Coalmine Hill Campground

Star4.68
21 reviews

Quick Facts

4,856 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Seasonally maintaine...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website
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Coalmine Hill Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This is a fee-free campground. All campsites are first-come, first-served.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 21 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature, clean facilities, and excellent access to hiking trails. Positive sentiments focus on the clean restroom, serenity, and hiking opportunities, while complaints often mention the lack of water and cell phone service."

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Campground Map

Coalmine Hill Campground

45.1663, -119.3338

Driving directionsFrom Heppner, Oregon (40 minutes): Head south on Oregon Highway 206 until you've reached the edge of town. Take a left turn onto Willow Creek Road (County Road 678) and continue to make your way to and through the mountains for 22.3 miles. Coalmine Hill Campground will be on the left at the top of Coalmine Hill. From Ukiah, OR (41 minutes): Head west on Oregon Highway 244 for about two miles. Once you've reached a four-way stop, go straight, westbound, and follow Forest Service Road 53 for about 20 miles. Coalmine Hill Campground will be on the right.
The campground is accessible via paved highways and forest roads. However, during winter, access is limited to snowmobiles only due to snow-covered roads.
Nearby places
Heppner, OR (22.3 miles, approx. 40 minutes)
Ukiah, OR (20 miles, approx. 41 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be accessed in Heppner, OR, approximately 22.3 miles away, including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Coalmine Hill Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the Pacific Northwest at Coalmine Hill. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, with temperatures dipping below freezing and weekly snowfalls creating a paradise for snow enthusiasts. When summer arrives, the forest awakens to comfortable days in the mid-70s and crisp nights in the low-40s, perfect for stargazing and campfire stories under clear mountain skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season Memorial Day–mid-Nov; maintained services and best hiking conditions in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through mid-Nov with trails and solitude; likely good fall colors and quieter visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Maintenance begins Memorial Day; spring camping largely unavailable until opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonally maintained closed by snow; area accessible to snowmobiles but campground not maintained.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late May to mid-November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Seasonally maintained from Memorial Day through mid-November. Closed by snow but accessible in winter for snowmobiles.
  • Current Alerts: Currently in winterized condition; no services available.

About Coalmine Hill Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Umatilla National Forest, Coalmine Hill Campground transforms with the seasons—from a serene summer retreat to a winter wonderland snow park. This versatile mountain escape features one spacious campsite greeting visitors at the entrance, while five intimate sites dot the perimeter of the parking area, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness.
Coalmine Hill Campground offers primitive camping options suitable for tents and features a limited number of sites.
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Stay Limit
No stay limit explicitly mentioned.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Coalmine Hill Campground offers a range of recreational opportunities primarily focused on outdoor experiences. Visitors can access notable hiking trails leading to sites such as Gibson Cave and Bald Mountain's viewpoint. Equestrians can enjoy the trails as well. About five miles away, Penland Lake offers fishing and non-electric boating opportunities.
HikingThe campground provides access to the Bald Mountain, Hells Half Acre, and Willow Creek trails, with a total loop length of 7.5 miles. The Bald Mountain trail includes a 1.25-mile hike to Gibson Cave and continues to a scenic viewpoint overlooking drainages between Coalmine Hill and Little Bald Mountain. One user review notes the trail's appeal, stating, 'Beautiful area...primitive campground and incredible hiking trail.'
FishingFishing opportunities are available at Penland Lake, located approximately five miles southwest of the campground.
BoatingNon-electric boating opportunities are available at Penland Lake, five miles southwest of the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWinter access is limited to snowmobiles due to snow-covered roads. There is no potable water on-site, and campfires must be managed responsibly.
Active AlertsCurrently in winterized condition; no services available.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Coalmine Hill Campground

Reviews

4.7
21 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Coalmine Hill Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature, clean facilities, and excellent access to hiking trails. Positive sentiments focus on the clean restroom, serenity, and hiking opportunities, while complaints often mention the lack of water and cell phone service.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the cleanliness of the vault toilet and campsite, the scenic hiking trails, and the tranquil environment. Quotes include: 'rest room was clean and camping area was clean,' and...
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Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints are the lack of potable water and cell phone service, as noted in comments such as, 'There is no cell service.'
Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to pack plenty of water and be prepared for a lack of cell phone service. One user suggested a hiking route: 'Next time I'd start at Cutsforth Campground, take Willow Creek trail...
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Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is more enjoyable during the maintained season (Memorial Day to mid-November) due to available services. Winter access relies on snowmobiles, and there are no amenities...
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Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

'rest room was clean and camping area was clean.' 'Beautiful area...primitive campground and incredible hiking trail.' 'There is no cell service.'
Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers are mentioned in the reviews, and there is no identification of 'best' or 'worst' sites.
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressed accessibility features directly.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences involving pets.
Based on 21 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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