Elk Creek Campground
Open and available on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. No potable water available. Pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy for trash. 14-day stay limit in effect.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Stancliff Bridge FSR31 Closure for Repair
This Closure is necessary to facilitate emergency repairs to roads and bridges within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. Road maintenance on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District will commence on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Stancliff bridge must be closed to protect the public during the repair…
Magone Trail Closure Continuation 2026
Due to precommercial thinning operations that are planned around Magone Bike trail paths, for the safety of the public these trails need to be closed to the public while falling activities take place. Trails and Trailheads affected:Porcupine Springs #5089Phlo #5091Pumphouse #5091
14 Day Stay Limit
Prohibition of Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period. 36 CFR § 261.58(a)
About
Elk Creek Campground is a small, free rustic campground located in the heart of Oregon's Malheur National Forest, near the North Fork Malheur Wild and Scenic River. The campground provides excellent access to stream fishing and hunting opportunities, making it especially popular during hunting seasons. This primitive campground offers vault toilets but no potable water, so visitors should bring their own water supply. The area operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy for trash. The site is first-come, first-served with no reservation system and no fees. Reached via a scenic drive from Prairie City along County Road 62 and Forest Road 13, Elk Creek Campground offers a secluded camping experience for those seeking to escape into the backcountry. A 14-day stay limit applies. Visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions typical of the region.
Directions
From Prairie City, OR, turn onto South Main Street to the junction with Bridge Street, turn left onto Bridge Street. Follow Bridge Street past the cemetery; the road becomes County Road 62. Continue on County Road 62 for approximately 8 miles to the junction with Forest Road 13 on the left. Follow Forest Road 13 for approximately 22 miles; the campground will be on the right.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 575-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Elk Creek Campground |
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