Congo Gulch

Star3.82
14 reviews
P.O. BOX 158, UKIAH, OR 97880, USA

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Opens US Forest Service 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
Congo Gulch
$80.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for the cabin is $80. This fee applies uniformly across peak and non-peak seasons.
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

3.82

Mixed Reviews

Based on 14 reviews

"User reviews for the Congo Gulch cabin are mixed, with some praising its historical charm and functionality while others criticize cleanliness and accessibility. "Very beautiful area with lots of interesting history," noted one reviewer. However, another commented, "the overall level of cleanliness was very poor.""

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 158, UKIAH, OR 97880, USA

Congo Gulch

P.O. BOX 158, UKIAH, OR 97880, USA

Driving directionsFrom Pendleton, Oregon: Travel south on Highway 395 for 50 miles to the Ukiah exit. Turn left on Highway 244 to Ukiah. Turn right (south) just before the city park; this road becomes Forest Service Road (FSR) 52 at the Forest boundary. Travel 50 miles to the small town of Granite. From Granite go west on County Road 24 for approximately 6 miles. The main road veers left along the creek bed. At this junction turn right (uphill) on FSR 10 and follow the signs to the Fremont Powerhouse, towards Fremont Congo Gulch Cabin. Do not use between October and June without confirming this route is open with the Ranger District. From Baker City, Oregon: Travel west on Highway 7 and continue 20 miles to the junction with FSR 73. Proceed north through Sumpter and another 17 miles to the small town of Granite. From Granite go west on County Road 24 for approximately 6 miles. The main road veers left along the creek bed. At this junction turn right (uphill) on FSR 10 and follow the signs to the Fremont Powerhouse, towards Fremont Congo Gulch Cabin. This route is plowed in the winter and provides the only winter access.
FS Road 52 is not maintained in the winter, so winter access is only available through Baker City from October to May. The roads include paved and unpaved sections and can be challenging due to snow drifts during winter months.
Nearby places
Granite, Oregon: less than 6 miles
Nearby supplies
Groceries and fuel are available within 6 miles in Granite, Oregon. Additional supplies may require travel to larger cities such as Baker City or Pendleton.

Best Time to Camp at Congo Gulch

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Blue Mountains, where scorching summer days can soar above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, inviting you to seek shade beneath towering conifers and plan your adventures for the cooler morning and evening hours. As winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, the cabin becomes a remote sanctuary accessible only to those willing to traverse the white wilderness on skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions for exploration, though visitors should note that plumbing and water systems follow nature's calendar, with full services available only during the warmer months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; great access to hikes and lakes but can be very hot (to 110°F).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler weather, scenic mountain/fall colors, and continued trail access make fall attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with variable conditions; opening May 1 but season notes about plumbing/water unclear.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter accessibility limited by snow; may require snowmobile or skis; plumbing issues off-season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30, 2025 for peak season and October 1 - December 31, 2025 for non-peak.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. No water or indoor plumbing is available from October to May.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Congo Gulch

Step back in time at Congo Gulch, a beautifully preserved Forest Service cabin that once echoed with the dreams of gold miners and now welcomes up to 12 modern adventurers. This historic gem seamlessly blends yesterday's charm with today's comforts, featuring electric lights to illuminate your evenings, a cozy oil heating stove for those crisp mountain nights, and a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare hearty meals after a day of exploration. During warmer months, you'll enjoy the convenience of indoor plumbing, though winter transforms this retreat into a true backcountry experience accessible only by skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile—making every arrival feel like a genuine expedition.
Congo Gulch cabin offers a blend of rustic and historical accommodations, suitable for small groups and families. Primitive tent camping is also available in the grassy areas surrounding the cabin.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay length is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The Congo Gulch cabin offers diverse recreational opportunities ranging from hiking and historical exploration to berry picking and wildlife viewing. Olive Lake nearby provides options for swimming, boating, and fishing. "Guests can hike on North Fork John Day Wilderness Area trails or go mountain biking on forest roads. A drive along the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway is a treat, as are activities like huckleberry and mushroom picking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photographing the vast landscape."
HikingTrails in the North Fork John Day Wilderness Area are accessible for hiking. The terrain offers scenic views and opportunities to explore the historical landscape.
FishingFishing is available at Olive Lake, which is located within ten miles of the cabin.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Olive Lake, a nearby attraction.
BikingMountain biking on forest roads in the area is a popular activity, providing opportunities to explore the Blue Mountains.
BoatingBoating opportunities are available at Olive Lake, which includes a boat ramp for easy access.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding forest is home to diverse wildlife, including black bear, cougar, wolves, elk, and deer. Bird species such as the black-backed woodpecker and boreal owl may be observed.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include snow drifts in winter, lack of water/plumbing from October to May, and wildlife like bears and cougars.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Congo Gulch

Reviews

3.8
14 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Congo Gulch has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for the Congo Gulch cabin are mixed, with some praising its historical charm and functionality while others criticize cleanliness and accessibility. "Very beautiful area with lots of interesting history," noted one reviewer. However, another commented, "the overall level of cleanliness was very poor."
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciated the cabin’s historical significance, convenient amenities, and ample room for larger groups. "It's a cozy place. Good amenities," remarked one user. Another wrote, "Very beautiful...
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Cleanliness is a recurring issue as noted in user reviews. "Although we expected the cabins to be rustic, the overall level of cleanliness was very poor," reported a guest. Accessibility is also...
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Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring personal fans and cotton sheets for summer visits, as the cabin can get hot: "The week we were there temps reached 110+ degrees and it was a real struggle to stay comfortable, especially in the...
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Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits are hot and may require additional cooling measures such as fans. Winter accessibility is limited due to snow, requiring snowmobiles or skis for entry.
Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We were happily surprised to find out that there is an extra 'storage room' off of the kitchen that has a second empty refrigerator. This came in very handy for my family." "Sunshine the dog is so...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is referenced in multiple reviews, with mentions of its suitability for groups and functionality during hot weather.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features appear to be lacking, with users noting challenges for mobility-impaired individuals due to the absence of ramps. "Not good for mobile challenged to get in the cabin, no...
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Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at the cabin, and several users brought dogs along for their stays. "It mostly fit the bill for accommodating my large extended family of 9 plus several dogs."
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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