Head O' Boulder Forest Camp
Closed — Inaccessible during winter due to snow closure of forest roads. Typically accessible from late spring through fall depending on snow conditions. Open first-come, first-served with no reservations.
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.
Malheur Falls Post Fire Hazards Closure
Prohibitions1. Entering into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e).2. Being on a National Forest System Road. 36 CFR § 261.54(c) and (e).
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 rustic, no-fee campground located in the high country of Malheur National Forest. This small site serves primarily as a trailhead, providing access to the Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area and connecting trails such as the Princess Trail #251, Sunrise Butte Trail #255, and Blackeye Trail #243. The campground offers a few dispersed sites for camping, each with basic amenities. The location is exceptionally remote, requiring travel on Forest Service roads including FS Road 45 and FS Road 4500-537. Visitors should come prepared and self-sufficient, bringing their own water and supplies. The campground features a vault toilet but no potable water, trash service, or other developed amenities. The setting provides solitude and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the scenic Blue Mountains terrain. Due to its high elevation location, the campground is typically inaccessible during winter months when snow closes the forest roads. The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available.
Directions
From Prairie City, 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 intersect Head O' Boulder Forest Camp.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 575-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Head O' Boulder Forest Camp | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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