Winom Campground & Trailhead

Oregon, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes, offers countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled within the expansive Umatilla National Forest, Winom Campground & Trailhead stands out as a unique and welcoming destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility alike. Whether you're an avid ATV or dirt bike rider, a seasoned tent camper, or an RV explorer, this campground provides a fantastic base for your next Oregon outdoor experience.

Winom Campground & Trailhead offers a distinctive blend of accessible recreation and peaceful natural settings. It’s particularly well-suited for motorized recreation, serving as a gateway to an extensive network of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. However, its thoughtful layout also ensures that those looking for a quieter camping experience can find their perfect spot, far from the hum of engines. This dual appeal makes Winom a versatile choice for a wide array of outdoor lovers across Oregon.

From the sprawling spaces designed for larger setups to the individual sites complete with essential amenities, Winom Campground emphasizes convenience and immersion in nature. Its commitment to providing a clean and well-maintained environment, even in a more rustic setting, ensures a comfortable stay for all visitors. This location truly embodies the spirit of Oregon's outdoor lifestyle, inviting everyone to discover its charm and exhilarating activities.

Winom Campground & Trailhead is situated in Eastern Oregon, specifically within the Umatilla National Forest, southeast of Ukiah. Its address is within Oregon, USA, offering a somewhat remote yet accessible escape into the wilderness. To reach the campground from Ukiah, Oregon, you will travel south on County Road 1475, which eventually transitions into Forest Service Road 52 after about 5 miles. Continue on Forest Service Road 52 for approximately 23 miles until you reach Forest Service Road 5200440. A right turn onto this road will lead you about 1 mile to the campground entrance, located on your right (north side).

The campground’s location along the paved Blue Mountain Scenic Byway adds to its accessibility, making the journey itself part of the scenic experience. While the access road is described as narrow and winding, it is generally navigable, though larger RVs might find it a bit challenging. Despite its slightly remote feel, Winom Campground is a popular spot, especially during peak seasons like Father's Day and the Fourth of July weekend. Visitors should be aware that the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are not accepted. The campground is open and accessible year-round, though it is only maintained seasonally from Memorial Day until mid-November. During the winter months, once snow makes the roads impassable, access is typically limited to snowmobiles.

Winom Campground & Trailhead provides a range of essential services and facilities designed to enhance your outdoor experience. While it offers a rustic camping environment, it ensures basic comforts and conveniences.

• Campsites: The campground features 10 campsites in total. This includes 7 single sites suitable for tents or RVs, and 3 designated group sites (Sites 3, 4, and 10) which can accommodate up to 40 people. Many sites are pull-through, catering to various vehicle sizes.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals and outdoor activities.
• Fire Pits: Every campsite has a fire pit, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking, provided local fire regulations are observed. Firewood can often be found scattered around the campground, or bundles can be purchased in Ukiah.
• Toilets: Two accessible vault toilets (porta-potties) are available, which are regularly maintained and reported by users to be clean.
• Parking: Ample parking is available at each campsite, accommodating vehicles, RVs, trailers, and OHV equipment. Day-use parking at the trailheads is free.
• OHV Loading Dock: An OHV loading dock is present, catering specifically to motorized recreation enthusiasts.
• Interpretive Sign: An interpretive sign near the information board helps visitors learn more about the area and its unique features.
• Waste Management: Please note that there is no garbage service available at the campground. Visitors are expected to pack out all trash to help preserve the natural environment.
• Water: There is no potable (drinking) water available at the campground. A stream runs along the backside of the campground, but the water level can vary and is not suitable for drinking without proper filtration. Visitors should bring their own water supply.

Winom Campground & Trailhead boasts several features and highlights that make it a standout choice for outdoor adventures in Oregon.

• OHV and Dirt Bike Friendly: This campground is a prime destination for ATV and dirt bike riders. It serves as a direct access point to the southern end of the Winom-Frazier OHV Complex, which offers over 100 miles of dedicated trails. Riders can often access trails directly from their campsites.
• Quiet Camping Options: Despite its popularity with OHV riders, the campground’s layout allows for quieter spots, particularly on the "other side" of the campground, providing a peaceful retreat for those primarily interested in traditional camping.
• Spacious Sites: Campsites are generally large, offering plenty of space for RVs, trailers, tents, and even hammocks, ensuring comfort and privacy for campers.
• Natural Surroundings: The campground is nestled within the Umatilla National Forest, offering beautiful forested scenery. While some areas show signs of past logging or fire, the overall environment is rich with young trees and natural beauty.
• Wildlife Viewing: Visitors often report seeing various wildlife, including numerous rabbits scampering around the campground. The area is also known for deer, elk, eagles, owls, pheasants, quail, and wild turkeys.
• Access to Wilderness Trails: For hikers and backpackers, Winom Campground provides nearby access to the North Fork John Day Wilderness. Trails such as the North Winom Creek Trail #3160 and South Winom Creek Trail #3153 are located just beyond the campground, across Winom Creek, offering opportunities for non-motorized exploration.
• Affordable Camping: With a single campsite fee of just $10 per night (with an extra $5 fee for vehicles exceeding two per site) and group sites at $25 per night, Winom Campground offers an economical camping option.
• Seasonal Beauty: The campground is especially appealing during May and June, offering pleasant temperatures and active wildlife.

For inquiries or further information about Winom Campground & Trailhead, you can reach out to the managing body, the Umatilla National Forest, North Fork John Day Ranger District.

Address: Oregon, USA (specifically, located approximately 23 miles southeast of Ukiah, OR, off Forest Service Road 52 and then 5200440).

Phone: North Fork John Day Ranger District at (541) 427-3231

It’s always a good idea to contact them before your visit, especially for current conditions, alerts, or any updates regarding the campground and trail system.

Winom Campground & Trailhead is an ideal destination for Oregon locals seeking an accessible, affordable, and versatile outdoor experience. For residents of Oregon, particularly those in the eastern and northeastern parts of the state, its proximity to Ukiah makes for a manageable drive into a truly wild setting. The unique appeal lies in its ability to cater to both high-energy motorized recreationists and those looking for a quiet, traditional camping getaway. OHV enthusiasts will find it to be an unparalleled hub for accessing over 100 miles of trails in the Winom-Frazier OHV Complex, making it a perfect spot for weekend adventures. Meanwhile, the strategic layout ensures that even when the campground is bustling with riders, peaceful campsites can be found, offering a tranquil escape for tent campers or RVers who prioritize quiet reflection amidst nature.

The affordability of the camping fees makes Winom an excellent choice for budget-conscious families and individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank. The basic amenities, including clean vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits, provide the necessary comforts for an authentic camping experience. Furthermore, the opportunity to gather firewood within the campground itself adds to the rustic charm and practicality. Its first-come, first-served policy, while requiring some planning during busy periods, also means spontaneous trips are possible. For Oregonians who value direct access to vast wilderness areas, wildlife viewing, and a choice between exhilarating trail riding or serene nature immersion, Winom Campground & Trailhead truly offers something for everyone, making it a beloved local treasure for outdoor pursuits.

Winom Campground & Trailhead

Oregon, USA