Coalmine Hill Campground
Coalmine Hill is just off the paved Blue Mountain Scenic Byway (also called the Western Route). The Campground serves as access to the Bald Mountain, Hells Half Acre, and Willow Creek trails, offering a 7.5 mile-long loop experience for hikers and equestrians. Once inside the campground's large parking area, there is an information board on the northeast side. Past the information board runs the Bald Mountain hiking trail leading to Gibson Cave, which is 1.25 miles from the parking lot. The cave is really a shallow overhanging shelter with an interpretive sign describing its history.Once you've reached Gibson's cave, continue up the Bald Mountain trail until you reach a nice view point.
More like this: first-come in Oregon · free in Oregon · tent only in Oregon
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Fees | This is a fee free campground. |
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | Late May |
| Forest | Umatilla National Forest |
| Booking | Not reservable. |
| Fees | This is a fee free campground. |
Weather by month
Getting there
| Coordinates | 45.1663° N, 119.3338° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedBirdtrack 621 Broadcast Rx
50 mi from the campground · 377 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Explore
Video
Robin Hill Campground review
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Umatilla National Forest.
- inUmatilla National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,498,100 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Coalmine Hill Campground?
No. Coalmine Hill Campground is first-come, first-served. Not reservable. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: Forest Service
How much does it cost to camp at Coalmine Hill Campground?
Nothing. Coalmine Hill Campground is listed as free. This is a fee free campground.
Source: Forest Service
Is Coalmine Hill Campground open right now?
Open as of Oct 26, 2026. Season Late May.
Source: Forest Service status
Can I bring an RV to Coalmine Hill Campground?
Coalmine Hill Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Forest Service
What if Coalmine Hill Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Penland Lake Campground (3.5 mi, first-come), Divide Well Campground (10.3 mi, first-come), and Willow Creek Campground (16.1 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby