Strawberry Campground

For Oregonians with a love for the rugged beauty of the high Cascades and Eastern Oregon, Strawberry Campground stands out as an exceptional basecamp for wilderness adventures. Situated near the majestic Strawberry Lake and Strawberry Mountain, this 10-site, first-come, first-served campground offers a truly authentic outdoor experience within the vast expanse of the Malheur National Forest. Unlike larger, more developed campgrounds, Strawberry Campground provides a more intimate and secluded setting, perfect for those seeking tranquility and direct access to some of Oregon's most stunning trails.

This campground is a prime destination for hikers, backpackers, anglers, and anyone eager to immerse themselves in the pristine natural environment. It's a place where the sounds of the wilderness prevail, and the sense of being truly "away from it all" is palpable. While primitive in some aspects, it offers essential amenities that make a stay comfortable, proving that you don't need excessive frills to enjoy the grandeur of Oregon's wild landscapes. Our comprehensive guide will help you understand why Strawberry Campground is a highly desirable spot for your next Eastern Oregon outdoor adventure.

Strawberry Campground is strategically located near Prairie City, Oregon, with its address listed as Prairie City, OR 97869, USA. More specifically, it is nestled at the northern edge of the renowned Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, making it an ideal starting point for exploring this spectacular area. The journey to the campground itself is part of the adventure, guiding you deeper into the heart of the Malheur National Forest.

Access to the campground involves traveling along County Road 60, which transitions into Forest Service Road #6001. While a portion of this route is an open county road, the last mile leading directly to the campground and the trailhead to Strawberry Lake is noted for being quite narrow, steep, and potentially rutted, especially after rains. Visitors should be prepared for a rough road, and a vehicle with higher clearance is highly recommended for a smoother and more comfortable ascent. Despite the somewhat challenging access road, the destination is well worth the effort, delivering you to a beautifully wooded area that serves as a serene gateway to the wilderness. Always check current road conditions with the Malheur National Forest before your trip, especially outside of peak summer months, to ensure optimal accessibility.

Strawberry Campground provides a balance of primitive charm and essential facilities, catering to campers who appreciate a more rustic experience without sacrificing basic comforts. Here’s what you can expect in terms of services:

• 10 Campsites (First-Come, First-Served): The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering 10 well-spaced sites. This provides a good degree of privacy and ample space, making each spot feel more secluded and enjoyable.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for outdoor dining, meal preparation, or simply gathering with your group.
• Fire Pits: Every site includes a fire pit, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance (always check for current fire bans and restrictions, which are common in dry seasons).
• Water Spigot Access: There is close access to a water spigot, providing potable water for drinking and other needs. This is a significant convenience for a campground in such a natural setting.
• Outhouse-Style Restrooms: The campground features newer outhouse-style restrooms (vault toilets). Reviews indicate these facilities are "relatively clean" and, with proper use (closing the toilet seat), remain free of strong odors, which is a notable positive for this type of primitive amenity.
• Affordable Fees: Staying at Strawberry Campground is described as "very affordable," making it an excellent option for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Fees are $8/night for a single unit, with an additional $4/night for an extra vehicle.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: While some facilities are available, campers are still expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and maintaining the pristine condition of their site and the surrounding environment.

Strawberry Campground is celebrated for a variety of features that make it a compelling destination for those seeking an immersive Oregon wilderness experience:

• Direct Access to Strawberry Mountain Wilderness: Perhaps the most significant highlight is its direct access to the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. The Strawberry Basin Trailhead is located right at the campground, serving as a launching point for extensive hiking and backpacking adventures.
• Proximity to Strawberry Lake and Mountain: Campers are "nestled up near Strawberry Lake and Mountain," providing breathtaking scenic views and immediate access to these iconic natural landmarks. A relatively short 1.4-mile hike from the campground leads directly to Strawberry Lake.
• Extensive Trail System: The area boasts "extensive" trails. From Strawberry Basin Trail #375, hikers can connect to numerous other trails within the wilderness, including Slide Lake Trail #385, allowing for day hikes, multi-day backpacking loops (like a roughly 17-mile loop past three lakes and waterfalls), and exploration of diverse terrain.
• Great Wood Coverage and Ample Site Space: The campground offers "great wood coverage" from ponderosa pines, providing natural shade and a feeling of being enveloped by the forest. Sites also feature "ample site space," ensuring privacy and comfort.
• Stream Fishing: Strawberry Creek runs along the campground, offering opportunities for stream fishing, with Rainbow Trout being the predominant fish species.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The remote setting provides excellent opportunities for nature viewing and wildlife sightings. Visitors may encounter Rocky Mountain Elk, mule deer, black bear, cougar, mountain goats, and a variety of birds and smaller creatures like squirrels and chipmunks.
• Minimal Mosquitoes at Night: While one review noted the presence of "annoying yellow jackets" during the day, a positive highlight is that "at night time there really wasn't many mosquitoes," which is a significant plus for evening enjoyment.
• Beautiful Shaded Trailhead Camp Area: There is a "nice shaded camp area at the trail head to Strawberry lake," offering a pleasant spot even for day-use visitors or those waiting for a site.

For inquiries, up-to-date information on conditions, or details regarding Strawberry Campground and the surrounding Malheur National Forest, please use the following contact details:

Address: Prairie City, OR 97869, USA

Phone: (541) 575-3000

Mobile Phone: +1 541-575-3000

It is highly recommended to contact the Malheur National Forest Supervisor's Office or the nearest Ranger District (Prairie City Ranger District) using the provided phone numbers before your visit. This will allow you to get the latest information on road conditions (especially given the mention of a rough access road), fire restrictions, water availability (as water might be seasonal), and any other alerts or warnings relevant to your stay in the wilderness area.

For Oregon locals, Strawberry Campground represents an ideal and quintessential Pacific Northwest outdoor experience. Its location near Prairie City, within the magnificent Malheur National Forest, offers a convenient yet deeply immersive wilderness escape that aligns perfectly with the adventurous spirit of Oregonians. While the access road might be a bit rough, this simply adds to its "out of the way" charm, ensuring a less crowded and more authentic experience than many highly trafficked areas.

This campground is exceptionally suitable for those who prioritize hiking, backpacking, and exploring vast natural landscapes. With the Strawberry Basin Trailhead right at your doorstep, it serves as the ultimate launchpad into the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, home to stunning lakes, diverse wildlife, and extensive trail networks. For locals who seek to challenge themselves on trails, find solace in nature, or introduce their families to the wonders of backcountry exploration, Strawberry Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity.

The first-come, first-served system, combined with affordable fees, makes it an accessible and flexible option for impromptu trips. While the presence of yellow jackets is a minor consideration common to many natural settings, the generally low mosquito presence at night is a significant advantage for evening enjoyment under Oregon's clear, star-filled skies. By choosing Strawberry Campground, Oregonians embrace the state's incredible natural heritage, fostering a deeper connection to its wild heart and supporting the preservation of these invaluable public lands. It's a place to create lasting memories, recharge amidst breathtaking scenery, and truly live the Oregon outdoor lifestyle.