Big Springs Campground

Star4.48
26 reviews

Quick Facts

5,066 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website
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Big 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

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 26 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."

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Campground Map

Big Springs Campground

46.2315, -117.5435

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).

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Cool summer refuge and berry picking; holiday crowds and maintenance issues reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall likely pleasant at elevation but limited direct info on fall-specific offerings.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 1% in WA

Strong spring draw: mushroom foraging after Mother's Day and praised potable spring water (signal=1.00).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter scenery mentioned, but no winter activities or services noted; accessibility unclear.

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.
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    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.
    HikingDay 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
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight some operational hazards, like crowded conditions during Memorial Day and insufficient maintenance of restrooms. Wildlife is not specifically mentioned.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Big Springs Campground

    Reviews

    4.5
    26 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    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 26 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...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    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,...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    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...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    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...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    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...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    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...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    There are no explicit reviews addressing accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
    Based on 26 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Pet policies or pet-related experiences are not highlighted in authoritative sources or user reviews.
    Based on 26 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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