Big Springs Campground
4.489 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBig Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee is required for reserving campsites or using this campground.
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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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.48
Recommended
Based on 9 reviews
23 Google reviews
Most mentioned
water
"User reviews paint a mixed picture of Big Springs Campground, with praise for its natural beauty and resources like the spring water, but criticism for poor maintenance of facilities, crowded sites, and lack of enforcement of rules during busy times. Several reviewers highlight the natural water spring as a standout feature, while others voice dissatisfaction with the condition of the vault toilet and proximity of campsites."
Fees & Passes at Big Springs Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Prices verified November 17, 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 Big Springs Campground
When summer temperatures soar elsewhere, Big Springs becomes a natural air-conditioned sanctuary where cool mountain breezes whisper through the pines. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the forest floor and frost painting delicate patterns on tent flaps. As spring awakens the forest, comfortable temperatures and dry conditions create perfect camping weather, making this an ideal basecamp for warm-weather adventures without the sweltering heat found at lower elevations.
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
About Big Springs Campground
Nestled in nature's embrace, Big Springs Campground beckons with its intimate collection of five trailer and five tent sites, where the gentle babble of natural springs provides the soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. Modern conveniences meet rustic charm with vault toilets and sturdy picnic tables at each site, while the surrounding forest offers endless adventures. Whether you're seeking respite from summer's heat on scenic hiking trails or pursuing autumn game through the undergrowth, this hidden gem delivers an authentic outdoor experience that refreshes both body and spirit.
Big Springs Campground caters to a variety of camping styles, with dedicated spaces for trailers, tents, and primitive camping. The campground is known for its natural spring water and rustic charm rather than modern conveniences.
Weather and SeasonsWhen summer temperatures soar elsewhere, Big Springs becomes a natural air-conditioned sanctuary where cool mountain breezes whisper through the pines. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the forest floor and frost painting delicate patterns on tent flaps. As spring awakens the forest, comfortable temperatures and dry conditions create perfect camping weather, making this an ideal basecamp for warm-weather adventures without the sweltering heat found at lower elevations.
ElevationPerched among towering evergreens where natural springs bubble up from the earth, Big Springs occupies a special place in the forest's topography. The terrain weaves together the magic of pristine water sources with dense woodland canopy, creating a multi-layered ecosystem that changes character with every step along the trail.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's namesake spring offers more than just a name—it provides ice-cold, crystal-clear water that has quenched thirsts for generations. After Mother's Day rains work their magic, the forest floor erupts in a fungal fantasy, with mushrooms of every shape and size emerging from the rich soil through June. Towering conifers create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns while providing habitat for diverse wildlife that might visit your campsite at dawn or dusk.
Geological RegionBig Springs Campground claims its place within the magnificent Umatilla National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of natural springs and verdant forests. This region's unique combination of elevation, moisture, and soil composition creates a microclimate that supports both delicate wildflowers and mighty pines. Miles of trails wind through this geological wonderland, inviting exploration on foot or horseback through terrain that tells the story of millennia in every rock formation and ridgeline.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess options for campers with disabilities are not detailed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews mention the campground having '20 camp spaces,' although this conflicts with the official description of five trailer and five tent sites.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels seem low according to user reviews, with Rosetta Latham commenting, 'Large families with trailers having to crowd together,' and Katie Gustafson observing, 'Camp spots are very close together.'
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Be careful how big something is before you drive around," especially in the smaller loop with RVs and trailers.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
Specific group camping options are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is described as having a smaller loop with "20 camp spaces," including designated areas for tents and trailers. Some reviews suggest tight spacing between sites.
Walk-in Availability"First-come, first-served" site availability is explicitly stated in user reviews. Visitors should plan accordingly, especially during busy weekends like Memorial Day.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Springs Campground primarily offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and hunting, as emphasized in authoritative sources. User reviews highlight seasonal activities like mushroom foraging and berry picking during specific months. Danielle Bortz praises the natural water spring and mentions the tent pads and RV accommodations. Guests interested in horseback riding can also find opportunities nearby.
Hiking
Day hikes are explicitly mentioned as a recreational option at Big Springs Campground, with hunting opportunities also close by. Specific trail details are not provided.Winter Activities
User reviews and authoritative sources do not provide information regarding winter recreation options at this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews highlight some operational hazards, like crowded conditions during Memorial Day and insufficient maintenance of restrooms. Wildlife is not specifically mentioned.
Weather at Big Springs Campground
32
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 88%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 14 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned directly in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground features a natural water spring, described as a "really good spring water source" and "natural water spring you can drink from and refill water jugs."
Common complaints"Camp spots are very close together," "bathroom there was AWFUL," and "out of toilet paper and covered in garbage" are recurring issues. Additionally, large families sometimes face challenges finding space due to people reserving prime spots improperly.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Pomeroy, Washington (39 minutes): Starting on Main St. in Pomeroy head east out of town on US Highway 12 for 10 miles. Just before the crest of the Alpowa Summit, turn right onto Sweeney Gulch Road, go for 8.3 miles where the road becomes Washington Highway 128 east for 3 more miles. Take a slight right onto Forest Service Road 42 (Iron Springs Road ((graveled))) for 8.2 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 125 and the entrance to Big Springs will be on your left. From Clarkston, Washington (72 minutes): Starting at US Highway 12 (Bridge Street) head out of town westbound for 20.9 miles. Take a left turn onto (Sweeney Gulch Road) go for 8.3 miles where the road becomes Washington Highway 128 east for 3 more miles. Take a slight right onto Forest Service Road 42 (Iron Springs Road ((graveled))) for 8.2 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 125 and the entrance to Big Springs will be on your left.
The campground is accessible via a combination of paved and gravel roads. From Pomeroy, expect approximately a 39-minute drive, and from Clarkston, expect about 72 minutes. The gravel portions include Forest Service Road 42 and Forest Service Road 125, which may require slower speeds. No seasonal closures or significant challenges are explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Pomeroy, Washington (approximately 39 minutes, 10 miles east followed by 8.3 miles on Sweeney Gulch Road and other connectors)
Clarkston, Washington (approximately 72 minutes, 20.9 miles westbound followed by 8.3 miles on Sweeney Gulch Road and other connectors).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
9 reviews
Big Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews paint a mixed picture of Big Springs Campground, with praise for its natural beauty and resources like the spring water, but criticism for poor maintenance of facilities, crowded sites, and lack of enforcement of rules during busy times. Several reviewers highlight the natural water spring as a standout feature, while others voice dissatisfaction with the condition of the vault toilet and proximity of campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects repeatedly mentioned include the natural spring water, suitable for drinking and refilling jugs, as well as the covered picnic area and stone fireplace cooktops. Danielle Bortz...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Recurring complaints focus on the poor maintenance of the vault toilet, lack of toilet paper during busy weekends, and the close proximity of campsites leading to crowding. Katie Gustafson remarked,...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing your own water or jugs to refill from the natural spring (highlighted by Tina Harris, 'Great place to camp and we get water there to drink at home so we don't have to...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends indicate mushroom foraging is popular after Mother's Day until June, and berry picking is a highlight during summer. Crowding tends to be an issue during holiday weekends, with...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Natural water spring you can drink from and refill water jugs.' - Danielle Bortz
- 'The bathroom there was AWFUL. Out of toilet paper and covered in garbage.' - Katie Gustafson
- 'Great place to...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users provide conflicting information on the number of campsites, with some mentioning '20 camp spaces' while the authoritative description specifies five trailer and five tent sites. Several reviews...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no explicit reviews addressing accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or pet-related experiences are not highlighted in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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