Yellowjacket Campground

Are you an Oregonian who cherishes quiet natural spaces, excellent fishing, and the resilience of a landscape recovering from challenge? Yellowjacket Campground, nestled within the vast Malheur National Forest near Burns, Oregon, offers a unique and meaningful outdoor experience. While recent years have brought changes, including impacts from fire, this beloved campground remains a beautiful getaway, particularly renowned for its fantastic fishing opportunities. For locals who appreciate a more rustic approach to camping and the chance to witness nature's regrowth, Yellowjacket Campground provides a serene and rewarding retreat.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through what makes Yellowjacket Campground a special destination for Oregon residents. We'll explore its specific location and accessibility, the essential services it provides, and the unique features that highlight its appeal, even as it continues its journey of recovery. Drawing on the firsthand accounts of fellow campers, we'll discuss why this particular campground is perfectly suited for locals seeking a genuine and refreshing connection with Oregon's resilient natural environment, ensuring you have all the information to plan your memorable escape.

Yellowjacket Campground, located in the Malheur National Forest, has long been a cherished spot for Oregonians. Reviews consistently praise the "great fishing" and describe it as a "beautiful get away." However, it's important to acknowledge that the campground, like many natural areas, has faced challenges, including a past fire. One reviewer sadly noted, "to bad it burned out last year." Despite this, the spirit of Yellowjacket remains. It sits on the quiet shores of Yellowjacket Lake, also known as Clemens Reservoir, offering abundant birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. Eagles, osprey, and pronghorn antelope are frequently sighted in the area, showcasing the rich biodiversity that persists and thrives. The campground typically features single sites furnished with picnic tables and raised fire rings, providing the basic comforts needed for a peaceful stay amidst nature. The enduring love for this campground, even in recovery, speaks volumes about its inherent beauty and the quality of the outdoor experience it offers to those who appreciate its rustic charm and opportunities for solitude and angling.

Yellowjacket Campground is situated at NF-3745, Burns, OR 97720, USA. This address places it approximately 35 miles northwest of Hines, Oregon, within the expansive Malheur National Forest. Hines, along with the nearby town of Burns, serves as the closest community with essential services, making them good places for Oregon locals to stock up on supplies before heading to the campground.

Access to Yellowjacket Campground generally involves a scenic drive. From Hines, visitors would typically take Burns-Izee Road (NF 47) from Highway 20, following signs for Yellowjacket Lake. At approximately 30.1 miles, a right turn onto NF 37 is required. After about 2.5 miles, the road splits, and a final right turn onto NF 3745 leads the last mile directly to the campground. This route, primarily on paved roads that transition to well-maintained forest service roads, makes the campground reasonably accessible for various vehicles, though caution is always advised on unpaved sections, especially during inclement weather. The approximately 2-hour and 36-minute drive from Bend, Oregon, and reasonable distances from other parts of Eastern Oregon, make it a viable weekend or multi-day destination for many Oregonians seeking a high-desert forest experience.

It is crucial to note that due to the past fire, the campground may be subject to closures or modified access. For instance, some official sources indicate that Yellowjacket Campground on the Malheur National Forest was "Closed due to Falls Fire area closure" in early 2025. Oregon locals should always verify the current operational status and accessibility before planning their trip by contacting the managing forest service office.

Yellowjacket Campground provides essential services designed for a rustic and authentic forest camping experience. While it focuses on a natural setting, it offers key amenities that support a comfortable stay. It's important to remember that, like many National Forest campgrounds, the services are geared towards self-sufficiency and enjoying the outdoors rather than luxury. Based on general information and reviews, here's what you can typically expect in terms of services:

• Designated Campsites: The campground offers 24 single sites. Each site is furnished with a picnic table and a raised fire ring, perfect for cooking and enjoying a campfire (always check for current fire restrictions, especially post-fire).
• Potable Water: Potable water is generally available, which is a valuable amenity for a rustic campground. Visitors should confirm availability, especially outside of peak season or during recovery efforts.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are typically provided for basic restroom needs. It's common for National Forest campgrounds of this type not to have showers.
• No Electrical Hookups: As a more primitive campground, electrical hookups for RVs are not provided. Campers should be prepared for an off-grid experience.
• No Dump Station: It is unlikely that a trailer dump station is available on-site, requiring RVers to use facilities elsewhere before or after their visit.
• Bear Precautions: Bears are known to frequent the area, so visitors are strongly advised to keep all food, soaps, and garbage properly stored in approved containers to minimize wildlife encounters.
• Dead and Down Wood for Campfires: Campers are permitted to use only dead and down wood for their campfires, promoting sustainable practices.
• Open Season (Seasonal Closure): While the campground is within the Malheur National Forest, it operates seasonally, typically opening in late spring (around May) and closing in the fall (around September/October), depending on weather and snowfall.

Yellowjacket Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that draw Oregon locals seeking a genuine and memorable outdoor experience. These attributes, often underscored by visitor reviews and the natural setting, define its appeal:

• Exceptional Fishing: The most frequently praised feature is the "great" and "excellent" fishing opportunities in Yellowjacket Lake (Clemens Reservoir). The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and also contains brown trout and kokanee salmon, providing diverse angling experiences. The lake has an easily accessible shoreline for fishing.
• Beautiful Forest Setting: Despite past fire impacts, the surrounding cedar and ponderosa pine forest offers a "beautiful" and quiet setting. This provides shade, natural beauty, and a tranquil atmosphere for campers. The Dyrt review mentions "picturesque water-views."
• Abundant Wildlife and Birding: The area is frequented by eagles, osprey (with a nesting platform nearby), and pronghorn antelope, offering fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
• Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: Reviewers often highlight the peaceful nature of the campground, making it an ideal spot for those seeking to escape noise and crowds and truly relax in nature.
• Opportunities for Water Activities: Beyond fishing, Yellowjacket Lake provides opportunities for other water-based activities like kayaking, although visitors should be aware of potential "gunk growing in it" depending on the season and bring their own kayaks.
• Accessible Shoreline: The lake boasts a small sand beach and an easily accessible shoreline, making it convenient for various recreational uses.
• Group Picnic Area: The presence of a very nice covered group picnic area suggests it can accommodate larger gatherings or provide shared amenities.
• Resilience and Recovery: For locals, visiting a campground like Yellowjacket after a fire can be a meaningful experience, witnessing the natural recovery process and supporting the efforts to maintain these cherished outdoor spaces.

For those planning a visit to Yellowjacket Campground or seeking more information, here is the essential contact information:

Address: NF-3745, Burns, OR 97720, USA

Phone: (541) 573-4300

Mobile Phone: +1 541-573-4300

This phone number connects to the Emigrant Creek Ranger District, which is part of the Malheur National Forest and manages Yellowjacket Campground. It is absolutely crucial for Oregon locals to contact this number or check the official Malheur National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/malheur) before planning a trip. As previously noted, the campground has been subject to closures due to fire area recovery. Calling ahead will provide the most current information regarding its operational status, any ongoing closures or restrictions, road conditions, fire restrictions, and other vital details that could impact your visit. This proactive step ensures you have the most up-to-date information for a safe and enjoyable experience at Yellowjacket Campground.

In conclusion, Yellowjacket Campground is a highly suitable destination for Oregon locals, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, excellent fishing, and a chance to experience a beloved landscape in recovery. For Oregonians who appreciate a quieter, more rustic camping experience, its serene setting on Yellowjacket Lake, surrounded by a beautiful pine forest, provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The consistent praise for its "great fishing" makes it a top choice for anglers seeking rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.

While the campground has faced the challenges of fire, its resilience and the ongoing efforts to maintain it highlight its enduring value as a recreational spot. The basic amenities, including potable water and clean vault toilets, ensure a comfortable stay, while the opportunities for wildlife viewing and quiet contemplation offer a truly enriching experience. For those willing to pack their bug spray and embrace the simplicity of a forest retreat, Yellowjacket Campground stands as a testament to Oregon's natural beauty and its capacity for renewal, offering a meaningful and memorable outdoor adventure for any local seeking peace and a connection with the wild.

Yellowjacket Campground

NF-3745, Burns, OR 97720, USA