About IDLEWILD
Overview Idlewild Campground is the perfect place for large gatherings in any weather. In sun, rain or snow, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors while spending time with friends and family. The campground is situated along Highway 395 north of Burns, Oregon. In the summer, it is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. In the winter, visitors can snowmobile and cross-country ski.Recreation Idlewild offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking and mountain biking. Devine Summit Trail begins within the campground. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing bring visitors to the area in the winter.Facilities Idlewild contains one accessible, group day-use picnic shelter available for reservations for up to 75 people. It is equipped with picnic tables, a campfire ring and grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Individual sites for overnight camping are available on a first-come, first-served basis.Natural Features The campground is situated at an elevation of 5,000 feet in a large stand of Ponderosa pines. The group shelter sits near a meadow within Idlewild Campground. The Malheur National Forest encompasses 1.46 million acres in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. The forest's dramatic landscapes include the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, with 9,038' Strawberry Mountain, which extends east to west through the heart of the forest, and the Monument Rock Wilderness along the eastern boundary. Nearby Attractions The campground is located a short drive from Burns, Oregon. There are horse trails and equestrian camping within 10 miles of Idlewild. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (541) 575-3131.
How to Get There
From Burns, OR: Travel northeast toward Vale 2.8 miles on US Highway 20 to the junction with US Highway 395, turn left onto US Highway 395 and head north. Follow US Highway 395 for approximately 14.6 miles to the junction with Forest Road 2820. Turn right and continue on Forest Road 2820 for 0.8 miles to the junction with Idlewild Campground Road. Turn right after the Sno-Park and follow Idlewild Road for approximately 1 mile to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to IDLEWILD
Heading to IDLEWILD? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for IDLEWILD?
No central reservation system listed for IDLEWILD. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234217) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to IDLEWILD?
From Burns, OR: Travel northeast toward Vale 2.8 miles on US Highway 20 to the junction with US Highway 395, turn left onto US Highway 395 and head north. Follow US Highway 395 for approximately 14.6 miles to the junction with Forest Road 2820. Turn right and continue on Forest Road 2820 for 0.8 miles to the junction with Idlewild Campground Road. Turn right after the Sno-Park and follow Idlewild …
How do I contact IDLEWILD?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-573-4300 or email: SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources
