For travelers journeying through Eastern Oregon, or those looking for a comfortable and convenient base to explore the historic city of Pendleton and its surroundings, Pendleton KOA Journey offers a reliable and welcoming stop. As a "Journey" branded KOA, it is designed to provide essential amenities and a comfortable stay for those on the road, ensuring a refreshing break from travel. While some campgrounds prioritize deep wilderness immersion, Pendleton KOA Journey focuses on accessibility, well-maintained facilities, and a friendly atmosphere, making it a practical choice for many types of campers.
Located strategically, this KOA is more than just a place to park your RV; it’s a stepping stone to local attractions and a comfortable spot to recharge. It caters particularly well to RV enthusiasts with easy hookups and pull-through sites, but also offers tent camping options. This overview will detail the specific offerings of Pendleton KOA Journey, helping Oregon locals and visitors plan their next stay with confidence, highlighting what makes this particular campground suitable for a quick stop or a longer exploration of the Pendleton area.
Pendleton KOA Journey is conveniently located at 1375 SE 3rd St, Pendleton, OR 97801, USA. Its position makes it highly accessible for travelers utilizing Interstate 84, a major thoroughfare through Oregon. The campground is situated just off Exit 210 from I-84, making for a quick and easy pull-off the freeway. To reach it, you head uphill (South) from the exit, take the first right onto SE Nye St., and then the first left onto SE 3rd St. This straightforward access is a significant advantage for those looking for an efficient overnight stop without extensive detours.
While the campground itself is close to the freeway, offering convenience, it's important to note its urban-adjacent setting. The town of Pendleton is located on the other side of the freeway, meaning that while there are views of the "golden plains" and the Blue Mountains, direct walking paths to nature or to downtown shops and restaurants are not readily available. Guests will typically need to drive or use bicycles to access town amenities. This location, however, is excellent for those looking to quickly access the freeway for onward travel or to visit Pendleton's attractions by vehicle, combining convenience with a comfortable stay.
Pendleton KOA Journey, as a part of the trusted KOA network, focuses on delivering reliable and essential services that ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay for most campers. Their unofficial motto of "we only do the basics... but we do the basics well" reflects their commitment to quality in core amenities. Based on general KOA Journey standards and customer feedback, here are the services you can expect:
Pendleton KOA Journey, while not a wilderness retreat, offers several appealing features and highlights that make it a practical and enjoyable choice for many travelers:
It is worth noting that while many appreciate the convenience, some reviews mention the close proximity of sites, feeling "a little more than a parking lot with a few trees." Also, some visitors have reported issues with cigarette smoke from neighboring sites. While the campground offers a convenient and well-maintained experience, those sensitive to smoke or seeking a vast, secluded natural setting might consider these factors.
For reservations, inquiries about availability, or any specific questions regarding your stay at Pendleton KOA Journey, please use the following contact details:
Address: 1375 SE 3rd St, Pendleton, OR 97801, USA
Phone: (800) 562-7560
Mobile Phone: +1 800-562-7560
It is always a good idea to call ahead, especially during peak travel seasons or if you have specific site requests (e.g., a desire for more space or a specific amperage hookup), as sites can fill up. Their self-check-in service also makes late arrivals seamless with a prior reservation.
For Oregon locals, Pendleton KOA Journey serves a specific, valuable niche: it’s the ideal choice for those needing a convenient, full-service stopover or a comfortable base while exploring Eastern Oregon. While not a deep wilderness experience, it excels in providing the practical amenities that many modern campers, particularly RVers, appreciate. Its location directly off I-84 makes it incredibly easy to access for Oregonians traveling across the state or making their way to popular events like the Pendleton Round-Up.
This campground is perfect for local families on a road trip, retired couples touring the state in their RVs, or individuals needing a clean, safe, and connected place to stay while on business or visiting friends and family in the Pendleton area. The consistently praised clean bathrooms, hot showers, and friendly staff contribute to a stress-free experience, a welcome relief after a day of driving or exploring. While the sites may be closer together than some prefer, and the presence of smoking is noted, the overall well-maintained environment and the ample services like Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a dog park cater directly to the needs of travelers looking for comfort and convenience.
Moreover, as a gateway to local attractions, Pendleton KOA Journey allows Oregonians to comfortably immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Pendleton, from the famous Woolen Mills to the Pendleton Underground Tours, all just a short drive away. It offers a practical solution for local campers who prioritize essential services and accessibility over rugged, primitive camping, making it a suitable and valuable part of Oregon's diverse camping landscape.
Onsite services
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV sewer hookup
RV water hookup
Camping fee
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
Playground
On-site parking
Paid parking lot
Dog park
Dogs allowed
If you love the smell of cigarettes, this place is for you. First off, the good points. The area is very well maintained. The bathrooms are very clean and have very hot water. The hook ups are easy. Now the not so good... It seems like every other site hosts a long term chain smoker. The sites are a little more than a parking lot with a few trees. Nothing like trying to get to sleep or enjoy dinner while your neighbors fumigate the air that you're trying to breathe. The location is nothing special. There is a view of the golden plains, but no walking paths to nature or town. The town is on the other side of the freeway so if you're looking for a place to eat or shop, you'll need to drive to get there or hop on your bikes if you've got some. I was just here for one night while passing through. It's good for a quick one night stop. For anything longer, my personal choice would be to pick a spot with more space between campers and something closer to walking and hiking paths.
We came in the Monday of Memorial Day weekend. Camp was relatively full. We loved it. Well kept, nice people, cute area for the dogs! The view on the backside was also amazing! We will be back if we have a need to camp in Pendleton again!
This is a very well-maintained park and I know we appreciate that everything was excellent. We just did an overnight. One little thing is there’s a drywall screw sticking through the fence in the dog park near site number 91 and when you sit on the bench, it hit you in the back so if you could take that out, that would be awesome and I gave you kudos.
4/18/25 KOA, Pendleton OR, $60 Clean campground, lots of full-timers/ workers in the area. Safe, though lots of large dogs. Have to tune our walks so as not to create a ruckus (ours are smaller dogs that want to act big). Bathrooms are oddly grouped in one communal entrance and three separate bathrooms. Decent showers, tight bathroom. Sites are on gravel/volcanic cinder. Pavement for driving tho and that's a plus. And no train noise.
This review is long overdue! I stayed at this KOA for about 3 months this past summer/fall while working as a travel nurse in Pendleton. Kana was so accommodating and kind. All the staff were helpful and friendly too. Andrea even let me borrow her jump starter after I left my van doors open too long! She saved the day! The grounds were nice with beautiful views and the bathrooms were always clean. Great little KOA!