Alder Thicket Campground
02 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Late May - October/N...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Late May - October/N...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 2 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."
Fees & Passes at Alder Thicket Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Umatilla National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
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: 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.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this secluded spot remains as mysterious as the morning mist that often cloaks the alders, the campground stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the Blue Mountains' untamed wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsFrom 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.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation in the Blue Mountains, the campground offers that perfect balance of mountain atmosphere without the challenges of high-altitude camping.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where ancient alders stretch skyward, their intertwining branches creating a natural tapestry overhead. The campground's signature feature—its namesake alder thickets—forms dense green walls that provide both privacy and a thriving ecosystem. Here, lucky visitors might spot ruffed grouse drumming their distinctive woodland rhythm or catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer ghosting through the undergrowth at dawn and dusk. The overgrown forest creates an intimate atmosphere where nature feels close enough to touch, transforming each campsite into its own private wilderness retreat.
Geological RegionSituated within the remarkable Blue Mountains ecosystem, Alder Thicket Campground showcases the region's characteristic dense deciduous forests. The area's unique geology has nurtured the growth of impressive alder stands and mixed forest communities, creating a lush microclimate that defines this corner of the Blue Mountains. The thick vegetation and layered canopy reflect the area's abundant moisture and rich soils, hallmarks of this distinctive mountain region.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeNo specific information is provided regarding the size of the campsites.
Sites PrivacyThe site is shaded and surrounded by overgrown trees and alder shrubs, providing some natural privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
There are no specific details about group campsites.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonLate May - October/November (depending on weather conditions).
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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 viewing
Wildlife 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
The site is converted into a rest stop for snowmobilers during the winter months, as Forest Service Road 40 is used for snowmobile trails and grooming.Water Sports
Non-motorized or motorized water sports are not mentioned as available activities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include marmites, with user reviews specifically mentioning a marmite stealing a glove.
Weather at Alder Thicket Campground
32
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 14.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Clearwater Guard Station is six miles from the Alder Thicket Campground.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Common complaintsNone mentioned in user reviews.
Campground Map
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)
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Alder Thicket Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 2 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No significant complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro 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 2 reviewsSeasonal 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 2 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers or areas within the campground are reviewed.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews specifically mentioning experiences with pets or pet-related policies.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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