View from the parking area through the central site, with North Fork Catherine Creek in the background.

North Fork Catherine Creek Group Campground

Open

Open seasonally from mid-June through the end of October. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Forest Road 7785 is not maintained during winter, and snow may block access from October through May. No potable water available; campers must bring their own. Pack-it-in, pack-it-out trash policy.

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.…

14 DAY STAY LIMIT

Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period.

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.

Hells Canyon Wilderness Occupancy and Use

To provide for resource protection, the following acts are prohibited within the Hells Canyon Wilderness, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest: Hitching or tethering of horse(s) or other saddle or pack animal(s) to trees at campsites in the Hells Canyon Wilderness except for the purposes of loading or…

Eagle Cap Wilderness Occupancy and Use

To provide for resource protection, the following acts, listed in the forest order below, are prohibited within the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Snake River Fire Restrictions - 06/01 -09/30

Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.50(a), building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited on all National Forest System Lands (within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, in the State of Oregon and Idaho) within a ¼ mile of the Snake River between Hells Canyon…

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.

About

North Fork Catherine Creek Group Campground sits in the southeast Wallowa Mountains within Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, offering a peaceful retreat along the perennial North Fork Catherine Creek. The campground features four large campsites arranged around a central parking area, with picnic tables and fire rings distributed throughout the site. A single vault toilet serves the facility, though campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site. The campground's prime appeal is its proximity to the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The North Fork Catherine Creek Trailhead lies just one mile upstream, providing hikers and horseback riders direct access to the wilderness area. The trail is closed to motorized vehicles and bicycles. The surrounding mixed conifer forest supports abundant wildlife, making this a popular destination for both summer recreation and fall hunting seasons. Forest Road 7785 provides access but is not maintained during winter months. Snow can block access anytime from October through May, so campers should check conditions before traveling. The pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy means campers must bring garbage bags and remove all trash.

Directions

From La Grande, travel south on Highway 203 for 14 miles toward Union. In Union, turn left on East Beakman Street and continue on Highway 203 for 11 miles to Catherine Creek Road (Forest Road 7785). Turn left and proceed 5.5 miles to the campground entrance on the right. From Baker City, travel north on I-84 for 5 miles to exit 282 (Highway 203), turn right and go 27 miles to Catherine Creek Road, then turn right and go 5.5 miles to the entrance.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $40

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (541) 962-8500

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

View from the parking area through the central site, with North Fork Catherine Creek in the background.
North Fork Catherine Creek is adjacent to the group campground.
Dispersed camp site next to North Fork Catherine Creek during spring runoff.
View from the parking area through the central site, with North Fork Catherine Creek in the background.
North Fork Catherine Creek Group Campsite Sign and entrance from FSR 7785.
Log barriers recently replaced at 1 of the gravel parking sites.

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