CURRENT CONDITIONS
52° F
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
Godman Campground
This is a small campground with big views. Sitting near the top of the Blue Mountains and overlooking the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, Godman Campground offers great access to wilderness trails. Located along the historic Kendall Skyline Road, use this campground as a home base to explore the many hiking opportunities and viewpoints located nearby.
Overview
- Distance:
- 1.5 - 2.5 Hours
- ADA:
- No
- Elevation:
- 6,050 feet
- Multi Use:
- No
- Seasons:
- Summer, Fall
- Pets:
- Yes
- Motorized Vehicles:
- N/A
- Fees:
- None
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla National Forest (Pomeroy Ranger District)
- Permits:
- None
- Amenities:
- There is one vault toilet, picnic tables, fire pits, and a covered picnic area. No trash service, so pack in and pack out.
- Distance:
- 1.5 - 2.5 Hours
- Seasons:
- Summer, Fall
- Elevation:
- 6,050 feet
- Pets:
- Yes
- Fees:
- None
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla National Forest (Pomeroy Ranger District)
- ADA:
- No
- Multi Use:
- No
- Motorized Vehicles:
- N/A
- Permits:
- None
WHAT TO DO
Camping
Over a mile high and bordering the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, this campground offers eight sites (five tent only, three tent/trailer) at no charge.
Consult the Forest Service page for agency information.
Hiking
Located just steps away from the campground is the Godman Trailhead. This trailhead leads into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness via West Butte Trail (#3138). Also just steps away from this campground is the Meadow Creek Trail (#3123) connecting into the Tucannon drainage. Another great wilderness hiking opportunity (as well as stunning viewpoint) is a mere 3.5 miles away at Teepee Trailhead via the Mt. Misery Trail (#3113) to the Oregon Butte Lookout.
Consider downloading the Umatilla National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map. This part of the forest is reflected on Map 18. The Avenza Map app is also quite helpful as users can upload three maps (or unlimited with a subscription) within the app to use offline. It can track your location offline and overlay your location on the map. Most of the intersections along the trail are not clearly marked, which is why this tool is so helpful.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a small campground among pine and fir trees and is not heavily used. Many of the sites have a stone fireplace or fire pit, adding a unique feature. There is also a covered picnic area complete with fireplace and cook stove. Be sure to bring extra layers as the high elevation can bring much cooler temperatures once the sun goes down.
Amenities
There is one vault toilet, picnic tables, fire pits, and a covered picnic area. No trash service, so pack in and pack out.
Regulations
Wilderness regulations apply in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. Such restrictions include no motorized equipment, bicycles, or hang gliders to name a few. Groups larger than twelve are prohibited as well as caching or leaving equipment or supplies for longer than 72 hours. Most applicable to hikers is the fact that shortcutting a switchback on any trail is also a violation of wilderness regulations. For a complete list of wilderness regulations applicable to those within the forest, visit the Umatilla National Forest website.
Dispersed camping is allowed in the Umatilla National Forest. This means you can camp up to 300 feet off whatever road (paved or primitive) where it appears others have camped in the past. Obviously, no facilities are available so pack in and pack everything out. These spots are common in the Blue Mountains especially when there isn’t a campground near.
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.
WHEN TO GO
Weather definitely dictates use. The campground is usually accessible June through October. The road is actually quite nice, but given its elevation if snow is present use caution. Taking advantage of clearer air in spring and fall to maximize view is very much encouraged. However, if valley heat is unbearable, by all means head up the mountain.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Walla Walla, take HWY 12 east to Dayton. Travel through the town of Dayton, Washington (or stop and take advantage of a local bakery or two). Take a right South 4th Street/N Touchet Road and follow for five miles. Turn left onto Hatley Gulch Road (gravel) and follow roughly 4.5 miles to the roads end. Turn right onto Eckler Mountain Road and follow for 5.5 miles. You will come to a monument and signage for Godman, turn right. After a mile the road enters the Umatilla National Forest and becomes NF-46/Skyline Road. Continue another 11 miles to the campground on your right.
Please do not solely rely on Google Maps as their route might not always reflect what is maintained.
map
TRAILHEADS
LOWER TRAILHEAD
UPPER TRAILHEAD
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DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF
ADDTIONAL INFORMATION
Godman Campground Gallery
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