Buck Creek Forest Camp
Closed — Closed for the season and not maintained in the off-season. Typically operates late May through September.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Occupancy and Use of Wild and Scenic Snake River Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Prohibitions on all National Forest System Lands with in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, in the State of Oregon and Idaho within a 1/4 mile of the Snake River Between Hells Canyon Dam, river mile 247.5, down stream to the Oregon-Washington boarder at river mile 176.0.
Forest Order: HCNRA Fire Closure Order
Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Landswithin the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, in the State of Oregon and Idaho within a ¼ mile of the Snake
Forest Order: Anthony Lakes Over-the-Snow and Wheeled Vehicles
Prohibitions on vehicle use off road in areas around Anthony Lakes.
Forest Order: Tri-Forest 14-Day Stay Limit
Prohibitions for camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period.
Forest Order: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Domestic Sheep and Goats
Prohibitions on possessing, storing, or transporting any domestic sheep or goat in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
About
Buck Creek Forest Camp and Trailhead sits on the western boundary of the Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowa Mountains, specifically designed to serve both overnight campers and wilderness trail users. The facility is reached via a narrow, steep gravel road that winds through isolated forest and past towering rock cliffs, creating a remote backcountry atmosphere. The campground features generously sized campsites with pull-through and back-in parking areas accommodating vehicles and trailers up to 60 feet, making it particularly popular with horse trailer users. Stock amenities include hitching rails and a loading ramp, though visitors must bring their own stock and potable water. A central parking area serves as the wilderness trailhead for day hikers and backpackers. Beyond its function as a wilderness gateway, Buck Creek attracts visitors throughout the season for mushrooming in spring, berry picking in fall, and big game hunting in late summer and fall. Wilderness permits are required for entry into Eagle Cap Wilderness and are self-issued at the trailhead. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a $10 per night camping fee and separate $5 per vehicle day use fee for trailhead parking.
Directions
From La Grande, travel south on State Highway 203 for about 25 miles to Catherine Creek Lane (becomes Forest Road 7785). Continue 4 miles to Forest Road 7787, then about 4 miles to Forest Road 150. The campground is 1/4 mile up Forest Road 150. Portions of Forest Road 7787 are narrow and steep with a gravel surface.
Nearby Campgrounds
- North Fork Catherine Creek Group Campground 2.3mi
- North Fork Catherine Creek Campground 3.0mi
- West Eagle Meadow Campground 6.8mi
- Moss Springs Campground 10mi
- Two Color Campground 9.8mi
- Two Color Guard Station 9.5mi
- Catherine Creek State Park 8.3mi
- Tamarack Campground 11mi
- Boulder Park Campground 9.7mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| sm.fs.wwnf-webmail@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 962-8500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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