North Wheeler Recreation Area South Dakota (SD) RV Rentals

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Introduction

North Wheeler Recreation Area: A Prime Destination for RV Camping and Outdoor Adventure

Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s scenic beauty, the North Wheeler Recreation Area is an idyllic spot for RV camping and outdoor exploration. This picturesque park boasts rich history, unique natural features, diverse recreational activities, and a temperate climate that makes it an appealing destination for RV enthusiasts.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in North Wheeler Recreation Area. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at North Wheeler Recreation Area.

RV Rentals in North Wheeler Recreation Area

Transportation

Getting to North Wheeler Recreation Area

Access and RV Restrictions

Visitors to North Wheeler Recreation Area can easily access the park by private vehicle with multiple entrances available. The main entrance is located off Highway 19 with additional access points via Forest Service roads 52 and 5220. RV renters should be aware of rig size restrictions with a maximum length of 32 feet for most campsites. It’s essential to plan your route and check for any road closures or restrictions before embarking on your journey to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

When it comes to RV parking at North Wheeler Recreation Area there are designated areas for RVs throughout the park. However overnight parking outside of these designated campsites is not allowed. Camping with an RV is a popular option and using alternative transportation methods to explore the park is highly recommended.

Getting around North Wheeler Recreation Area is made easy with public transportation options. Shuttle buses and walking paths are available for visitors to use making it convenient to explore the park without having to drive.

Top Campsites in North Wheeler Recreation Area

If you’re planning a trip to the North Wheeler Recreation Area and want to secure your camping spot you’ll want to check out these popular campsites that require reservations

Wallowa Lake State Park

This scenic campground is located just a short drive from the North Wheeler Recreation Area and offers 121 full-hookup sites for RVs and trailers up to 60 feet long. The park is open year-round and offers a range of activities including fishing boating hiking and horseback riding. Pets are welcome on a leash.

Wallowa Lake Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Wallowa Mountains this campground features 75 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet long. The campground is open from May to September and offers a range of amenities including showers laundry facilities and a general store. Pets are welcome on a leash.

Fish Lake Guard Station

This secluded campground is located in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and offers 5 sites for tents and RVs up to 22 feet long. The campground is open from June to October and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Amenities are limited but the campground is pet-friendly.

Joseph Creek Guard Station

This historic campground is located in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and offers 3 sites for tents and RVs up to 22 feet long. The campground is open from June to October and offers easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots. Amenities are limited but the campground is pet-friendly.

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If you’re looking for a more spontaneous camping experience there are several first-come-first-served options in the North Wheeler Recreation Area

Hurricane Creek Campground

This small campground offers 5 sites for tents and RVs up to 22 feet long. The campground is open from May to September and offers easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots. Pets are welcome on a leash.

Meadow Creek Campground

This campground offers 6 sites for tents and RVs up to 22 feet long. The campground is open from May to September and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Pets are welcome on a leash.

Cow Creek Campground

This campground offers 10 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet long. The campground is open from May to September and offers easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots. Pets are welcome on a leash.

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If you’re looking for alternative camping options near the North Wheeler Recreation Area there are several private campgrounds and backcountry camping options to consider

Chief Joseph RV Park

This private campground is located just a short drive from the North Wheeler Recreation Area and offers full-hookup sites for RVs and trailers up to 60 feet long. The park is open year-round and offers a range of amenities including showers laundry facilities and a playground. Pets are welcome on a leash.

Eagle Cap Chalets

This private campground is located in the nearby town of Enterprise and offers a range of accommodations including cabins and RV sites. The campground is open year-round and offers easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots. Pets are welcome on a leash.

Backcountry Camping

If you’re up for a more adventurous camping experience the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offers numerous backcountry camping options. You’ll need to obtain a permit and follow Leave No Trace principles but the rewards are worth it. You’ll find stunning views abundant wildlife and a true wilderness experience.

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Hiking Trails at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area boasts some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the region. The trails offer visitors a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty and wildlife. The most popular hiking trail is the North Wheeler Trail which is a 4.5-mile loop that winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located near the campground making it easily accessible for RV campers.

Fishing at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area is a fishing paradise with several lakes and streams teeming with fish. The most popular fishing spot is North Fork Reservoir which is stocked with rainbow trout and offers excellent fishing opportunities. The reservoir is located near the campground and visitors can fish from the shore or rent a boat from the marina.

Biking Trails at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area offers several biking trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. The most popular biking trail is the North Wheeler Loop Trail which is a 9-mile loop that winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located near the campground making it easily accessible for RV campers.

Camping at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area offers several campgrounds that cater to RV campers. The most popular campground is the North Fork Campground which offers full hookups picnic tables and fire rings. The campground is located near the lake making it an excellent spot for fishing swimming and boating.

Horseback Riding at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area offers several horseback riding trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. The most popular horseback riding trail is the North Fork Trail which is a 5.5-mile loop that winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located near the campground making it easily accessible for RV campers.

Alternative Recreational Activities at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area offers several recreational activities that cater to RV campers who prefer less strenuous activities. The most popular alternative activity is sightseeing with several scenic viewpoints throughout the area. The most popular viewpoint is the North Fork Overlook which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Nature Watching at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area is home to a diverse range of wildlife making it an excellent spot for nature watching. Visitors can spot deer elk and even the occasional bear. The most popular spot for nature watching is the North Fork Wildlife Viewing Area which is located near the campground.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area offers several Instagram-worthy photo opportunities with its stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The most popular photo spot is the North Fork Reservoir which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can also take photos at the North Fork Overlook and the North Wheeler Loop Trail.

Picnicking at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area offers several picnicking spots with tables and grills located throughout the area. The most popular picnicking spot is the North Fork Picnic Area which is located near the lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Bird Watching at North Wheeler Recreation Area

The North Wheeler Recreation Area is home to a diverse range of bird species making it an excellent spot for bird watching. Visitors can spot bald eagles ospreys and even the occasional great blue heron. The most popular spot for bird watching is the North Fork Wildlife Viewing Area which is located near the campground.

Season-specific experiences in North Wheeler Recreation Area

Spring is a beautiful time at North Wheeler Recreation Area and there are plenty of activities to keep RV campers busy. One popular activity is hiking the North Wheeler Trail which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildflowers. The trailhead is located near the campground making it easily accessible for campers. Another must-see is the historic Wheeler Guard Station which was built in the 1930s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the building and learn about its history. For those who love fishing the North Fork Malheur River is a prime spot for trout fishing. The river is located just a short drive from the campground and is stocked with fish throughout the spring. Finally birdwatching is a popular activity in the spring as many species migrate through the area. The campground is located near several birdwatching hotspots including the North Fork Malheur River and the nearby wetlands.

Summer is the perfect time to visit North Wheeler Recreation Area with warm temperatures and plenty of activities to enjoy. One popular activity is rafting on the North Fork Malheur River which offers Class III rapids and stunning scenery. Several local outfitters offer guided rafting trips making it easy for visitors to experience the thrill of the river. Another must-do is horseback riding with several local stables offering guided trail rides through the area’s beautiful forests and meadows. For those who love history the nearby town of John Day offers several museums and historical sites including the Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum which tells the story of Chinese immigrants in the area. Finally nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nearby Strawberry Mountain Wilderness which offers over 69 000 acres of pristine wilderness and plenty of opportunities for hiking fishing and wildlife viewing.

In the fall RV campers flock to North Wheeler Recreation Area for a variety of activities. One popular option is the Wheeler Loop Trail which offers stunning views of the changing leaves. This 4.5-mile trail is perfect for hiking or biking and is located near the campground.

Another must-see is the historic Wheeler Covered Bridge. Built in 1924 this bridge is a beautiful example of early 20th century engineering and provides a great photo opportunity. It can be found near the north end of the recreation area.

For those interested in history the nearby town of Fossil is home to the Oregon Paleontology Center which houses fossils from the area that date back millions of years. Visitors can learn about the region’s prehistoric past and even see paleontologists at work.

Fall is also a great time to go fishing at the John Day River which runs through the recreation area. The river is home to a variety of fish including trout and smallmouth bass.

Finally no trip to North Wheeler Recreation Area would be complete without a visit to the Wheeler County Historical Museum which houses exhibits on the area’s history culture and natural resources.

When the snow falls North Wheeler Recreation Area becomes a winter wonderland. One popular activity is cross-country skiing on the Wheeler Loop Trail which offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape.

Another option is snowshoeing. The recreation area has several trails that are perfect for snowshoeing including the John Day River Trail and the South Fork John Day Wilderness Trail.

For those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping activity sledding at the nearby Spencer Butte is a must. The hill provides a fun and fast ride for all ages.

Ice fishing is also a popular winter activity at the John Day River. The river is home to a variety of fish including trout and steelhead.

Finally visitors can cozy up by the fire at the Wheeler County Historical Museum which offers a variety of exhibits on the area’s history culture and natural resources.

CODE: RVTHEREYET at checkout
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CODE: RVTHEREYET at checkout
(Limited to Spring promotion only)
10% OFF RV Rental*