How much does camping cost at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead?

Camping fees at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead range from $8-$25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead first-come first-served or reservation?

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead?

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead is open The campground is not maintained but is still available throughout the winter. Access will be snowmobiles only once the road is inaccessible due to snow.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead?

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead have?

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead?

Pets are not allowed at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead?

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead?

Popular activities at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

3 reviews

Featured in:Fishing Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

4,439 ft

Price

$8 - $25/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is no...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,439 ft

Price

$8 - $25/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is no...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

$8.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single site: $8/night (extra $5 fee per vehicle exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance). Group site: Site 6 is $25/night (no extra vehicle...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

44.8770, -118.7788

Nearby places

Ukiah (1 mile west)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely in Ukiah.

Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, OR, travel west 1 mile to the Hwy 395 junction. Turn left (south) on Hwy 395 and go about 15 miles, and then turn left (east) onto Forest Service Road (FSR) 55. Drive a little less than 1 mile, then turn right (south) onto FSR 10. Travel about 12 miles on Forest Road 10 and Welch Campground is on the right (south).

The campground is accessible through paved and unpaved roads. However, it becomes inaccessible during snowy conditions and requires snowmobiles for access.

Weather at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

Best Time to Camp at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

The campground opens Memorial Day through mid-November, with summer bringing the most reliable access. Expect daytime highs between 60 and 80°F and nighttime lows in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Late summer offers long days and stable weather for hiking, OHV riding, and trips to Olive Lake. Weekdays provide more solitude than July and August weekends. Winter access requires snowmobiles.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day–mid-Nov; summer offers the most reliable access and mild temps.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is not maintained but is still available throughout the winter. Access will be snowmobiles only once the road is inaccessible due to snow.

About Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

Welch Creek Campground sits at 4,439 feet in the Umatilla National Forest, offering six primitive sites for tent camping and group gatherings. The campground provides vault toilets but no potable water or garbage service. Fees range from $8 to $25 per night, and the open layout works well for family reunions or hunting trips.

Welch Creek Campground offers primitive camping options, suitable for both individual and group campers. It is designed to accommodate tents and small groups, with one group site available.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground opens Memorial Day through mid-November, with summer bringing the most reliable access. Expect daytime highs between 60 and 80°F and nighttime lows in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Late summer offers long days and stable weather for hiking, OHV riding, and trips to Olive Lake. Weekdays provide more solitude than July and August weekends. Winter access requires snowmobiles.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits amid ancient volcanic formations and glacially carved valleys within the Umatilla National Forest. Rocky outcroppings and varied elevations define the rugged terrain. Dense pine and fir forest surrounds the sites, with the Desolation OHV trail system winding through nearby ridges and slopes. Olive Lake, a glacial remnant, lies 13 miles east among the peaks.

Geological RegionNestled within the diverse geological tapestry of the Umatilla National Forest, Welch Creek Campground sits amid ancient volcanic formations and glacially carved valleys that tell the story of millions of years of Earth's history. The surrounding forested terrain showcases the region's dynamic past, with rocky outcroppings and varied elevations creating the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The famous Desolation OHV trail system winds through this rugged landscape, offering riders challenging terrain and spectacular views. A scenic 13-mile journey east leads to Olive Lake, a sparkling jewel set among the peaks that serves as a reminder of the glacial forces that shaped this magnificent wilderness.

Scenic ViewsSurrounded by forested terrain, providing scenic views of the natural environment.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style lodging or other accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group Site 6 can accommodate larger parties and is available at $25 per night without additional vehicle charges.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityAn accessible vault toilet is available, but additional accessibility features are not mentioned.

Site SizeThe campground includes six campsites. Specific dimensions of these sites are not provided.

PrivacyThe open area of the campground suggests limited privacy, which is ideal for group gatherings such as family reunions or hunting trips.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 6 is recommended for groups due to its larger capacity.

Best CampsitesSite 6 draws groups.

Amenities available

Welch Creek Campground offers a limited set of amenities, making it suitable for campers looking for a more primitive experience. It features six campsites, an accessible vault toilet, and a 4-stall recreational stock corral. However, there is no potable water and no garbage service, requiring visitors to pack out their trash.

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Welch Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and photography. Additionally, it provides access to the Desolation OHV trail system, and Olive Lake is located nearby for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWinter access requires snowmobiles due to snow-covered roads. There may be risks associated with wildlife and rugged terrain.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews are available for Welch Creek Campground at this time.

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

No user-provided highlights are available.

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints from prior visitors are available.

Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specific to particular campsites are available.

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.

Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.

Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct user quotes are provided for this campground.

Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user feedback on the accessibility features is provided.

Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specific to pet policies or experiences are available.

Based on 3 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Stock corral, OHV trail access, and a $25 group site (Site 6) make this a solid pick for hunting parties, horse campers, or families who want an open layout without fighting for space on summer weekdays.

Skip if

No potable water is a hard stop for anyone not committed to hauling their own supply, and with only 6 first-come sites, a summer weekend drive-up gamble could leave you without a spot.

Nearby Campgrounds

Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

Campground Map

Weather at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

Best Time to Camp at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

Planning Tips

About Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

Best Time to Camp at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews