Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead
00 reviewQuick Facts
Price
$8 - $25/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
6 campsites
Season
May; operational fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$8 - $25/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
6 campsites
Season
May; operational fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead
$8.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site: $8/night with an additional $5 fee for vehicles exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance. Group site (site 6): $25/night with no...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$33.00
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1 Google reviews
"No user reviews are available for Welch Creek Campground at this time."
Fees & Passes at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead
$8 - $25/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
Best Time to Camp at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead
Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations at Welch Creek, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. From Memorial Day through mid-November, the campground springs to life with regular maintenance and easier access, welcoming visitors with mild days and crisp, star-filled nights. Late spring brings wildflower blooms and perfect hiking weather, while early fall transforms the forest into a tapestry of golden hues. When winter's snow blankets the region, the campground becomes a remote wonderland accessible only by snowmobile, offering intrepid adventurers a chance to experience the forest's serene, frozen beauty in complete solitude.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: May; operational from Memorial Day to mid-November.
About Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead
Tucked away in the heart of the Umatilla National Forest, Welch Creek Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with its intimate collection of 6 rustic campsites. This hidden gem attracts those seeking simplicity and solitude, where the only amenities are an accessible vault toilet and a 4-stall recreational stock corral for equestrian adventurers. Without running water or garbage service, visitors embrace the pack-it-in, pack-it-out philosophy, creating a pristine environment that has made this spot a cherished destination for multi-generational family reunions and traditional hunting camps. Whether you're casting a line in nearby streams, exploring countless hiking trails, or tearing up the renowned Desolation OHV trail system, Welch Creek serves as your basecamp for unforgettable outdoor adventures.
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 SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations at Welch Creek, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. From Memorial Day through mid-November, the campground springs to life with regular maintenance and easier access, welcoming visitors with mild days and crisp, star-filled nights. Late spring brings wildflower blooms and perfect hiking weather, while early fall transforms the forest into a tapestry of golden hues. When winter's snow blankets the region, the campground becomes a remote wonderland accessible only by snowmobile, offering intrepid adventurers a chance to experience the forest's serene, frozen beauty in complete solitude.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Umatilla National Forest, where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral around Welch Creek Campground. The rugged forest landscape unfolds in every direction, offering breathtaking vistas and hidden pockets of wilderness waiting to be explored. Morning mist often drifts through the trees, while afternoon sunlight filters through the canopy, creating an ever-changing display of light and shadow. Just 13 miles east, the pristine waters of Olive Lake beckon anglers and nature lovers, while the surrounding peaks and valleys provide endless opportunities for scenic photography and wildlife viewing.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAn accessible vault toilet is available, but additional accessibility features are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground includes six campsites. Specific dimensions of these sites are not provided.
Sites 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 CampsitesSite 6 is recommended for groups due to its larger capacity.
Best Campsites
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonMay; operational from Memorial Day to mid-November.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
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
The campground provides access to trails, including the Desolation OHV trail system, suitable for hiking. Detailed information regarding difficulty levels or trail lengths is not available.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in nearby rivers and streams. Olive Lake, located 13 miles away, offers additional fishing options.Swimming
Olive Lake, approximately 13 miles from the campground, provides a swimming area for visitors.Boating
Boating is available at Olive Lake, located 13 miles to the east of the campground. Specific details about boating restrictions or the types of boats allowed are not provided.Winter Activities
The campground is accessible during winter but is not maintained. Winter activities such as snowmobiling can be pursued when snow makes the area accessible only by this mode.Water Sports
Opportunities for water sports like fishing and swimming are available at Olive Lake. Specific water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not detailed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsWinter access requires snowmobiles due to snow-covered roads. There may be risks associated with wildlife and rugged terrain.
Weather at Welch Creek Campground & Trailhead
42
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services likely in Ukiah, OR.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service on-site. Visitors are required to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresOlive Lake, a destination for fishing, boating, and swimming, is about 13 miles east along Forest Road 10.
Common complaintsRustic amenities—no potable water and no garbage service.
Campground Map
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.Nearby places
Ukiah (1 mile west)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Ukiah.
Reviews from booking and map sources
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0 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
What Campers Love
No user-provided highlights are available.
Common Concerns
No complaints from prior visitors are available.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Seasonal Insights
No user reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are provided for this campground.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular campsites are available.
Accessibility Features
No user feedback on the accessibility features is provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specific to pet policies or experiences are available.
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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