4.2958 reviewsPrice
$10 - $12/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
16 campsites
Season
May - September
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$10 - $12/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
16 campsites
Season
May - September
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Hudspeth Ln, Baker City, OR
Anglers and boaters chasing rainbow trout or bass will find a primitive boat ramp right at camp, plus the South Shoreline Trail nearby for morning walks. Sites are genuinely large and quiet, and at $12 a night it's hard to beat if you're self-sufficient and haul your own water.
No potable water on-site is a real logistical factor, and low water levels sometimes mean a significant hike just to reach the lake's edge. RVers with longer rigs should know several sites have uneven ground requiring leveling blocks, and the road out from Baker City takes about
Reference information about Southwest Shore Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Southwest Shore Campground is one of 3 campgrounds located around Phillips Lake. This campground usually opens up first in the Spring and has a warm open pine tree setting. Due to fluctuating water levels, the lake may be a short hike down from the campground. Popular activities include; fishing, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/wallowa-whitman/recreation/recarea/?recid=52625">hiking Phillips Lake South Shoreline Trail #1610</a>, boating, and watching wildlife.</p>
The elevation is 4,100 ft. The campground, pack it in, pack it out, is a large lazy loop on the south shore of Phillips Reservoir. Ponderosa pine provides some shade but overall the campground is open and sunny. The understory of sagebrush, grass, and wildflowers provide little privacy. Nesting platforms on small islands in the lake suggest good bird watching opportunities. And the views of Elkhorn Range are spectacular. Possible day trips are the ghost town of Granite, historic Sumpter with the Sumpter Dredge, Sumpter Valley [narrow-gauge steam] Railroad, and a limited selection of stores and cafes for a cook's night out.
Open May 15 through October 15
Phillips Reservoir is 2450 acres. A primitive boat ramp is available at campground. A more developed boat ramp is available on the reservoir's north shore at Union Creek campground. Hiking: None Fishing: Rainbow trout, Large and Smallmouth bass, and perch
Phillips Reservoir is 2450 acres. A primitive boat ramp is available at campground. A more developed boat ramp is available on the reservoir's north shore at Union Creek campground.
The parking aprons are gravel, most of which will accommodate any size RV. An RV waste station is available at Union Creek campground, located on State Rt. 7.
From Baker City, OR, take State Rt. 7 south 19.8 miles to Hudspeth Rd. Turn left onto Hudspeth Rd. and go 1.1 miles to Phillips Lake campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 2220 (gravel) and go 0.4 miles to campground on left.
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Summer delivers warm, sunny days. Typically 70-85°F. And cool nights in the 40s and 50s. This is peak season for water recreation: swimming, boating, and shore fishing all work best May through October when the reservoir is fullest and trails are snow-free. Wildlife viewing is strong in early morning and evening. July and early August see the highest visitation, especially holiday weekends. Expect fire restrictions during dry years. Hunting season brings another wave of campers in fall.
Warm sunny days (70–85°F) and peak water recreation (boating, fishing) May–Oct make summer ideal.
Southwest Shore Campground is a primitive site with basic amenities. As described in official sources, vault toilets are available and are reportedly well-maintained according to user reviews. There is no potable water on-site, and campers must pack in their own. Each of the 16 campsites includes picnic tables and fire rings. Trash and recycling must be packed out by campers. No Wi-Fi or dump stations are available, and there is limited cell phone reception in the area.
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