Blackhorse Campground

Star4.33
11 reviews
Blackhorse Campground, Forest Road 39, near Imnaha River, Oregon

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Wallowa Whitman National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Blackhorse Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rate for single unit campsites is $10. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on the fee for single...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietsites

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews generally describe the campground as quiet, well-maintained, and offering a relaxing experience with the sound of the nearby river. The lack of modern facilities and cell service is noted, but these aspects are viewed as part of the rustic charm."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Blackhorse Campground, Forest Road 39, near Imnaha River, Oregon

Blackhorse Campground

Blackhorse Campground, Forest Road 39, near Imnaha River, Oregon

Driving directionsFrom Enterprise, Oregon travel south on Oregon State 82 towards Joseph for about 6.5 miles; In Joseph turn left on Oregon State 350 and go about 8 miles to the Wallowa Loop Road; Turn right on the Wallowa Loop Road (also known as the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway) and travel on this road which eventually becomes Forest Road 39 for 30 miles; The campground is on the left near the Imnaha River.
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is usually closed by snow from late October through late May or early June, making it impassable for vehicles during this period.
Nearby places
Joseph: 29 miles, Enterprise: 37.5 miles, Halfway: approximately 23.5 miles
Nearby supplies
Drinking water is available at nearby Ollokot campground, 0.5 miles south on Forest Route 39. Additional supplies may need to be procured in Joseph or Enterprise, Oregon.

Best Time to Camp at Blackhorse Campground

From May's wildflower awakening through October's golden finale, Blackhorse Campground welcomes adventurers to experience the full spectrum of mountain seasons. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days perfect for river activities and evening campfires, while spring and fall paint the landscape with crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons ideal for hiking and exploration. As winter approaches, snow blankets the high country, closing the campground until spring's return breathes new life into the canyon.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest June–Sept; favorable warm weather and full services seasonally.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 31; described as offering a 'golden finale' in autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15; May noted for wildflower awakening but early season weather is variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter access limited and campground closed outside May 15–Oct 31.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June to September considered peak camping season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 15 through October 31, weather dependent.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal snow closures from late October through early June may impact access.

About Blackhorse Campground

Where the legendary Hells Canyon Scenic Byway winds through Oregon's rugged wilderness, Blackhorse Campground emerges as a hidden sanctuary along the rushing waters of the Wild and Scenic Imnaha River. Towering Ponderosa pines and ancient firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across secluded campsites. Here, the river's eternal song provides a soothing soundtrack as visitors cast fishing lines into pristine waters, spread picnic blankets in sun-drenched clearings, or venture out to discover the storied landmarks of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. When autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a basecamp for hunters pursuing big game through these ancestral forests.
Blackhorse Campground is a rustic camping destination that accommodates both tents and trailers/RVs, with a total of 16 sites, of which 15 are combined-use for tents and RVs.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open access, no specific check-in time.
Check-out
Open access, no specific check-out time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Blackhorse Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, suitable for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solitude. Fishing and picnicking are popular, and the proximity to the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway provides opportunities for exploration and photography.
FishingVisitors can fish in the Imnaha River, which runs alongside the campground. The river is home to Rainbow and Brook trout.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal snow closures can make access difficult. Lack of potable water requires planning for drinking water needs. Wildlife typical of forested regions may pose safety concerns.
Active AlertsSeasonal snow closures from late October through early June may impact access.
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 Blackhorse Campground

Reviews

4.3
11 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Blackhorse Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe the campground as quiet, well-maintained, and offering a relaxing experience with the sound of the nearby river. The lack of modern facilities and cell service is noted, but these aspects are viewed as part of the rustic charm.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

"Nice and quiet," "Large sites suitable for tenting or RVs," "Well tended." The proximity to the river and the relaxing sounds it provides are frequently praised.
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

No potable water on-site, no cell phone reception, and no modern amenities such as flush toilets or showers.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water and be prepared for a 'pack it in, pack it out' experience. If cell service is needed, the Hells Canyon Overlook is a good option, roughly 8 miles away.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer months when the weather is most favorable, but it remains quiet during weekdays. Winter access is limited due to snow.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground was well tended and it was easy to score a site." - Lisa Marie Pane. "The sites are along the river, which makes for relaxing background noise." - Lisa Marie Pane.
Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific sites are identified as better or worse by users, but all sites are described as large and private due to the dense vegetation.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Only the vault toilets are noted as wheelchair accessible. No additional accessibility features are highlighted.
Based on 11 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Blackhorse Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Oregon

Campgrounds
Wallowa Whitman National Forest
Blackhorse Campground