Blackhorse Campground

Within Wallowa National Forest, Blackhorse Campground sits alongside the Imnaha River, offering drive-in access for RVs up to 38 feet. This US Forest Service facility operates year-round and accepts reservations, making it a reliable base for exploring the region's rugged canyon country.

Most sites provide direct river access, with the water's sound masking road noise and conversations from neighboring campers. Kaitlyn P. notes that "sites are spacious and toilets were pristine," while multiple reviewers confirm the vault toilets stay well-maintained. The campground includes picnic tables, allows campfires and pets, and features a camp store for basic supplies. However, campers should plan for no potable water on-site and pack out their own garbage.

Site spacing varies throughout the campground, with some positioned closer together than others. Weekend arrivals typically find about half the sites occupied, while weekday visits offer more solitude and selection. The nearby Hells Canyon Overlook provides a notable day trip destination. Campers can also explore Ollokot Campground just down the road for additional options.

The combination of river proximity, forest setting, and reliable amenities makes Blackhorse suitable for both RV travelers and tent campers seeking established facilities with natural water features.

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Location

Public Campground

Blackhorse Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Enterprise, Oregon travel south on Oregon State 82 towards Joseph for about 6.5 miles; In Joseph turn left on Oregon State 350 and go about 8 miles to the Wallowa Loop Road; Turn right on the Wallowa Loop Road (also known as the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway) and travel on this road which eventually becomes Forest Road 39 for 30 miles; The campground is on the left near the Imnaha River. From Halfway, Oregon head east out of town for 1 mile on Record Road to Highway 86; Once on Highway 86 go 9 miles to Wallowa Loop Road (also known as Forest Road 39 and Hells Canyon Scenic Byway) towards Enterprise and Joseph; Turn left on the Wallowa Loop Road/Forest Road 39 and travel about 23.5 miles to campground; Campground entrance is signed on right near the Imnaha River. Advisory: The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is usually closed by snow from late October through late May or early June and is not passable with motor vehicles.  

Coordinates

45.15639795 N
116.87571367 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the spacious, well-maintained sites along the Imnaha River with good privacy and clean facilities. Guests commonly noted the soothing river sounds and peaceful atmosphere, though basic amenities mean no water or garbage services.

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2025

Gorgeous, quiet, right on river

Beautiful sites most with river access. Some are kinda close together but we went on a Sunday and there was only one camper there so finding a site away from them was easy. River sound drowns out noises from the road or other campers. Sites are spacious and toilets were pristine. Hells canyon overlook very close!

Site10
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Blackhorse Campground by Kaitlyn P., June 18, 2025
  • Review photo of Blackhorse Campground by Kaitlyn P., June 18, 2025
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Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020

Beautiful, peaceful campground

This campground was a great weekend stay. The creek is right next to the sites and is great to sleep next to! The bathrooms were very clean and the sites were well-maintained and relatively private. There’s plenty of space/trees for hammocks and very few bugs. We arrived around 5pm on a Friday and about 1/3 of the sites were open. Highly recommend!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Blackhorse Campground by Renae F., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Blackhorse Campground by Renae F., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Blackhorse Campground by Renae F., August 24, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2020

Amazing

About 40 minutes from Joseph or halfway, nice water, big sites. We got there on an August Friday and about half the sites were open. We will be back for sure

  • Review photo of Blackhorse Campground by Zac R., August 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Blackhorse Campground by Zac R., August 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Blackhorse Campground by Zac R., August 9, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2020

Blackhorse

Stayed at site 2, it was huge and very private. All the sites have river access. Vault toilets, no water or garbage removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Black Horse Campground?

Black Horse Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. Even during peak times like August weekends, campers often find available sites, with reports of the campground being only about half full on summer Fridays. For the best chance at securing a site, arrive earlier in the day, especially if visiting on weekends. Since availability can change seasonally, contact the managing agency for current policies if planning a trip during busy periods.

When is the best time to visit Black Horse Campground?

Summer is the ideal time to visit Black Horse Campground. The campground experiences good availability even during August weekends, which is typically peak camping season. Weather is pleasant, and the riverside location provides a refreshing environment during warmer months. The campground is located about 40 minutes from Joseph, making it a good base for exploring the area. With the combination of spacious sites, river access, and relatively light usage even during prime camping season, summer weekends offer an excellent camping experience without overwhelming crowds.

What amenities are available at Black Horse Campground?

Black Horse Campground offers spacious, well-maintained sites along the Imnaha River with good privacy between campsites. The campground features clean vault toilets but does not provide drinking water or garbage removal services. Most sites have direct river access, which creates a pleasant natural soundtrack that helps mask road and neighboring campsite noise. There's plenty of space and trees for hammocks, and the area generally has few bugs. The natural setting and river access are the main attractions at this basic but scenic campground.