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Wallowa-Whitman/Union Creek
Overview
Union Creek Campground, nestled within the expansive Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, offers a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and developed convenience. Located a short drive from Baker City, this destination serves as a premier basecamp for exploring Eastern Oregon's high desert and mountain transitions. Visitors are greeted by towering trees and the refreshing atmosphere of Phillips Lake, making it a standout choice for those seeking a tranquil outdoor experience without completely roughing it.
Location & Surroundings
Situated on the northern shores of Phillips Lake, the park is framed by the dramatic peaks of the Elkhorn Mountains. The surrounding landscape is dominated by a lush canopy of Ponderosa pines, providing ample shade and a natural sense of privacy between sites. The elevation offers a cooler mountain climate during the peak summer months, while the proximity to the water ensures that waterfront recreation is never more than a few steps away from your rig.
Amenities & Park Features
What sets this forest service site apart is the availability of full hookup sites, which include water, sewer, and electricity for modern rigs. The campground features paved parking pads that can accommodate various RV sizes, along with drinking water and seasonal restroom facilities. For those who enjoy life on the water, the park provides easy access to boat ramps and fishing docks, while a dedicated on-site dump station adds a layer of convenience for long-term travelers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the lakeshore, travelers can immerse themselves in local history by visiting the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in nearby Baker City. History buffs will also appreciate the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area, where you can learn about the region's gold mining past. For active adventurers, the Union Creek Trail offers miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking paths that wind through the surrounding timberland and offer beautiful vistas of the shoreline.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for nature-loving families who want the traditional camping experience with the added benefit of modern utilities. It is also perfect for anglers and boaters who want immediate access to the reservoir for rainbow trout or bass fishing. If you are an RVer who prioritizes quiet evenings under a dark starry sky over the bustle of a private resort, this forest service gem provides the peaceful retreat you are looking for.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Quinn Christensen
We booked a site at Union Creek for Labor Day weekend, but ended up leaving a day early. The area was great and the campsite was well kept. The only reason we left early is to inconsiderate neighbors in the site across from us. The camp hosts were very kind and reasonable and only trying to ensure that everyone was able to enjoy their weekend, however it did end up being pretty one sided so we pulled out a day early. Hope someone was able to use our site for the night without having to pay since it was covered. We really liked the area, but unfortunately we probably won't ever return due to the reminder of how negative of an experience it was.
Lisa Landers
The nice campground itself is located on the banks of Phillips Lake near scenic Sumpter, Oregon. Spaces are mostly open and or spacious with lots of tree cover if you want that. I agree with another review that it would be more appreciated for some, if there was at least one shower house. In August there were plenty of camps host in the park. The company facilitating these said hosts was Anthony Lakes Resort. While the hosts try to accommodate park guests nicely and easily, the newly posted rules for acquiring a site are not quite so nice and easy. Some hosts are much more pleasant than others. The terminology of the rules doesn't seem to mesh with how some of the hosts run the campground. It can be confusing to say the least. For a non profit company the campsite fees are fairly expensive. All in all the campground and boat ramp facilities are pleasant. There is a lovely shoreline trail. I'm told it goes all the way around the lake.
Garrett Barnum
We went with a huge group of friends, in the group site. The campsite was plenty big enough and spacious to spread out. The view of the lake was incredible. There isn’t a real beach, but access to the water is still pretty easy.
Margaret Hansen
I would give it 5 stars if they had showers. Otherwise, beautiful spot. Group site worked great for us. Clean restrooms. Friendly camp hosts. Lake is lovely. Great shoreline trail around the lake. Not many bugs. Fun stargazing since there isn't much light pollution. Watch the chipmunks though they will steal your food.
Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers
I was really looking forward to our stay here based on other reviews and we just didn't like it much. The camp spots are spaced apart nicely, the camp hosts were great, and the bathrooms clean. With all the lakeshore this campground occupies the only real place to swim was in the designated swim area and that was super disappointing. The docks were dangerous and hardly in the water. People were swimming in the boat launch area just to keep cool because it's hot! It's pretty country and has tons of potential but we wouldn't go back. Stay in the A loop if you can, C loop second choice, B loop last (it’s really hot there).