How much does camping cost at Big Springs Campground?

Camping fees at Big Springs Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Springs Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Springs Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Big Springs Campground?

Big Springs Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Springs Campground have?

Big Springs Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Springs Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Big Springs Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Springs Campground?

Big Springs Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Springs Campground?

Popular activities at Big Springs Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Springs Campground

Q: Is Big Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Springs Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. "First-come, first-served" site availability is explicitly stated in user reviews. Visitors should plan accordingly, especially during busy weekends like Memorial Day.

4.08

26 reviews

Top 3% in WASpring

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Washington

Quick Facts

5,066 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,066 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Big Springs Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee is required for reserving campsites or using this campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Big Springs Campground

46.2315, -117.5435

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).

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.

Weather at Big Springs Campground

Best Time to Camp at Big Springs Campground

Spring is the best season. Late May into June brings cool, stable weather with daytime highs around 45–65°F and nighttime lows 25–40°F. The springs run fullest after Mother's Day rains. Trails stay green and less dusty than summer. Crowds are usually low to moderate, with spikes on weekends. Summer offers cooler mountain temperatures. Winter brings snow and frost.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 3% in WA

Spring is called 'the best season'; springs fullest post-Mother's Day; wildflowers/mushrooms peak.

Planning Tips

About Big Springs Campground

Big Springs Campground sits at 5,066 feet in Umatilla National Forest near Pomeroy, Washington. The campground has 20 sites for tents, RVs, and primitive camping, with vault toilets and picnic tables. A natural spring provides drinking water, and the area offers access to hiking trails and spring wildflower displays.

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 SeasonsSpring is the best season. Late May into June brings cool, stable weather with daytime highs around 45–65°F and nighttime lows 25–40°F. The springs run fullest after Mother's Day rains. Trails stay green and less dusty than summer. Crowds are usually low to moderate, with spikes on weekends. Summer offers cooler mountain temperatures. Winter brings snow and frost.

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 natural spring runs cold and clear, suitable for drinking and filling water jugs. Towering conifers provide shade across the site. After late May rains, the forest floor produces mushrooms through June, and wildflowers peak in spring. The surrounding Umatilla National Forest landscape features rock formations, ridgelines, and trails that wind through mixed forest terrain. Elevation and moisture here support both pines and seasonal wildflowers.

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.

Scenic ViewsUser reviews emphasize the ambiance of the campground as "very pretty" and "great," with opportunities to enjoy the surrounding forest and natural springs.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground has a loop with 20 sites. Spacing is tight. Reviews mention camp spots being very close together, which can be challenging for large families with trailers.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served" site availability is explicitly stated in user reviews. Visitors should plan accordingly, especially during busy weekends like Memorial Day.

Site SizeUser reviews mention the campground having '20 camp spaces,' although this conflicts with the official description of five trailer and five tent 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 SitesBe careful how big something is before you drive around," especially in the smaller loop with RVs and trailers.

Amenities available

Big Springs Campground provides basic amenities suitable for both trailer and tent campers with a focus on natural surroundings rather than modern facilities. The campground includes one vault toilet, five trailer sites, and five tent sites. Picnic tables are provided for day use, but potable water is not available, which could be a concern for campers relying on on-site water sources. User reviews highlight the presence of natural spring water, with one review enthusiastically stating, 'Natural water spring you can drink from and refill water jugs.' However, cleanliness of facilities, particularly the vault toilet, seems to be a recurring issue in user reviews. Katie Gustafson mentions, 'The bathroom there was AWFUL. Out of toilet paper and covered in garbage.' Some users find the picnic shed and stone fireplace cooktops valuable amenities.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

26 reviews

Satisfactory

Big Springs Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Spring wildflower and mushroom foragers get the most out of this place. Late May into June brings the spring running full, cool temps, and low weekday crowds. Bring your own toilet paper and haul water jugs, the spring refills them for free.

Skip if

Sites are packed tight enough that neighbors are basically in your living room. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day push it past the tipping point, the vault toilet runs out of paper and gets ugly fast, and there's no potable water on tap.

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Campgrounds

Umatilla National Forest

Big Springs Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Big Springs Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Looking for a nice cool break from that summer heat? This campground is the coolest campground in the area during hot summer days. Hunting and hiking opportunities are in a close proximity of Big Springs. There are five trailer and five tent sites, one vault toilet and a few picnic tables available for day use. </p>