Coyote Campground

For Oregonians seeking a genuine, no-frills camping experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Eastern Oregon, Coyote Campground offers a rustic and tranquil escape. Located off NF-46 near Enterprise, this U.S. Forest Service campground is nestled within the sprawling Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, providing a peaceful base for outdoor adventures, particularly during hunting season or for those simply looking to disconnect and enjoy nature's beauty.

As one local reviewer candidly puts it, "Signage could use a makeover they are kinda run down you can still read them but they need to be updated and not with wood, aluminum." This minor point, however, does little to detract from the overall appeal for those who appreciate authentic forest camping. Another satisfied camper remarked, "We use the campground during archery season, pretty decent for rustic camping. We always enjoy the beautiful area." This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Coyote Campground: a place where the emphasis is on the natural environment and outdoor pursuits, rather than modern conveniences. If you're an Oregon local drawn to quiet, forested settings and a back-to-basics approach to camping, Coyote Campground is a destination worth considering for its serene atmosphere and access to a truly "beautiful area."

Coyote Campground is located at NF-46, Enterprise, OR 97828, USA. This places it deep within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in northeastern Oregon, a region renowned for its rugged mountains, vast forests, and pristine wilderness areas. While its mailing address is Enterprise, the campground is approximately 41 miles from the town itself, ensuring a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature.

To reach Coyote Campground from Enterprise, Oregon, travelers would typically head north on Highway 3 for about 14 miles to Forest Road 46. Turning right onto Forest Road 46, you would then travel approximately 13 miles to Crow Creek Road. A left turn onto Crow Creek Road for about 1 mile, followed by a right turn to continue on Forest Service Road 46 for another 12.5 miles, will bring you to the campground entrance. This journey involves well-maintained gravel Forest Service roads, generally passable for most vehicles and small trailers, but it's always prudent to check current road conditions, especially during the spring (due to snowmelt) or fall (due to potential early snow or rain), by contacting the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest office. Cell service in this remote area is likely to be limited or non-existent, so downloading maps and directions beforehand is highly recommended.

The campground is situated at an elevation of approximately 5,050 feet, placing it in an open pine forest and grassland environment. This higher elevation offers cooler temperatures, particularly during the summer months, and provides a distinct forest experience characterized by mature trees and expansive open spaces.

Coyote Campground provides a primitive, first-come, first-served camping experience, focusing on essential amenities to support a self-reliant stay. It's designed for those who appreciate a less developed environment and are comfortable with basic facilities. The services typically available include:

• Tent/Trailer Sites: The campground offers 6 designated tent/trailer single sites. These sites are suitable for traditional tent camping and can accommodate smaller recreational vehicles or trailers. They typically include a level parking area for your vehicle and camping setup.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for preparing meals, dining, or simply relaxing outdoors.
• Fire Rings: Every campsite has a fire ring (often with a grill grate), allowing campers to have campfires for cooking and warmth. However, it is absolutely critical to check and adhere to current fire danger ratings and any fire restrictions or bans issued by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, especially during dry seasons. Campers should also bring their own firewood, as collecting from the forest floor can be prohibited or unsustainable.
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available within the campground. While these are basic "outhouse" style facilities, they are generally maintained by the Forest Service. Campers should be prepared by bringing their own hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for all visitors to understand that Coyote Campground does NOT provide potable (drinkable) water. Campers must bring their entire water supply for drinking, cooking, and washing for the duration of their stay. This is a standard characteristic of many primitive Forest Service campgrounds.
• No Electrical Hookups: There are no electrical hookups for RVs or trailers. This is a completely off-grid experience, meaning campers should rely on battery-powered devices or other self-sufficient power sources if needed.
• "Pack It In, Pack It Out" Policy: There are typically no trash disposal services at primitive campgrounds like Coyote. Campers are responsible for removing all their waste, including food scraps and garbage, from the campground and disposing of it properly off-site, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
• Self-Service Pay Station: Overnight campsite fees are generally $10 per night for a single-family unit (tent or trailer site), payable at a self-service pay station on site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to the site fee.

These services provide the bare essentials, encouraging a truly immersive and self-reliant outdoor experience.

Coyote Campground's appeal lies in its natural setting and the range of outdoor activities it facilitates, making it a desirable destination for nature enthusiasts:

• Open Pine Forest and Grassland Setting: The campground is beautifully situated in an open ponderosa pine forest interspersed with grasslands. This provides a refreshing atmosphere with ample natural shade from the tall trees and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Hunting Season Base Camp: As noted by a reviewer, the campground is popular "during archery season." Its location within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest makes it an excellent base camp for various hunting seasons (with proper licenses and adherence to regulations).
• Picnicking: Beyond overnight stays, the tranquil setting makes it an ideal spot for day-use picnicking, offering a peaceful environment for outdoor meals.
• Proximity to Wilderness Areas: Coyote Campground is relatively close to significant wilderness areas like the Eagle Cap Wilderness, which offers extensive opportunities for backpacking, hiking, and exploring pristine, untouched nature. This proximity makes it a convenient launching point for more rugged adventures.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse forest and grassland habitat attracts a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and numerous bird species, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Scenic Driving: The journey to and from Coyote Campground along Forest Road 46 offers scenic drives through the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, showcasing the beautiful high country of Eastern Oregon.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies above Coyote Campground are typically exceptionally clear, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing.
• Quiet and Rustic Atmosphere: Given its limited amenities and remote location, the campground tends to be quieter and less crowded than more developed sites, appealing to those seeking solitude and a true wilderness feel.

These features collectively offer a rewarding experience for visitors eager to engage with the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Eastern Oregon.

Coyote Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. As a small, non-reservable campground, there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. For current information and inquiries, it's best to contact the relevant Forest Service office.

Address:
Coyote Campground
NF-46
Enterprise, OR 97828, USA

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Coyote Campground, including current conditions, fire restrictions, road accessibility, and operational status, it is highly recommended to contact the Wallowa Valley Ranger District, which likely oversees this area, or the main Wallowa-Whitman National Forest office.

• Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Supervisor's Office:
  1550 Dewey Avenue, Suite A
  Baker City, OR 97814
  Phone: (541) 523-6391

You can also visit the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman) and search for "Coyote Campground" for specific details and any alerts before planning your trip. This online resource is regularly updated and provides essential guidance for safe and enjoyable camping.

Coyote Campground, located off NF-46 near Enterprise, offers Oregon locals a quintessential rustic camping experience in the heart of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. While it embraces a "back-to-basics" approach, with vault toilets and no potable water, these aspects are precisely what appeal to those seeking genuine solitude and immersion in nature. The candid feedback about "run down" signage simply adds to its unpretentious charm, emphasizing that the true value lies in the "beautiful area" it inhabits.

For Oregonians, Coyote Campground is an ideal base for activities like hunting during archery season, tranquil picnicking, or simply enjoying the peace of an open pine forest. Its proximity to vast wilderness areas, including the renowned Eagle Cap Wilderness, opens up endless possibilities for hiking and exploration. By providing a clean, quiet, and naturally stunning environment at an affordable rate, Coyote Campground is perfectly suitable for locals who value authenticity over amenities. It’s a place to disconnect, breathe deeply, and appreciate the rugged, unfiltered beauty that Eastern Oregon so generously offers, promising memorable moments for those who embrace its rustic allure.