Spool Cart Campground
Open for the season. The campground operates from early May through Bull Elk season (late October/early November). No potable water available. First-come, first-served at $10/night via self-service fee station.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 9:49AM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until noon PDT Wednesday. Check with your local health or air agency for current restrictions on woodstove use. There are often exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes and those with limited income. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems. * Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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.
About
Spool Cart Campground is a developed Forest Service campground nestled in the forest along the scenic Grande Ronde River in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The campground features paved roads and accessible vault toilets, making it a comfortable option for riverside camping in northeastern Oregon's Blue Mountains region. The campground's name comes from its railroad logging history. Trains once stopped here to leave spools of cable that loggers would transport to work sites using carts. Today, the area offers opportunities for fishing in the Grande Ronde River, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground sees light usage, providing a quieter camping experience. Campers should note that no potable water is available on site, so bring an adequate supply. The campground operates seasonally, closing after Bull Elk hunting season (typically late October/early November) and reopening in early May. Sites are $10 per night, payable at the self-service fee station.
Directions
From La Grande, Oregon travel north for 8.5 miles on Interstate 84 West to exit 252 (Highway 244 towards Ukiah). Turn off the Interstate 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 your right along the river.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| USFS Spool Cart Campground |
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