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Moss Springs Campground
Located above Cove, Oregon, the Moss Springs Campground lies on a ridgeline within view of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and is next to Moss Springs Trailhead. This popular campground was constructed to accommodate visitors with packstock, riding stock and campers bound for the wilderness. The site also has 3 accessible campsites and toilets. Trails from the campground drop steeply into the Minam River drainage or follow Grande Ronde Ridge.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | This site is not reservable. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets |
| Fees: | Although the daily vehicle parking fee for both the campground and trailhead is $5.00/day, there are actually 2 separate fee sites. The trailhead is a Northwest Forest Pass site. Annual and Day Passes can be obtained before you visit at these websites and locations. You can also use the self-service fee station which is located at the site for purchasing day passes. The single-unit campground fee is $10.00/night for users staying in the designated campsites. A self-service fee station is located near the information board for purchasing campground permits. Visitors parking at the site in either the campsites or trailhead parking areas and spending extended time in the backcountry will need to have multiple day passes (or an annual pass for trailhead use). |
| Permit Info: | All visitors to the Eagle Cap Wilderness must obtain a Wilderness Visitor Permit before entering the area. Only one permit is required per group and there is no fee for the permits. Registration and Permit boxes are located at each trailhead near the information board. The permits are self-issued. |
| Open Season: | June |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | General rules of use and restrictions apply for this developed recreation site. Motorized vehicles, bicycles, carts, hand gliders and other mechanical equipment are prohibited in the wilderness area. |
| Closest Towns: | Cove, Oregon (9 miles); La Grande, Oregon (25 miles) |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | La Grande Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:
From La Grande, Oregon travel northeast on State Highway 82 for about 2 miles to Island City; In Island City continue straight onto State Highway 237 (Cove Highway) and go 13 miles to Cove, Oregon; In Cove turn right on the Union Cove highway and go 1/2 block; Turn left on Hill Street and follow it to 2nd Street; Continue on 2nd Street which turns into Mill Creek Road; Follow Mill Creek Road which turns into Forest Road 6220; Follow Forest Road 6220 for about 8 miles to the campground and trailhead.
ADVISORY: The last six miles of Forest Road 6220 are a steep, gravel surface narrow road.
General Notes:
Most people who frequent the campground bring stock animals. Hikers and campers also use the facilities. The campground is close to town and cool during hot summer days. For stock users, Moss Springs is well equipped, offering loading, stock watering (as seasons permit), feeding and camping facilities.
Bring potable water.
Activities
Campground Camping
| Open Season: | August-December |
|---|
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Horse Camping
| No. of Sites | 8 single sites |
| Reservation Info | |
| No. of Accessible sites | 3 accessible campsites |
Picnicking
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | 8 tent/small trailer campsites |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | At each site |
| Tent camping: | 8 tent/ small trailer campsites |
| Toilets: | Accesible vault toilets |
| Fee charged for some activities: | Overnight fee required in campsites |
| Accessible: | Vault toilet and 3 campsites |