Catherine Creek State Park

4.36

14 reviews

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

Quick Facts

3,297 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season: Mid-Apr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,297 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season: Mid-Apr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Catherine Creek State Park

$20.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $20 to $35. Group day-use sites may have different fees not specified in the authoritative content.

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

4.36

Recommended

Based on 14 reviews

73 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews generally praise the campground's cleanliness, serene environment, and well-maintained facilities. However, some users expressed concerns about the proximity to the highway, lack of cell service, and absence of showers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Catherine Creek State Park

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

Driving directionsTake I-84 to La Grande, OR. Take exit 265. Turn on Highway 203/237 to Union, OR. - 16 miles. In Union, watch for turnoff for the park. The park is located 8 miles out of Union, OR.

The park is easily accessible from I-84 with well-maintained roads. The final stretch includes Highway 203/237 to Union and an 8-mile drive to the park after turning off.

Nearby places

Union, OR (8 miles), La Grande, OR (approx. 24 miles)

Nearby supplies

Union, OR (8 miles) for basic supplies

La Grande, OR (approx. 24 miles) for larger stores and services.

Best Time to Camp at Catherine Creek State Park

Catherine Creek State Park transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering year-round adventures for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and evening campfires under crystal-clear skies. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, painting the landscape in spectacular colors. Winter blankets the park in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. Spring emerges with a delightful mix of warming sunshine and cool mountain air, as wildflowers begin to dot the awakening landscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Warm, popular season for hiking; mosquitoes reported in early July at times.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 19; likely quieter and pleasant though specific fall notes are few.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring and early summer called popular with pleasant weather and fewer bugs.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park closed in winter (closed after Oct 19).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season likely spans mid-April to October 19, exact dates not detailed.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: Mid-April to October 19. Winter closure applies.
Current Alerts: Day-use area closed due to high water as of June 4, 2024.

About Catherine Creek State Park

Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, Catherine Creek State Park invites adventurers to experience authentic primitive camping in Eastern Oregon's high desert. Each campsite comes equipped with convenient water spigots and nearby flush toilets, ensuring comfort without sacrificing the wilderness experience. Whether you're pitching your tent under starlit skies or challenging friends to a game at the horseshoe pits, this park seamlessly blends rustic charm with essential amenities. Miles of hiking trails wind through the pine-scented forest, while shaded picnic areas provide perfect spots for afternoon gatherings with family and friends.

This campground offers primitive camping options with 20 sites available. These sites can accommodate tents and self-contained RVs, with a maximum equipment length of 20 feet. Group day-use areas are also available, and the park has a seasonal operating schedule.

Weather and SeasonsCatherine Creek State Park transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering year-round adventures for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and evening campfires under crystal-clear skies. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, painting the landscape in spectacular colors. Winter blankets the park in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. Spring emerges with a delightful mix of warming sunshine and cool mountain air, as wildflowers begin to dot the awakening landscape.

ElevationPerched in the heart of Eastern Oregon's captivating high-desert region, Catherine Creek State Park offers visitors a chance to experience the unique beauty of this elevated landscape. The park's position provides stunning vistas and the crisp, clean air that makes the high desert such a treasured destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking respite from lower elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryA verdant oasis of majestic ponderosa pines creates a natural cathedral at Catherine Creek State Park, where the gentle murmur of the namesake creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. Despite its accessibility from the nearby highway, the park maintains an atmosphere of profound tranquility, with thick stands of pines buffering campers from the outside world. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the pine canopy, the soft carpet of pine needles underfoot, and the creek's gentle presence create an enchanting environment that feels worlds away from everyday life.

Geological RegionCatherine Creek State Park showcases the dramatic beauty of Eastern Oregon's high-desert ecosystem, where ancient ponderosa pines have adapted to thrive in this unique landscape. The park sits at the convergence of desert and forest, where Catherine Creek has carved its path through the terrain over millennia. This distinctive geological setting creates a diverse habitat that exemplifies the rugged resilience and surprising lushness of Oregon's eastern reaches, offering visitors a chance to explore one of the Pacific Northwest's most fascinating and lesser-known landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay length not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 6 guests per regular campsite
group sites allow up to 100 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are laid out with parking nearby; 20 primitive sites are available with proximity to picnic areas and water spigots.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Oregon State Parks website or by contacting the Oregon State Park Information Center at 800-551-6949.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; reservations are strongly recommended.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled according to Oregon State Park rules. Visit the website for detailed policies.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the source materials.

Site SizeSites can accommodate self-contained RVs, and the maximum equipment length is 20 feet.

PrivacyThe campground has mixed reviews regarding privacy. While some users appreciated the serene environment, others noted the proximity to the highway and the clustering of sites. One user remarked, 'Beautiful ponderosa pines tower over well-maintained campsites, just wish the highway was more than 100 ft away.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSpace 4 recommended for privacy and ambiance.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Catherine Creek State Park offers several outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and using the horseshoe pits. One user noted the presence of a 'nice hiking trail that takes you all the way around the park.' However, fishing is not considered good at this location, as stated by a reviewer: 'Not good for any fishing but has a nice hiking trail.'

HikingThe park features a 3-mile hiking trail that loops around the area. User reviews generally praise the hiking opportunities, with one saying, 'Nice place to camp not good for any fishing but has a nice hiking trail that takes you all the way around the park.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquito presence during summer, fast-moving creek water in spring, and no cell service noted by reviewers.

Active AlertsDay-use area closed due to high water as of June 4, 2024.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyDetails not provided on campfire policies.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Specific quiet hours not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesUnion Community Health Center (approx. 8 miles), Union Police Department (approx. 8 miles), La Grande Ranger Station (approx. 24 miles)

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not described in the source materials.

Water FeaturesProximity to Catherine Creek, though access points are limited according to reviewers.

Camp HostHosts are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness.

Weather at Catherine Creek State Park

Reviews

4.4

14 reviews

Recommended

Catherine Creek State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the campground's cleanliness, serene environment, and well-maintained facilities. However, some users expressed concerns about the proximity to the highway, lack of cell service, and absence of showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the clean and well-maintained facilities, beautiful natural surroundings with towering ponderosa pines, and friendly camp hosts. One user said, 'Clean, serene, beautiful and I...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

The primary complaints include the lack of showers, absence of cell phone service, noise from the nearby highway, and crowded sites during peak times. One user stated, 'Just wish the highway was more...

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing mosquito repellent due to the presence of mosquitoes in summer. Others suggested arriving early to secure a less crowded site and to be prepared for zero cell service.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer appear popular for camping due to pleasant weather and fewer mosquitoes. In contrast, reviews noted that the river moves fast and mosquitoes are prevalent in early July.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'First time I've been to Katherine Creek campground and it was amazing. Clean, serene, beautiful and I would return as many times possible.' 2. 'Infrastructure is better than 'primitive': water...

Based on 14 reviews