overpass around small curve (right). Park entrance 1/2 mile on your left.
Easy to find. Located directly off Interstate 84. "Great signage," according to user reviews. However, proximity to the freeway results in significant noise in the campground area.
Nearby places
Pendleton, Oregon (26 miles
approximately 30 minutes driving)
LaGrande, Oregon (26 miles
approximately 30 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available within 10 miles, including dump station, evening programs, ice sales, and interpretive display. Further details about grocery or camping supply stores are not specified.

Best Time to Camp at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

Experience the dramatic dance of Oregon's seasons at Emigrant Springs, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow and frost, with temperatures that demand warm sleeping bags and crackling campfires. As summer arrives, the elevation provides a refreshing escape from the heat that grips nearby Pendleton and LaGrande, offering cool mountain breezes that whisper through the pines and create perfect conditions for hiking and outdoor exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (mid‑May to mid‑Oct) praised for beauty and facility availability.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Shoulder season reviews positive; scenic forest likely attractive in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season; park often closed until mid‑May and conditions can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 5% in OR

Park mostly closed Oct 15–Apr 30, but cabins and select sites open; snow camping praised.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-May to Mid-October sees availability of community building and other facilities. Shoulder season occurs between October and April.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: October 15 through April 30, most of the park is closed except for cabins and select campsites (B21, B23, B25).
  • Current Alerts: Water at campsites and cabins is turned off in winter, and reliance is on restroom and shower building for water.

About Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

Nestled in the rolling hills of Eastern Oregon, Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area beckons travelers with its diverse camping accommodations, from rustic tent sites beneath towering pines to cozy cabins that offer shelter from the elements. Visitors often find themselves enchanted by this woodland retreat, which one guest described as 'super cool, even in the snow!' While the campground's convenient location near Interstate 84 provides easy access for road-trippers, the steady hum of highway traffic serves as a reminder of the modern world just beyond the forest edge.
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers a variety of camping options, including standard RV and tent sites, group camping, and cabins.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Most sites remain open between October 15 and April 30 under weather-dependent conditions. Exact limit information is missing.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, including hiking, exploring trails, observing wildlife, and relaxing in the natural surroundings. Seasonal activities, such as snow camping, are also popular.
HikingHiking trails are available, offering routes through the forest and proximity to historical sites related to the Oregon Trail. Users described the trails as 'lots of trails and some history in regards to the Oregon Trail.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife, including squirrels, can be observed frequently. One user humorously shared, 'On our first stay, a squirrel even stole away with our butter!'
Cultural and Educational ProgramsFeatures such as interpretive displays and evening programs within 10 miles of the campground offer cultural enrichment. One user mentioned enjoying brochures and posters about the area's history.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to Interstate 84 results in significant noise described as "continuous, extreme highway noise" by reviewers. Some cabins and campsites may have maintenance issues, such as damp mattresses or broken heater knobs as noted in user reviews.
Active AlertsWater at campsites and cabins is turned off in winter, and reliance is on restroom and shower building for water.

Weather at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

Reviews

4.3
143 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its cleanliness, friendly staff, and scenic environment, while negative comments focus on noise from the nearby interstate and closely packed campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 143 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly staff, good accessibility, and a scenic, forested location. Cabins and sites are well-maintained.
Based on 143 reviews

Common Concerns

Traffic noise from the nearby interstate, closely packed campsites with limited privacy, and occasional maintenance issues in cabins (e.g., broken heater knobs).
Based on 143 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs due to highway noise. Choose a cabin for a quieter experience, as one reviewer noted the noise is less noticeable near the cabins. Be prepared for potential winter closures of...
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Based on 143 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight snow camping and great snow clearing by staff, while summer reviews emphasize the campground's beauty and historical significance. However, road noise is a consistent...
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Based on 143 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This place is lovely with trees & wildlife.' 2. 'The restroom facilities with electricity and running water were very welcome, particularly the hot showers!' 3. 'Whoever scoops snow did amazing....
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Based on 143 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Cabins are praised for cleanliness and spacing. One user noted, 'Cabins are nice and aren't too close together,' while another pointed out issues with damp mattress pads in one cabin.
Based on 143 reviews

Accessibility Features

Bathrooms are noted as wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible tent site (A19).
Based on 143 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, with four cabins allowing pets.
Based on 143 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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