Mottet Campground

Welcome, fellow Oregonians, to a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Umatilla National Forest: Mottet Campground. If you're an outdoor enthusiast seeking a tranquil base camp for your adventures in Oregon's magnificent Blue Mountains, Mottet Campground is a destination that truly delivers. This rustic and serene campground offers a genuine wilderness experience, perfect for those who appreciate the quiet solitude of nature, the thrill of exploration, and the simple pleasure of a clear, cold mountain spring.

Mottet Campground isn't just a place to pitch your tent; it's a gateway to some of Eastern Oregon's most stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen hunter, an ATV enthusiast, or simply someone looking to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our state, Mottet provides an ideal setting. Its secluded atmosphere, surrounded by towering Engelmann spruce and the soothing sounds of a natural spring, creates an unparalleled sense of peace and connection with the outdoors.

For Oregon locals, Mottet Campground offers a convenient yet remote escape. It's a place where you can truly unwind, explore extensive trail systems, and enjoy the raw beauty of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, all from a comfortable and uncrowded setting. If you're looking for an authentic camping experience away from the bustling crowds, where the stars shine brighter and the air is crisp, Mottet Campground awaits your discovery.

Mottet Campground is strategically located in the Umatilla National Forest, near Weston, Oregon, making it an accessible yet secluded retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground's address is Kendall Skyline Rd, Weston, OR 97886, USA. Its position just off the historic Kendall-Skyline Road places it in close proximity to several wilderness trailheads, offering fantastic access to the surrounding natural beauty.

To reach Mottet Campground from Weston, Oregon, you'll embark on a scenic drive. Travel approximately 20 miles east of Weston on Highway 204. From there, turn left (north) onto Forest Service Road 64 and continue for about 16 miles. At the junction with Forest Service Road 6403, turn left (east) and travel approximately 1 mile. The campground entrance will be on your left.

Alternatively, if you're approaching from Elgin, Oregon, travel about 21 miles northwest of Elgin on Highway 204. Then, turn right (north) onto Forest Service Road 64, follow it for 16 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 6403, and turn left (east) for 1 mile until you reach the campground on your left. While the roads leading to Mottet are generally well-maintained forest service roads, it's always advisable to check current road conditions, especially during the shoulder seasons, as they can be subject to weather-related changes. The campground's elevation is approximately 5,125 feet, offering a refreshing escape from lower-elevation heat during the summer months.

Mottet Campground provides essential amenities designed to offer a comfortable, yet distinctly rustic, camping experience. It’s important to note that this campground emphasizes a more traditional approach to camping, focusing on natural immersion rather than extensive facilities.

• Campsites: Mottet Campground offers 6 individual campsites. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips. They are well-spaced and tucked away in the dense forest, ensuring a sense of privacy.

• Tent and Small Trailer Camping: The campsites are suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs or trailers. While generally considered a primitive site, some areas may accommodate modest setups, making it versatile for different camping styles.

• Potable Spring Water: A significant highlight of Mottet Campground is the availability of clear, cold, and delicious drinking water, straight from a mountain spring. This natural water source is a major convenience for campers and a much-appreciated feature, as highlighted by visitors.

• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are provided in the form of clean vault toilets, ensuring convenience while maintaining the rustic feel of the campground.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a designated area for preparing meals, dining, and other camp activities.

• Fire Pits/Rings: Individual fire rings are available at each campsite, allowing campers to enjoy campfires (when conditions permit and fire restrictions are not in place) and outdoor cooking. Always adhere to local fire regulations.

• No Hookups: As a rustic campground, Mottet does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups at the campsites. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient experience.

• Overnight Fee: An overnight camping fee is typically charged. It's advisable to check the most current fee structure, which is often posted at the campground entrance or can be found on the Umatilla National Forest website.

• Seasonal Operation: Services at Mottet Campground are seasonal, generally available from July through November. Access might still be possible during the winter, but services (like water) will likely be shut off.

Mottet Campground stands out for several key features that enhance the camping experience and make it a favorite among Oregon locals:

• Natural Spring Water: As mentioned by delighted visitors, the availability of clear, cold spring water directly at the campground is a significant draw. It’s perfect for refilling water bottles and a refreshing amenity in the wilderness.

• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: With only six campsites, Mottet Campground offers a peaceful and uncrowded environment. The dense forest, primarily large Engelmann spruce, provides excellent natural buffering between sites, ensuring privacy and tranquility.

• Proximity to Wilderness Areas: The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the vast Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, located just to the east. This provides unparalleled access to pristine hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Access to Rough Fork Trail: Mottet Campground is very close to the Rough Fork Trail (#3227), which is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This trail descends into the South Fork Walla Walla watershed, offering challenging terrain and stunning views.

• Hunter's Haven: The area surrounding Mottet Campground is well-known and popular among hunters, especially during big game seasons, due to its abundant wildlife and remote setting. The campground provides a convenient and comfortable base camp for these activities.

• Close to Jubilee Lake: While Mottet offers a more secluded experience, it’s just a few miles from the popular Jubilee Lake. If Jubilee Lake Campground is full, Mottet serves as a great alternative. Jubilee Lake itself offers additional recreational activities like fishing, swimming, and a scenic loop trail.

• Scenic Forest Setting: Campers are immersed in a beautiful forested environment dominated by mature evergreen trees. This provides ample shade, a sense of deep wilderness, and opportunities for birdwatching and observing local flora.

• First-Come, First-Served: This operating model allows for spontaneous camping trips, which can be a huge benefit for Oregon locals with flexible schedules who prefer not to deal with reservation systems.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Mottet Campground, including current conditions, operational status, and any alerts, it is always best to contact the managing authority, the Umatilla National Forest.

• Address: Kendall Skyline Rd, Weston, OR 97886, USA

• Phone: (541) 278-3716

• Mobile Phone: +1 541-278-3716

These phone numbers are likely for the Umatilla National Forest Supervisor's Office or the Walla Walla Ranger District, which oversees the area including Mottet Campground. They are the best resource for specific questions about the campground, current fees, fire restrictions, and road conditions.

For Oregonians seeking an authentic and accessible escape into the wilderness, Mottet Campground is an excellent choice. It embodies the adventurous spirit of the Pacific Northwest and offers a refreshing alternative to more crowded, reservable campgrounds.

The first-come, first-served policy is a significant advantage for locals who prefer the spontaneity of packing up and heading out whenever the urge for adventure strikes. You don’t need to plan months in advance; instead, you can seize a beautiful weekend and find your spot in this serene corner of the Umatilla National Forest.

Mottet's unique features, such as the natural spring water, truly enhance the primitive camping experience, offering a direct connection to nature's bounty. This, combined with the tranquil atmosphere provided by the limited number of sites and dense forest, creates a peaceful retreat where the sounds of the city are replaced by the whispers of the wind through the trees and the gentle gurgle of the spring.

Furthermore, its strategic location makes it an ideal base camp for a multitude of local outdoor activities. Whether you're planning a challenging hike into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness via the Rough Fork Trail, embarking on an ATV adventure through the extensive network of forest roads, or setting up for a hunting trip, Mottet Campground offers convenient access. Its proximity to Jubilee Lake also provides an excellent alternative for recreation, ensuring that even if one area is busy, a peaceful option is nearby.

In essence, Mottet Campground offers a quintessential Oregon camping experience—rugged yet comfortable, secluded yet accessible, and rich with opportunities for exploration and relaxation. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our state, create lasting memories, and rediscover the peace that only the Oregon wilderness can provide. For your next adventure into the Blue Mountains, consider making Mottet Campground your home away from home.

Mottet Campground

Kendall Skyline Rd, Weston, OR 97886, USA