Pataha Campground

Star4.56
11 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,835 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open season is May, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website
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Pataha Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No charge to camp at Pataha 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

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulclean

"User reviews highlight the peacefulness and seclusion of Pataha Campground, as well as its minimal amenities. The campground is described as clean and quiet, albeit with challenges like uneven ground and limited access for larger vehicles."

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Campground Map

Pataha Campground

46.2916, -117.5149

Driving directionsFrom Pomeroy, Washington (35 minutes): Starting at Main Street, take 15th Street headed south. After 0.2 miles, continue onto Washington Highway 128 (or County Road Pomeroy-Peola) and continue to stay on Highway 128 for 13.2 miles. Continue straight onto Forest Service Road 42 (Iron Springs Road) for 2.5 miles. Iron Springs Road turns slightly right and becomes Ruchert Road, continue for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Pataha Spur Road and you will arrive at Pataha Campground in 1.2 miles.
The campground is accessible via mostly paved roads until Forest Service Road 42 and Ruchert Road, where conditions may vary. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain are not noted; however, RVs and trailers may have difficulty navigating due to limited turnaround space.
Nearby places
Pomeroy, Washington: Approximately 35 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
The town of Pomeroy, Washington, provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel about 35 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Pataha Campground

Experience the full drama of Pacific Northwest seasons at Pataha, where summer days can soar to a sizzling 108°F in the nearby valleys, making the campground's forest canopy a welcome refuge. As autumn arrives, the temperatures begin their descent, painting the landscape in golden hues before winter transforms the area into a snow-dusted wonderland. While the region receives modest precipitation overall, winter visitors should come prepared for occasional snowfall that blankets the campground in pristine white, creating a serene backdrop for cold-weather camping adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer praised for peaceful camping and forest canopy provides refuge from valley heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Autumn mentioned but specifics scarce; likely pleasant but less of a draw than spring/summer.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Creek is stocked every spring, making spring a prime time for fishing and early-season visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground's open season begins in May; winter use not indicated.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open season is May, according to the authoritative sources.

About Pataha Campground

Nestled just inside the boundary of the Umatilla National Forest, Pataha Campground offers a tranquil retreat where the sounds of rushing creek water mingle with the whispers of recovering forest. This intimate campground serves as a gateway for outdoor adventurers, drawing anglers to its spring-stocked waters, hunters to its surrounding woodlands, and those seeking solitude to its peaceful campsites. Despite its modest size, Pataha provides an authentic forest experience where visitors can disconnect from the bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
Pataha Campground caters to primitive, low-impact camping. It has three campsites suitable for tent or small vehicle camping.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Pataha Campground provides outdoor activities focused on hunting and fishing. The creek is stocked annually with fish, offering opportunities for anglers.
FishingThe creek at the campground is stocked with fish every spring, making it a good spot for fishing enthusiasts.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight the overgrown and blocked conditions of Pataha Spur Road, making it inaccessible to vehicles. No potable water is available, and the terrain includes uneven ground and ruts at some sites.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pataha Campground

Reviews

4.6
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Pataha Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peacefulness and seclusion of Pataha Campground, as well as its minimal amenities. The campground is described as clean and quiet, albeit with challenges like uneven ground and limited access for larger vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

- Free camping site - Extremely quiet and peaceful ('I was the only one there on a Sunday night,' Amanda Z) - Clean vault toilet - Fishing opportunities due to the creek being stocked with fish every...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

- No potable water - Uneven terrain, which may make tent camping challenging at some sites ('Some of the spots are not fantastic for tent camping as there are some big ruts in the pull through site,'...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own water or a water filter ('...no potable water, but there is a stream and a small pond if you have a filter,' Amanda Z) - Suitable for tent campers and small vehicles, but not large...
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Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer and spring are ideal for camping here due to the creek being stocked with fish during spring and the peaceful environment in summer.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Lovely small campground, no fee, one pit toilet, no potable water, but there is a stream and a small pond if you have a filter.' (Amanda Z) - 'The single vault toilet was clean. No potable water...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Pull-through site has ruts and may not be ideal for tent camping - Two campsites have some access to Pataha Creek, one has more shade
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related policies or experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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