Spool Cart Campground
Closed — Closed for the season following Bull Elk hunting season. Reopens in early May. No reservations accepted; 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.
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
Spool Cart Campground is nestled in the forest on the banks of the Grande Ronde River within Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This developed campground features paved roads and accessible vault toilets, making it suitable for various camping setups. The campground's name comes from its historical significance as a railway stop where spools of cable were left for loggers to transport to work sites using carts. The campground offers a peaceful, lightly-used setting along the scenic Grande Ronde River corridor. Sites are available for $10 per night on a first-come, first-served basis, with Interagency Senior and Access pass holders receiving a 50% discount. Campers should come prepared with their own water supply as none is available on-site, and payment is accepted in cash or check only. Located about 25 miles from La Grande via Interstate 84 and Forest Road 51, the campground provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding national forest while maintaining a remote, tranquil atmosphere. The area sees light usage, offering visitors a quiet riverside camping experience in the Blue Mountains region of northeastern Oregon.
Directions
From La Grande, travel north on Interstate 84 West for 8.5 miles to exit 252 (Highway 244 towards Ukiah). Turn onto Highway 244 and travel west for 12 miles to Forest Road 51. Turn left on Forest Road 51 and go south for about 5 miles. The campground is on the right along the river.
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 | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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