Head O' Boulder Forest Camp
The campground is currently temporarily closed, likely due to seasonal road conditions at this high-elevation site. The area typically becomes accessible after snowmelt, generally late spring to early summer depending on conditions. No fees or reservations are required; all sites are first-come, first-served when open.
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
Head O' Boulder Forest Camp is a small, free primitive campground located in the Blue Mountain Ranger District of Malheur National Forest in eastern Oregon. Situated at the end of Forest Service Road 4500-537 near Indian Rock Lookout, this rustic camp serves dual purposes as both a camping area and trailhead accessing the Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area. The campground offers basic facilities including vault toilets, but campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available. The remote location and primitive nature make it ideal for those seeking solitude and backcountry access rather than developed amenities. From this trailhead, visitors can access several trails including Princess Trail #251, Sunrise Butte Trail #255, and Blackeye Trail #243, offering opportunities for day hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding through scenic mountain terrain.
Directions
From Prairie City, OR, drive east on US Highway 26 for approximately 13 miles to the junction with US Highway 7. Take US Highway 7 for one mile to the junction with County Road 20. Follow County Road 20 for approximately 14 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 45. Follow Forest Service Road 45 approximately 8 miles to Forest Service Road 4500-537. Follow Forest Service Road 4500-537 toward Indian Rock Lookout. This road will bisect Head O' Boulder Forest Camp.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 575-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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