Umatilla County

Harris Park

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Camp host needed 2007  Season

Attention: Harris Park located on South Fork Walla Walla River 14 miles east of Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Is currently seeking applications for the 2007 Volunteer Camp Host.

This is a non-paid position and the volunteer must own a recreational vehicle. Appointment is short-term and seasonal.

For more details please contact Harris Park at 541-938-5330. 


Location, Access, And History

Harris Park is located on the South Fork of the Walla Walla River, about 14 miles southeast of Milton Freewater, Oregon. It is owned and operated by Umatilla County is used for overnight camping and has a day use area for picnickers and outdoor enthusiasts.Castle Rock The park is open from early spring to late fall, depending on the weather. It has many amenities that meet ADA requirements, and a large covered shelter that is rented for group functions. Reservations for camping are advised but not necessary, however calling ahead to make sure there are spaces available is advised. Call 541-938-5330 for information and reservations. Year round on site Managers live in a cabin on the west end of the park property.

In the 1920’s the Rotary Club of Walla Walla developed the area for a Boy Scout camp. Early in 1950 most of the land was deeded to the County. As a result of the cooperation between the Rotary Club, Mrs. C.H. Harris, Harris Pine Mills, Mrs. Bessie Demaris and Umatilla County, Harris Park was developed as a recreational area.

The park is situated in a relatively narrow canyon bottom, with hillsides to the north and south of the river. The County road ends about 1/8 mile beyond the Gene Palmer Campground. The U.S. Department of Interior (BLM) manages the three-mile stretch of the south fork of the Walla Walla River that runs from Harris Park boundary to the Umatilla National Forest, west boundary. This land is designated an area of critical environmental concern (ACEC). The main management goal is protecting and enhancing the riparian ecosystem, fisheries habitat and the scenic resource while allowing regulated recreational use. Harris Park is an entrance to the ACEC for hikers, horseback riders, motorcyclists and hunters who use public lands (Forest Service or BLM lands) but has no enforcement authority.


Park Policies And Fees
(Limited description, additional policies posted at Park)

The Gene Palmer Campground is a fee use area designated for overnight camping only. The Miller Day Use area is for picnicking only and is open from 8 am and closes at dusk. No camping allowed in the day use area.

  • Dogs must be on a leash in campground or day use area.
  • No horses or livestock allowed in park
  • Campfires are allowed in established fire rings/fireplaces only. Campfire and smoking bans may occur in the summer month and are strictly enforced.
  • Fireworks prohibited at all times on park property
  • Firearms may not be discharged within ½ mile of park property
  • Parking is not permitted on the Gene Palmer campground “loop” road or County road going through the park
  • One RV and one vehicle are permitted in campsites 1-12 and 13-26
  • One tent and one vehicle are permitted in campsites 2a, 3a ,4a, 7a, and 9a.
  • Tents are not allowed in site # 10 or sites 13-26
  • Camping is limited to a 10 day maximum
  • Checkout is at 1 pm daily.

2007 Fees

  • RV campsites with water and electric hook-up--$20.00 per day
  • Tent sites (potable water available) $15.00 per day
  • Campfire wood --when available-- 8 pieces free per site. Additional 8 pieces is $5.00
  • Large shelter(Widner Cove)--$75.00 daily minimum
  • There are no fees associated with the Miller Day area.

Campsite Map And Park Images

A copy of the Harris Park's map, images of each campsite and various pictures of the park can be viewed on the campsite page.

Gene Palmer Campground Amenities And Information

The campground has 26 campsites, each with water, electricity, picnic table and fire/grill ring. Two sites are handicap accessible. All sites have ample room for an RV and one car. Some sites will accommodate larger RV's. The tent sites will accommodate one four man tent and one car. Of the total campsites four are located along the river. Some sites are used/reserved more often than others because they are more private and provide access to the river. The upper campground is a large mowed area with sites side by side, without landscaping.

Other amenities and facilities in the campground area; public restrooms for men and women that meet ADA requirements, a large covered shelter, a sand filled volleyball court, and a campfire wood storage shed. The large shelter (Widner Cove) has electricity, lights, hot/cold water, refrigerator, electric 4 burner stove with oven, gas barbecue, picnic tables and a fireplace. It is rented for family reunions, group meeting, weddings etc. The camp host site behind the restroom is used exclusively by volunteers that are selected by the County to assist in park operations during the peak periods.

Miller Day Use Area Information And Amenities

The day use area of the park is free for public use. No camping is allowed and the area closes at dusk. The large shadPlaygrounded area next to river for picnicking has tables, and raised grills for barbecuing .The small shelter has tables, a fireplace and barbecue grill. There is a handicap parking and a paved road leading to a ADA toilet, and the covered river viewing platform for handicap individuals. A pay telephone sits on a concrete pad and is ADA compliant.

The playground and horseshoe pits are adjacent to the small picnic shelter. A prefabricated children’s play structure in the playground area was installed in 1998. The playground, volleyball court, horseshoe pits and play equipment is common ground for day users and campers.

Hiking Trail

The park features an extensive rustic rugged hiking trail recommended for experienced hikers located on the south side of the park. This hiking experience is an enjoyable way to view the various parts of nature in the valley. The trail entrance is located near the entrance to Harris Park on the north side of the road. It is recommended that children be accompanied by an adult as the trail is narrow in places and primitive in location. (Always be careful and use at your own risk.)

Visitor Information

Umatilla County's Harris Park
Lewis and Clark Bicentennial in Oregon
Lewis and Clark
Pendleton Roundup
Frazier Farmstead Museum
Eastern Oregon Visitors Association
Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce
Milton-Freewater Chamber of Commerce
Pendleton Chamber of Commerce/Visitors and
Information Center
Travel Oregon Online
Oregon State Parks

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