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Indian Lake Campground

Indian Lake Campground is adjacent to Lake Hiyúumptipin, which translates to grizzly bear devouring. This surprisingly large campground offers a wonderful weekend respite full of nature, fishing, and human-powered water sports.

  • What To Do
    • Camping

      The campground is open May through September. There are 43 sites (14 are double sites), and the there is a two day minimum stay for lakeside campsites.Phone reservations only; please call (541) 276-3873. Again, reservations are not accepted online. Consult the Campground Map for more information. Fee to camp is $25/night (tipi rental), $15/night (campsite), $5/extra vehicle, and $3 for day use. Payment options are cash or check (non-refundable).

    • Kayak/ Paddleboard

      There are not many opportunities to enjoy a morning yoga session on a paddleboard or sunset paddle in your kayak. You are in the wrong mountain range if looking for a plethora of naturally occurring lakes. While there are many waters throughout the Blues, this is a rare spot to enjoy these water sports.

    • Fishing

      A non-Indian fishing license is required of non-tribal members. You can purchase daily ($13) or annual ($30) licenses from the camp host. Prices are subject to change. Discounts may be available to youth, seniors, and veterans. Please report your catch at the anglers survey box to help manage the fishery. Consult the Fishing Regulations for more information. Enjoy the annual fishing derby the day before Father's Day. As a reminder, only boats with electric outboard motors or propelled by oars or other non-mechanized means may be operated.

  • What To Expect

    Enjoy a large campground nestled amongst the trees with a lake view. There are no RV hookups, but an RV dump station and a potable water stations are available during the camping season.

  • When To Go

    The campground is open from May through September. The day-use and lake are open May through October. The annual fishing derby is held the day before Father's Day.

  • How To Get There

    Please do not solely rely on Google Maps as their route might not always reflect what is maintained.

    From Walla Walla, take HWY 11 south to Pendleton, Oregon. Join I-84 westbound for 1.5 miles to exit 209 and join HWY 395 South. Continue southbound for 14 miles to the small town of Pilot Rock, Oregon. At the sign for Indian Lake, turn left onto E Birch Creek Road and follow for 19 miles. E Birch Creek Road becomes gravel after 9.5 miles. A couple miles before the campground you will summit a hill and meet a cross road, continue straight. Indian Lake Campground will be on your right.

    Note: If you choose to continue past the campground on NF-21 toward I-84, be prepared for a rough and narrow road. We wouldn't recommend RV's take this route.

Please do not solely rely on Google Maps as their route might not always reflect what is maintained.

  • Your Public Lands

    The land is owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and managed by CTUIR's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

  • Distance:

    1.5 - 2.5 Hours

  • Difficulty Level:

    Day Tripper

  • Seasons:

    Spring, Summer, Fall

  • Elevation:

    4,200 feet

  • Pets:

    Yes

  • Reservations:

    Yes

  • ADA:

    Yes

  • Multi-Use:

    N/A

  • Motorized Vehicles :

    Yes

  • Fees

    Expect $15 per night for a campsite. The day-use fee is $3. The dump fee for non-campers is $5. If welcoming an extra vehicle to your campsite, there is an additional fee of $5. There is an additional charge for a fishing license, which is $13 for a single day or $30 for the year. All prices are subject to change.

  • Permits

    None

  • Regulations

    Keep pets on leash and under control at all times. Only dead wood on the ground is acceptable for harvesting as firewood. Quiet hours are 10 pm to 7 am. Campsite must be occupied the first night and cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours or caretaker may cancel reservation without refund. The speed limit for all ATVs is 5 mph within the campground. Do not feed wild animals.

  • Amenities

    A number of services are available at the campground, including ADA vault restrooms, several fresh water spigots, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, large arbor, RV dump station (free for campers or $5 for non-campers), trash dumpster, site fire pit, picnic table, day-use parking (5 am to 10 pm), and firewood for purchase.

  • Wildlife Awareness

    We are all so fortunate to recreate in the Blue Mountains. So many opportunities exist to play outside whether in a national forest, wilderness area, on a Wild and Scenic River, and more! With these opportunities comes great responsibility to appreciate that we are mere visitors and should all take pride in being good stewards of the wild. Many animals call these protected places home, including moose, elk, bear, cougar, bobcat, and snakes to name a few. Take precautions to respect their home and understand the appropriate response should an encounter occur. Additionally, many plant species thrive in the Blue Mountains, so staying on trail is always good practice. Carry First Aid supplies to better respond to accidents or encounters, and always let others know where the day's adventure is taking you.

  • Field Notes

    Navigation: Consider downloading the Avenza Map app. This app allows users to upload three maps (or unlimited with a subscription) to use offline. It can track your location offline and overlay GPS data from the phone onto the map. The vehicle use maps (for trails allowing motorized vehicles) are the easiest to use. Otherwise, Geo Tracker offers similar tracking capabilities and additional details about your adventure. If no service, Geo Tracker will at least show your location. The Blue Mountains and surrounding area offer a remote recreating experience, and knowing your location is paramount to staying safe. Always make sure to bring paper maps. Tell others where your adventure is taking you and when you expect to return.

    Difficulty Level: Here is what we are thinking when we assign a difficulty level: Day Tripper--You don't have much experience in the area but want to get outside! Great for families of all ages. Adventurer--You know your way around the Blue Mountains and love a leisurely day outdoors. Mountaineer--You are ready for a challenge. Wild places excite you and sweat is the goal. Small children beware. Keep in mind some activities may apply to multiple difficulty levels based on usage.

    Pets: In general, pets are allowed on a leash and under control throughout jurisdictions. The only restrictions we have encountered are around swimming areas. As a best practice, be mindful of riparian habitat in general. You never know where a precious spawning area might be located. Pack it in and pack it out applies to your furry friend as well.

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