The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
For those who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new areas, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping is an excellent pastime. The BLM, a federal government agency, administers hundreds of unique public sites throughout the United States. These versatile natural areas often feature well-kept campgrounds, beautiful scenery, and the perfect opportunity to connect with nature. BLM campers also partake in various recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. One BLM site worth checking out is the Spring Recreation Site in eastern Oregon. Located right along the banks of the Brownlee Reservoir on the majestic Snake River, the site is primarily known as a great place for camping and fishing. In addition to recreational activities, the peaceful area offers scenic views and a quiet setting to enjoy the outdoors. To find other BLM sites in your region, you can simply search online for "BLM camping near me."
Located in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, this long out-and-back trail is a popular spot for hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, and birdwatching. During the winter, it's also a great destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Along the route, visitors will encounter a waterfall, wildflowers, a lake, and plenty of gorgeous scenery. The ideal times to hike the trail are between July and November, and you can bring your dogs as long as they stay leashed. Length: 12.7 miles Intensity: Hard
This peaceful out-and-back trail is another hiking route in Wallow-Whitman National Forest. The trail, which is kid-friendly, takes hikers through lush woodlands and around the calm waters of Van Patten Lake. For the best experience, you should visit the route between July and October. Length: 3.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
This relaxing loop trail is found in Beck-Kiwanis Park in Ontario, OR. The trail is kid-friendly, stroller-friendly, and wheelchair-friendly. In addition to enjoying the lovely scenery and peaceful atmosphere, visitors to the trail can observe the many local birds. You can bring your dogs, but they'll need to be leashed at all times. Length: 0.6 miles Intensity: Easy
Situated right on the shores of the Brownlee Reservoir, the Spring Recreation Site is renowned for its fishing and boating opportunities. The reservoir is an excellent place to cast your fishing line for channel catfish, crappie, and bass. Plus, the BLM site features a boat launch, a boarding dock, and a fish cleaning station for visitors. During your visit, you can also utilize the reservoir for boating or paddling, or take a kayaking or canoeing trip along the Snake River.
Although there aren't many rock climbing opportunities near the Spring Recreation Site, there are several quality climbing destinations in the nearby Wallowa Mountains. For example, there are multiple granite walls ranging from 100 to over 1,000 feet tall. A few areas containing rock climbing routes include Eagle Cap, the Matterhorn, Cusick Mountain, and Hawkins Pass. There are also deep-water bouldering opportunities at the Blue Hole.
While camping at the Spring Recreation Site, you might be lucky enough to observe mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and antelope. Perhaps the best area for wildlife viewing near the BLM site is Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Many creatures can be spotted roaming the forest as well as the skies above, including mule deer, Shiras moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, timber wolves, cougars, bobcats, badgers, beavers, mink, pine marten, river otters, peregrine falcons, golden eagles, bald eagles, and many other interesting species.
The Spring Recreation Site serves as a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch. The site is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, shade trees, and portable toilets. The picnic tables at the site offer the opportunity to look out over the beautiful reservoir while you eat.
Although there aren't any RV hookups at the site, you're welcome to enjoy BLM RV camping at the Spring Recreation Site. The camping area consists of three large areas that can accommodate group or individual campsites, and there are also two spots set aside for tent campers. No other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are located near the site, and you'll have to travel a bit if you want to stay somewhere with modern amenities and RV hookups. For example, you could head down to the Ontario area and stay at the River Point RV Park.
To enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping, you'll need to stake out a dispersed campsite outside of the BLM camping area. However, the fee to camp in the established area is only $5 per night. If you choose to set up a primitive campsite outside of the BLM area, you should be able to find a suitable spot either north or south along the reservoir.
When you're planning a trip to the Spring Recreation Site, keep in mind that campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. During the summer, the area tends to be quite popular, so you may want to have a good backup plan in case the campsites are full. If you visit in the summer, the weather in the area is likely to be extremely hot, so be sure to bring any needed sun protection and plenty of drinking water. If you need any information during your visit, there is an on-site campground host who can answer all of your questions. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While you're visiting the Spring Recreation Site, it's important that you help to preserve the area by following the Leave No Trace guidelines. During your stay, please treat all other visitors and campers with courtesy and respect.
To reach the BLM site from Baker City, OR, follow Interstate 84 eastbound until you reach the town of Huntington, OR. On the eastern end of the town, you'll see a sign directing you to the BLM site. Following this sign will take you along Snake River Road, which will take you to the Spring Recreation Site after approximately three miles. The Spring Recreation Site is located at 44.37688, -117.2388. Ready to visit Spring Recreation Site? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
