Alder Thicket Campground

Star4.27
13 reviews

Quick Facts

5,157 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Late May - October/N...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website
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Alder Thicket Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This site is free of charge.
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

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"The reviews for Alder Thicket Campground are generally positive. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty, cleanliness, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing."

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Campground Map

Alder Thicket Campground

46.2587, -117.5674

Driving directionsFrom Pomeroy, Washington (39 minutes): Starting on Main Street, take 15th Street south for approximately 17 miles to the forest boundary. (stay on paved road from town to boundary). Road turns to gravel and becomes forest road #40. Continue on Rd. #40 for approximately 3 miles. Alder Thicket Campground will be on the right hand side of the road.
Forest Service Road 40 is paved to the boundary, then transitions to gravel for the remainder of the route to Alder Thicket Campground. The road is closed from December 1 through March 31 for snowmobile trails.
Nearby places
Pomeroy, Washington (39 minutes, approximately 20 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Alder Thicket Campground

From late May through October or November, Alder Thicket transforms into a camper's paradise as the mountains awaken from winter's grip. Spring arrives with crisp mornings that gradually warm to comfortable afternoons, making late May and June ideal for those seeking mild conditions. Summer brings warm days perfect for exploration, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues before the first frost signals the season's end. Throughout the camping season, temperatures dance between cool mountain mornings and moderate afternoon highs, creating perfect conditions for both relaxation and adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Praised in summer for shade and natural beauty; open late May–Oct/Nov depending on weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Likely pleasant in fall, but seasonal closure timing and few reviews limit certainty.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings crisp mornings and wildflowers per overview; campsite season starts late May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter camping is limited; primary winter use noted as snowmobile trail access only.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Late May - October/November (depending on weather conditions).

About Alder Thicket Campground

Tucked away in the northern gateway to the majestic Blue Mountains, Alder Thicket Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience without the price tag. This free camping haven nestles beneath a verdant canopy of dense alder groves and towering trees, creating a natural sanctuary where dappled sunlight filters through leafy branches. When summer heat bears down on the mountains, campers find respite in the cooling shade while remaining just five miles from scenic hiking trails that wind through the surrounding wilderness.
Alder Thicket Campground is a primitive site that caters to basic camping activities. The absence of fees and minimal facilities reflect its rustic nature.
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Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Alder Thicket Campground are primarily focused on hiking. Visitors can enjoy nearby trails within five miles of the site. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, with sightings of various animals, including grouse, white-tailed deer, wildflowers, and marmots.
HikingHiking trails are available within five miles of the campground, offering opportunities for day hikes. A user review highlights that the area has 'lots of trails for hiking.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a significant activity at Alder Thicket Campground. Visitors can spot grouse, white-tailed deer, and occasionally more curious animals like a 'yellow bellied marmot' as noted in user reviews.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards include marmites, with user reviews specifically mentioning a marmite stealing a glove.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Alder Thicket Campground

Reviews

4.3
13 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Alder Thicket Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The reviews for Alder Thicket Campground are generally positive. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty, cleanliness, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights from user reviews include 'absolutely beautiful place to camp,' gorgeous views, lots of trails, and sightings of unique wildlife like the yellow-bellied marmot. Clean restroom facilities...
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Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to watch their belongings due to wildlife interactions, as one camper had a glove taken by a yellow-bellied marmot.
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is reviewed positively in the summer for its shade and natural beauty. Winter usage is limited to snowmobile trail access, making it less suitable for traditional camping.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely beautiful place to camp... gorgeous views and lots of trails for hiking and riding ATVs.' 2. 'Wildflowers blooming everywhere and even saw some wildlife, a yellow bellied marmot who...
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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers or areas within the campground are reviewed.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews specifically mentioning experiences with pets or pet-related policies.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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