CURRENT CONDITIONS

52° F

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Target Meadows Campground

Target Meadows Campground (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)

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ACTIVITIES

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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.

Overview

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.

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Grouse Mountain Trail, Umatilla National Forest

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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...

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....

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DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF

Winter Hiking in the Blue Mountains

Target Meadows Campground Gallery

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