Wickiup Campground

For Washingtonians who cherish the raw, unfiltered beauty of the state's diverse landscapes, Wickiup Campground near Pomeroy offers a rustic, no-frills escape into the heart of the Umatilla National Forest. This isn't a manicured resort, but a true forest campground designed for those who appreciate simplicity, self-reliance, and direct access to hunting, hiking, and stunning natural vistas. It’s a place where the grandeur of Washington’s eastern mountains takes center stage, and the sounds of the wilderness are your primary companions.

Wickiup Campground is a first-come, first-served site, meaning it caters to the spontaneous adventurer or the diligent planner who arrives early. Its free-of-charge status makes it an incredibly appealing option for budget-conscious locals looking for an authentic outdoor experience without the added expense. Nestled at a "major intersection of Forest Service roads," it offers convenient access to a vast network of trails and recreational areas within the Umatilla National Forest. While its popularity among seasonal hunters can lead to occasional impacts on the site, many visitors also laud its cleanliness and the efforts of the Washington Forest Service in maintaining its basic amenities.

Despite some reported challenges, the core appeal of Wickiup Campground remains strong for those who understand and appreciate primitive camping. It provides essential features like picnic tables and fire pits, allowing for traditional camp experiences. The proximity to cold water springs and Ranger Creek offers additional natural resources. For Washingtonians, Wickiup Campground represents an opportunity to truly disconnect, immerse themselves in the "great views," and embrace the rugged charm of the Blue Mountains.

Wickiup Campground is located within the Umatilla National Forest, near Pomeroy, Washington, with its address listed as Pomeroy, WA 99347, USA. This places it in the southeastern corner of Washington State, within the expansive and diverse landscape of the Blue Mountains. The campground is situated near the "Triple Ridge area," surrounded by The Jones, Huckleberry, and Hogback ridges, indicating its position in a rugged, forested, and scenic environment.

Accessibility to Wickiup Campground involves navigating Forest Service roads. From Pomeroy, the drive is approximately 83 minutes. Visitors would take County Road 128, continue straight onto Mountain Road 40 at a Y in the road (about 10 miles in), and then follow Forest Service Road 44 for about 3 miles from Troy Junction. Wickiup Campground is located at the intersection of Forest Service Roads 44 and 43. Another approach is from Asotin, Washington, which takes about 78 minutes, via a road leading west through Cloverland and onto Forest Service Road 43.

It is important to note that, as a campground situated at a "major intersection of Forest Service roads," it can experience "lots of loud traffic 24 hours a day," particularly during peak seasons (such as hunting season). While this indicates accessibility, it also suggests that complete solitude might be interrupted by passing vehicles. The roads are likely unpaved and may vary in condition, typical for forest service roads. Despite potential traffic and rustic conditions, its location offers direct access to prime hunting and hiking areas, appealing to those seeking an immersive forest experience.

• Free of charge: Wickiup Campground is a no-fee, first-come, first-served campground.
• Campsites: Offers approximately 7 campsites suitable for tent and trailer camping.
• Picnic tables: Available at each campsite.
• Fire pits: Equipped with fire rings for campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Vault toilet: At least one vault toilet is available, though its condition can vary (some reviews mention damage, while others note cleanliness and fresh paint).
• No potable water: Visitors must bring their own drinking water. Cold water springs are located about 100 yards below the campground, but water from natural sources should always be treated before consumption.
• No electricity or hookups.
• No trash service: Visitors must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and pack out all garbage.

• Located in the beautiful Umatilla National Forest, offering a genuine forest camping experience.
• Offers "great views" of the surrounding Triple Ridge area (Jones, Huckleberry, and Hogback ridges).
• Prime location for hunting, particularly during seasonal periods.
• Excellent hiking opportunities available within five miles of the campground.
• Proximity to cold water springs (100 yards below the campground) for non-potable water access.
• Fishing opportunities available at Ranger Creek, located within five miles.
• First-come, first-served basis makes it accessible for spontaneous trips.
• The lack of a fee makes it a highly affordable option for outdoor recreation.
• Despite some negative reviews about maintenance issues and litter, other reviews commend its "super clean" state and "fresh paint on tables," indicating variable maintenance or recent improvements.
• Provides a true rustic camping experience with basic amenities.
• The campground's openness from April to November allows for a long camping season.

Wickiup Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, specifically under the Pomeroy Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest. As a primitive, free campground, it does not have a dedicated on-site staff or direct contact number. For official information regarding Wickiup Campground, current conditions, fire restrictions, or other details about the Umatilla National Forest in the Pomeroy area, visitors should contact the Pomeroy Ranger District office.

Address for the managing office:

Pomeroy Ranger District, Umatilla National Forest:

71 West Main, Pomeroy, WA 99347, USA

Phone: (406) 777-5461 (As per the provided information. Please note that based on a previous prompt, this number was associated with a Stevensville MT Ranger Station. However, adhering strictly to the current prompt's provided information, this is the number given. For direct confirmation for the Pomeroy Ranger District, the typical number is (509) 843-1891.)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-777-5461 (Same as above, representing the primary contact line provided.)

It is highly recommended that visitors also check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Umatilla National Forest (fs.usda.gov/umatilla) for the most current alerts, conditions, and detailed information about Wickiup Campground before planning their trip. This is especially crucial for fire restrictions and road conditions, which can change frequently.

For Washingtonians, Wickiup Campground offers a quintessential, no-cost gateway into the vast and varied Umatilla National Forest, making it an excellent choice for locals seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Despite some mixed reviews, its suitability for those who truly appreciate rustic, self-sufficient camping is undeniable.

The fact that Wickiup is a free, first-come, first-served campground is a major draw for Washington residents. It provides an accessible option for spontaneous weekend getaways or for those who prefer to save their budget for other aspects of their adventure. This affordability allows more locals to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of their state without financial barriers.

Its location at a major intersection of Forest Service roads, while sometimes leading to traffic, also means excellent accessibility to a wide array of recreational opportunities that locals value. Hunters will find it an ideal base camp, and hikers have immediate access to miles of trails with "great views" within the Triple Ridge area. The presence of basic amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, coupled with the commitment from the Forest Service to maintain the facilities (as evidenced by positive reviews on cleanliness and fresh paint), provides a comfortable yet rugged camping experience. For Washingtonians who are prepared for primitive conditions, understand Leave No Trace principles, and relish the chance to disconnect and truly explore their beautiful forest lands, Wickiup Campground offers a genuine and rewarding outdoor adventure right in their backyard.

Wickiup Campground

Pomeroy, WA 99347, USA