EMIGRANT SPRINGS STATE HERITAGE AREA
Perched near the summit of the Blue Mountains, Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers visitors an opportunity to camp and explore a popular pioneer stop over along the Oregon Trail. The park is nestled in an old-growth forest.
Camp in the campground, or bring your horse and camp in the reservable horse camp (be aware there are limited horse trails actually in the park; most of the trail riding is on adjacent property). The horse camp is closed in winter.
Picnic among towering trees or bring your group for overnight or daytime activities in our community building. For those that are not fully equipped for traditional camping, rent one of our cabins for a warm, dry and comfortable stay. We have both rustic 1-room cabins (sleep five on two full beds and one single), and Totem cabins Side A sleeps four on two bunkbeds. Side B sleeps three on a bunkbed (double on the bottom and a single on the top).
Visit the Oregon Trail display in the park, take a stroll along the nature trail. Get your friends together and have a game at our full-size basketball court or partake in an evening program at our amphitheater (get the current schedule when you arrive at the campground). Bring your innertube for fun in the snow and enjoy a winter outing. Cabins are available year-round, but larger groups may want to rent the community building.
Use Emigrant Springs as a base camp to explore nearby attractions such as the Blue Mountain Crossing Oregon Trail interpretive park or the Pendleton Woolen Mills. Experience the life of Chinese emigrants of the 1800s in the Pendleton underground tours. Other destinations within easy driving distance of the park include the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City, the Union County Museum in Union, the Baker County Museum in Baker City, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Pendleton Roundup and Lehman Hot Springs. Enjoy winter recreation at the Blue Mountain Crossing Nordic Ski park or bring your snowmobile and visit one of the many sno-parks which give you access to hundreds of miles of trails on two National Forests.
Located in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, Emigrant Springs has a rich history dating back to pioneer times. The area was originally used by Native American tribes for hunting and gathering before it became an important stopover point on the historic Oregon Trail during westward expansion.
In 1843, pioneers began using this location as a rest spot due to its abundant water supply from natural springs. It quickly gained popularity among travelers who were making their way across North America towards fertile lands in western regions like California and Washington State.
The site's significance led to its designation as one state park within the larger system managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). In 1954, OPRD acquired land around these historical emigration routes with plans for preservation efforts that would honor past generations' journeys through educational exhibits about life along the trail.
Today visitors can explore remnants of wagon ruts left behind from those early settlers or take part in interpretive programs designed specifically for school groups studying local heritage topics such as native flora/fauna species found throughout region's diverse ecosystems.
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
Full Hookup Sitesyes
1. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area Campground: This campground offers a variety of camping options including RV sites, tent campsites and even rustic cabins for rent. The facilities include restrooms with hot showers, picnic tables at each site and fire pits.
2. Meacham Divide Nordic Ski Area: While not traditionally a campsite, this area allows dispersed camping during the summer months when it's not being used as a ski trail system in winter.
3. Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor: Located about an hour away from Emigrant Springs is another state park that provides both primitive and developed campsites along Camas Creek amidst beautiful pine forests.
4. North Fork John Day Wilderness Camping Grounds: About 90 minutes drive from Emigrant springs lies one of Oregon's largest wilderness areas where you can enjoy backcountry or car-camping experiences surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
5. Camp Elkanah: A Christian retreat center located near La Grande offering cabin rentals which could be considered if looking to stay within close proximity but prefer more comfortable accommodations than traditional camping.
6. Wildhorse Resort & Casino RV Park: For those who want some entertainment alongside their outdoor adventure might consider staying here; they offer full hook-up RV spots plus access to resort amenities like restaurants, golf course etc., just half-hour drive away from heritage area.