Is Misery Spring Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Misery Spring Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground is first-come-first-served as there are no reservations required.

What is the best time to visit Misery Spring Campground?

Misery Spring Campground is open June-November. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Misery Spring Campground?

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

How many campsites does Misery Spring Campground have?

Misery Spring Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Misery Spring Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Misery Spring Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Misery Spring Campground?

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

Misery Spring Campground

3.00

8 reviews

Misery Spring Campground, Forest Road 4030, Pomeroy, Washington

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Forest Camping Washington

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open June to Novembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open June to Novembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Misery Spring Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for camping at Misery Spring Campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

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Campground Map

Misery Spring Campground, Forest Road 4030, Pomeroy, Washington

Misery Spring Campground

Misery Spring Campground, Forest Road 4030, Pomeroy, Washington

Nearby places

Pomeroy, WA - 90 minutes (approx. 30 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping items are available in Pomeroy, WA.

Driving directionsFrom Pomeroy, Washington (90 minutes): Starting at Main Street, take 15th Street south from State Highway 12. Continue for 15 miles to the National Forest boundary. At the boundary, cross a cattle guard and transition to gravel (Forest Road 40). Drive south on Forest Road 40 for 15 miles to the Misery intersection (sign 50 feet before intersection). Turn right onto Forest Road 4030, then left onto 4030-20 to reach Misery Spring Campground.

Road access is gravel after crossing the National Forest boundary and includes cattle guards. It may require a high-clearance vehicle. Seasonal gravel road conditions should be considered.

Weather at Misery Spring Campground

Best Time to Camp at Misery Spring Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs sit in the mid-40s to low 60s, with nights dropping into the 20s and 30s. The weather is more stable than summer, the bugs thin out, and elk activity peaks during the rut. Trails stay accessible through most of the season, though early snow or frost can arrive by late fall. Summer brings warmer afternoons and cool nights, but horse flies become an issue and shade is limited. Winter turns the site into a snow-covered challenge, suitable only for experienced cold-weather campers.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Authoritative notes: fall offers best conditions—stable weather, fewer bugs, elk activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June-November. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June to November.

About Misery Spring Campground

Misery Spring Campground sits at 5,500 feet in the Umatilla National Forest, offering a single primitive site with panoramic views across Ray Ridge into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. The campground is free and provides basic amenities: a picnic table, fire pit, and access to trails leading into one of the region's last designated wilderness areas. It's rustic and remote, with limited shade and the occasional presence of horse flies.

Misery Spring Campground offers a primitive camping experience with facilities for tents. User reviews support this impression, with one reviewer describing the campground as a 'free forest service campground.'

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs sit in the mid-40s to low 60s, with nights dropping into the 20s and 30s. The weather is more stable than summer, the bugs thin out, and elk activity peaks during the rut. Trails stay accessible through most of the season, though early snow or frost can arrive by late fall. Summer brings warmer afternoons and cool nights, but horse flies become an issue and shade is limited. Winter turns the site into a snow-covered challenge, suitable only for experienced cold-weather campers.

ElevationAt 5,500 feet above sea level, Misery Spring sits in that sweet spot where the air stays crisp even on summer days. This lofty perch not only provides natural air conditioning but also serves up commanding panoramic views that stretch for miles. The elevation creates a distinct microclimate where mountain breezes whisper through the pines and morning mists reveal the wilderness slowly, like nature's own theater curtain.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies high-elevation terrain where conifer forest meets open ridgeline views. Ray Ridge rises nearby, framing vistas into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. A landscape shaped by the dramatic uplift and erosion of the Blue Mountains. Reviewers mention panoramic views and scenic beauty, though several note that shade is sparse. Some downed trees dot the area, remnants of windstorms or natural turnover typical at this elevation. The forest here is old-growth in places, and the site provides a direct window into the rugged geology and timber stands that define this corner of the national forest.

Geological RegionThe Umatilla National Forest cradles this high-altitude haven, where the landscape tells stories written in stone and timber. Ray Ridge rises like a natural watchtower, offering glimpses into the pristine Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness—one of the region's last truly wild frontiers. This geological wonderland showcases the dramatic uplift and erosion that sculpted the Blue Mountains, creating the rugged terrain that today provides both challenge and sanctuary for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences.

Scenic ViewsPanoramic views from Ray Ridge into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness are a highlight of this campground.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging accommodations such as cabins or hotel-style lodges are not available at Misery Spring Campground, based on the lack of information regarding such facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in the materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No specific limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limit mentioned.

Groups

Group site details are not provided in the supplied materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is first-come-first-served as there are no reservations required.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are required. Cancellation policies do not apply.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not covered in the provided materials, leaving this aspect undefined.

Site SizeNo specific details about campsite sizes are provided in the sources.

PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not described in the provided materials.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Amenities available

Misery Spring Campground offers basic amenities and a rustic camping experience. Restrooms are available, but potable water is not provided. The campground has picnic tables, as noted in authoritative sources and user reviews, which enhance the camping experience for visitors seeking a simpler setup. However, no additional amenities such as shower facilities or Wi-Fi are offered.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Misery Spring Campground

Misery Spring Campground is ideal for hunting and hiking enthusiasts. Official sources highlight panoramic views into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, providing a natural backdrop for outdoor activities. User reviews suggest mixed experiences with recreational opportunities, citing the beauty of the terrain and the presence of pests such as horse flies.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails lead into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness; day hikes and Ray Ridge vistas cited.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, high‑elevation ridgeline with panoramic views implies low light pollution and good skies.

Photography4.0/5Panoramic ridgeline vistas and high-elevation light make strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include limited shade, downed trees, and horse flies as noted in user reviews. Potable water is not available.

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

3.0

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Misery Spring Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Misery Spring Campground are mixed, with some praising its scenic views and rustic charm, while others highlight issues such as lack of shade, downed trees, and horse flies.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes mentions of the scenic beauty ('Beautiful scenery' and 'panoramic views') and the presence of amenities like picnic tables and fire pits.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include 'Not much shade,' 'a lot of down trees,' and 'loads of horse flies' as noted by Ted Sockwell.

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite details are not mentioned in any reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips or recommendations were extracted from the provided user reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not specifically addressed in the reviews, but the presence of horse flies may suggest a summer issue.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful scenery, picnic tables fire pits free forest service campground, many others nearby. 5,500 ft elevation' - Pat Harding 2. 'We really enjoy Misery Springs Campground. We have stayed...

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or experiences are not mentioned in the provided reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Misery Spring Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for camping at Misery Spring Campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Go if

Fall hunters and day-hikers who want a free, uncrowded base on the edge of a designated wilderness. Elk rut peaks in fall, bugs thin out, and the ridgeline views are at their best when afternoon light hits the Blue Mountains.

Skip if

No potable water means hauling everything in from Pomeroy, 90 minutes away. Summer visits bring horse flies and sparse shade that reviewers specifically called out. Single site is first-come, first-served, so arriving without a backup plan is a real gamble.

Nearby Campgrounds

Umatilla National Forest

Wickiup Campground sits at the junction of Forest Service Roads 44 and 43 in Umatilla National Forest, where the Jones, Huckleberry, and Hogback ridges converge at 5,971 feet. The campground is free and offers access to cold springs and primitive tent sites. Ranger Creek fishing lies within five miles.

Misery Spring Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Misery Spring Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Misery Spring Campground

Best Time to Camp at Misery Spring Campground

Planning Tips

About Misery Spring Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Misery Spring Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Misery Spring Campground

Best Time to Camp at Misery Spring Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Misery Spring Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews