OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Target Meadows Campground

Target Meadows Campground (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)

ACTIVITIES

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Campgrounds ,

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(Camping, Campgrounds)

Overview

Summary

Slightly more off the beaten path than Woodward Campground but not as far as Jubilee Lake Campground, Target Meadows Campground was aptly named as it was used by U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Fort Walla Walla. In the summers between the late 1880s through 1906, soldiers would use the area as an artillery range. A sign at the campground details its history, and campers can search the Engelmann spruce and Lodgepole pine for signs of being struck by calvary bullets.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Engelmann spruce and Lodgepole pine surround the large meadow which was used in the late 1800s by the calvary for target shooting. Brush up on your local history with a...

Engelmann spruce and Lodgepole pine surround the large meadow which was used in the late 1800s by the calvary for target shooting. Brush up on your local history with a few interpretive signs and perhaps ride your bike to the Burnt Cabin Trail for a little evening mountain bike ride (skilled riders only recommended).

If wanting to enjoy a water sport or two, consider driving just a little further to Jubilee Lake during the day. There are plenty of activities in the area to keep an outdoor enthusiast busy in the mountains. If you need supplies, the Tollgate Crossing in Tollgate, OR will keep you stocked.

Amenities
Six vault toilets and six picnic sites are available during the open season of July through November.

Wildlife Awareness
We are all so fortunate to recreate in the Blue Mountains and Walla Walla Valley. So many opportunities exist to play outside, whether in a national forest, wilderness area, or on a Wild and Scenic River. 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.

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.

Disclaimer: While the Outside Walla Walla team has enjoyed all the adventures listed on this site, we cannot provide real-time conditions & maintenance reports. Extreme weather can change access overnight. Volunteer groups might lose capacity to manage trail systems. We do our best to report that information and update our site accordingly, but please read our Disclaimer (footer) and proceed with any adventure as your comfort level allows.

WHAT TO DO

Hiking/ Biking

The Burnt Cabin Trail (#3226) is less than a mile from the campground and makes for a challenging out and back hike as it is quite steep, rocky, and loose. The Burnt Cabin Trail bridge was installed in October 2022 and crosses the South Fork Walla Walla River. This crossing now connects Burnt Cabin Trail to the South Fork Walla Walla Trail. Other trails in the Tollgate area include Sinks Trail (#3233), Eagle Ridge Trail (#3232), Lake Creek Trail (#3018), Buck Mountain Trail (#3075), and the Umatilla Rim Trail (#3080).

Consult the Forest Service page for agency information.

Camping

There are a total of 18 campsites, 16 of which are tent/ trailer and two are tent only. Expect heavy use from July through Labor Day weekend. The campground is open all year, although the season is July through November (fee to camp). Visitors can camp for free in the offseason. Obviously, no services are available in the offseason, so pack in and pack out. Unless you have advanced wilderness skills and equipment for snow camping, stick to the open season.

Consult the Forest Service page for agency information.

Target Meadows Campground Gallery

WHEN TO GO

Early access really depends on snow pack, but definitely by July campers can start pitching tents. The campground is well shaded by the forest which offers privacy from other campers.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Walla Walla, take HWY 11 south. Five miles past Milton-Freewater turn left on Winn Road. Continue two miles and turn left onto HWY 204. Drive 19 miles and then turn left just past Langdon Lake onto Skyline Rd/ NF-64....