Idlewild Campground Malheur National Forest Oregon

Idlewild Overview

Idlewild Campground is located in a forested area along the Fraser River just outside of Winter park Colorado in the Malheur National Forest. The campground has 1 reservable, group-picnic site and 19, first-come first-served sites. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this quiet forest campground is surrounded by tall ponderosa pines and open meadows. It offers a peaceful setting that works well for travelers, families, hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, and winter recreation enthusiasts.

The seasonal campground is usually open is mid May until the very end of October. However, the nearby Sno-Park remains popular during winter for snow recreation. Amenities at this campground include drinking water, vault toilets, ADA facilities, trash collection and a picnic shelter. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground with no trash service. In addition, there is no cell service in the area.

The closest public RV dump station is at Burns RV Park (18 miles south). Another convenient option is the dump station at Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site (61 miles north).

Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Each site can have up to 8 guests and 2 vehicles. The max vehicle length is 20ft. Each site also has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. The large group picnic site can have up to 75 guests and 25 vehicles (20ft max length).

Idlewild Campground – Outdoor Recreation & Activities

The Devine Summit Trail and the Idlewild Loop Trail start nearby, making hiking and mountain biking convenient. In winter, visitors enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling from the adjacent Sno-Park. Wildlife viewing, birdwatching, photography, picnicking, and stargazing are also excellent activities.

The surrounding area offers several worthwhile day trips. Spend time exploring Burns and the nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. It is one of the West’s premier birdwatching destinations. Drive into the Strawberry Mountains for scenic overlooks, hiking, and alpine lakes. Visit the historic town of John Day and the colorful landscapes of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Other campgrounds that you might like are Joaquin Miller Horse Camp, Dixie, Yellowjacket, Rock Springs, Falls, as well as Delintment Lake.

Make a Reservation for Idlewild

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Drinking Water
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Grills
• Hiking & Biking Trails
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Shade Structure

Activities

• Backpacking
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Cross Country Skiing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Hunting
• Mountain Biking
• Nature Trails
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Sledding
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Stargazing
• Wildlife Viewing
• Winter/Snow Sports