Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Heppner? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Heppner campgrounds for you and your tent. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Heppner, Oregon's most popular destinations.
Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and frogs chirping and croaking and wake up to Blue Gill and Rainbow Trout jumping at the bit. This campground is set on the shore of Penland Lake, which also abuts private land and land owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Penland is popular on summer weekends and offers access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There are seven campsites and two vault toilets on the National Forest portion of the campground, with more campsites located on the adjacent ODFW property. There is also a boat ramp, fishing dock, and benches located on the dam. Picnic tables are available for Day Use on the lakefront as well. There is no potable water or garbage service; please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home.
Located just off of the sleepy John Day Highway, this campground offers 8 primitive campsites and an unimproved boat launch accessing the John Day River. The ancient river canyon weaves through the area providing spectacular views with ever-changing light and shadows in the early morning and late evening hours. A picturesque grove of ponderosa pine trees lines a section of the riverbank opposite the campground and the site itself has a large, solitary pine prominently situated. The surrounding layer cake geology is exposed in various peekaboo angles from the campground.
Open year-round Six drive-in campsites; two walk-to campsites. All campsites are available on a first come, first served basis; no reservations are available. Two wheelchair accessible vault toilets. No utility hookups or potable water are available No garbage service - please pack out your trash An annual fire closure is in effect from June 1 through October 15. Prohibited acts include building, igniting, maintaining, attending, using, tending, or being within 20 feet of a campfire, charcoal fire, or any other type of open flame; smoking, except while in non-public buildings, closed vehicles, in boats on the water, or while standing in the water.
Although located along State highway 19 the sights and sounds of the John Day River dominate over any road noise making it easy to forget the highway is even there. Bring a book as there's no cell phone coverage here.
This is a peaceful campground set in an open Ponderosa pine stand along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River. Gold Dredge features 7 campsties and 1 accessible vault toilet. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. Attractions in this area include photography, swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing. Water levels are low in mid to late summer, which can impede use of boats. The campground provides good access for big game hunting. In addition, the Oriental Trailhead is about 6 miles west, providing access to both OHV and wilderness trails.
Divide Well Campground is a remote site with a rustic look. It is situated in an meadow with scattered ponderosa pine and denser fir along the campground edges. Divide Well is a popular spot for elk hunters, but little used through the rest of the season. It features 11 campsties and two accessible vault toilets. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home. Nearby is the Potamus Point Interpretive Site , with breathtaking views, interesting geology, and a herd of re-introduced bighorn sheep. There are no developed trails on this side of the North Fork John Day Ranger District.
Fairview Camp is drive-through loop off State Highway 207 offering five campsites and an accessible vault toilet. Two campsites directly across from the toilet are fully accessible. A free-flowing water fountain provides potable water from May to October. Remnants from a wildfire in the late 1980s can be seen along the egdes of this small campground. There is no garbage service, so please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home. The campground is used primarily for hunting and OHV riding--its trailhead accesses 80 miles of OHV roads and trails on the Heppner Ranger District. Also, Morrow County OHV Park is only 6 miles north on State Highway 207 and offers over 200 miles of OHV marked and groomed trails. The main season of use is from late fall to early winter during big game hunting season. It also serves as an overflow camping site when Bull Prairie Lake Campground is at full capacity.
Camping is now 'group camping' only, and requires a permit Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
This fairly secluded campground is near the end of Forest Road 5506 along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River. It features 8 campsites and 2 accessible toilets. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. Large vehicles, trailers, and low clearance vehicles are not recommended due to poor access road and limited turnaround capability. This campground offers fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating, hiking, OHV riding, horseback riding, sight-seeing, and photography. Water levels are low in mid to late summer, which can impede use of boats. The campground also provides good access for big game hunting. Near Oriental Creek is the start of the River Trail #3043 , an OHV trail accessing the southern end of 100 miles of trail. Three miles down the closed portion of Road 5506 is entry to the North Fork John Day Wilderness with access to the North Fork John Day River Trail #3022 , Big Creek Trail #3151 and Corral Creek Trail #3009.
Drift Fence Campground is situated along the paved Blue Mountain Scenic Byway and is traditionally a hunting camp. This is a small, rustic site and the short access road is in poor condiiton. The campground features 6 campsties and 2 vault toilets. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack all garbage out and dispose of it at home. The surrounding area offers hunting, wildlife and wildflower viewing opportunities, and photography. Fishing is available at several nearby stocked ponds including Twin Ponds where the annual Fishing Derby is held. If you like to drive, you can pick up the Ukiah-Granite Roadside Geology tour brochure at the Ranger District and take a day trip to Granite. The Bridge Creek Wildlife Viewing Area (elk) is just a few miles down the road.
Traveler
Beautiful forested campsite with clean flush toilets next to a creek.
Scout
A little more money for the view, patio, grill and fireplace, but well worth it! Not too hot even at 95! Cool nights and plenty of sky.
Guide
Arrived afternoon on Labor Day to find an empty campground. Sites are large, but not very level for an RV.
Scout
This is a nice little park, it’s a little misleading when you pull in as there is an Indian reservation next to it that looks like a bunch of homeless camps, so be careful where you park your rig. Also if you’re tent camping, I found out from the camp host that you may want to check with him before you set up a tent as there are automatic sprinklers that come on certain days
Scout
Well cared for campgrounds. Quiet, river access.
Scout
Called last minute and was able to get a water and electric only site which is all we needed. The park is well maintained and it's all gravel. However the sites are all flat and easy to pull into. For just over $40 dollars for the night. I have no complaints. The staff was friendly when I called. It took me a couple times to get a live person. But it's a small office and I'm sure they were busy. I would stay here again. Looks like a great place for boating and fishing with a nice sized parking lot and slips for rent.
GuideI camped here during the summer season of 2023. When I pulled into the campground it was just me and the camp hosts. They gave me the pick of what site I wanted. I swooped on one next to the river. The campground was beautiful and sites were good distances from each other. There are bathrooms and areas to top off your water. I choose this campground due to driving the 395 as my choice of route to explore. I would 100% recommend this campsite again.
Traveler
The price for FHU was very reasonable. Access to the wifi was great. The views were interesting. Once you get past the big industrial plant, the sunset in the river was nice.
4 trains rolled by in the middle of the night. They blew their horns every time.
ScoutAndy at the front desk was very helpful checking me in. She and her associate assisted with me finding the best spot with some shade and facing the mountains. Yes, there are a lot of units here. And, it’s still a great spot for camping. They are all 50 amp and include a converter, if you don’t have 50amp. Leveled and spacious for vehicles.
Legend
Large well kept park. Casino, pool and restaurants.
Guide
This is more like a large parking lot for day tourists with a few spots right by river side. There are no designated camping spots. There is one vault toilet which is clean. There are mostly fisherman or boaters staying here. No shade. For a overnight stay fine but I would not stay longer.
ScoutUnder new ownership and they no longer allow overnight camping only long-term rental
Guide
6 long level spots on the John Day. A few walk in tents spots too. 2 vault toilets No trash so pack in/pack out $5/night, self registration. Great spot in center of John Day Fossil Beds national monument. Across the way you could see the seasonal waterfall
GuideFacilities are clean.. more showers than toilets.. each space has grass and a pad to park on.. no gravel roads..beautiful views of the valleyso
TravelerWould be five stars but train is very loud. Still, has all you could ever need. Boardman is nearby and there is a laundromat, a food truck court that’s open for breakfast, water fill station, bathrooms at campsite, and ample gas stations/other resources. Plus, you can wake up right on the water for free!
Traveler
Pretty amazing State Park, lucked on weather. Trails on either side are both nice cruisers on bikes - green runs, but can make them more work, and the views are sublime.  The park amenities were top-notch, including a nice windbreak. Stars at night were spectacular.
TravelerThis is a clean and friendly park. Water was potable. Price is right for hookups.
TravelerAs a traveling family we enjoyed this park. Easy and simple access to all hookups. Mostly quiet (except for simi trucks parking for the night on the road near park running their equipment all night.) Staff was professional and kind. Not close to stores for any extras. Casino is nice.
GuideI was too tired to carry on and found this spot. It’s right on the river…and just below the interstate…and the railroad tracks are super-close, but the $10 charge for dry-camping was perfect! There are a few picnic tables and watching the river was great!
There is a dump, a boat dock, super-clean bathrooms and outdoor showers.
Guide
This place is nice for it's location-far away from pretty much everything. It's quiet and shaded and has a few good amenities like bathrooms, showers, park, and fishing pond. A great place to relax.
GuidePark is nice and adequate for a quick stop over. Sites have sewer. There is a shuttle that will pick you up and take you to the casino. Price was reasonable and mid range.
TravelerIt was awesome! It was my second time camping and with my same group of friends, and so different from our dispersed camping in Wenatchee (complete different season too haha). It was a very well maintained campground and all the surrounding campers were so nice (: was a really fun week outdoors by the lake!
ScoutPulled in and noticed the sites were smaller and there were a lot of full time people there, regardless of that everyone was nice, respectful and the facilities are kept very well. I was very impressed with the personal bathroom/shower rooms. It was just a little get away for us wanting to relax and explore the Pendleton area and this was a terrific place with the easy access from the freeway. Staff were fantastic.
Guide
I took my teardrop camper out for the very first time ever here. The area was absolutely beautiful, but it was a little cold and windy during this time of the year. There are hiking trails around the camp grounds.
GuideWill do for a one nighter if your in the area and have no other choice. It is expensive $20! When everywhere else is much less (BLM & Forest.
Hard to find a level spot for rv's. Clean pit toilets and plenty of trash receptacles. Campground was clean and no one else at it Mid May.
Sites have tables, fire pits and found potable water spigot.
Guide
On the banks of the North Fork John Day river. Five sites with picnic table & fire ring. River was high with the spring mountain runoff mid May. Nice respite for 2 days and close enough to explore and hike around the area.
Large open gravel area when you drive in with sites along the river edge with some shade trees.
Nice visit down the road by Kimberly of Apricot Apiaries and picked up some of their honey. Trail above the campground and across Rt402 up the mountain right above.
Clean campground & pit toilet.
It's right below Rt402 which has low traffic and none at night. Low traffic noise with the roaring river and roadway high above site.
TravelerWe’ve enjoyed our stay at Plymouth. Not all sites are full hook up anymore. Nice open space the kids loved playing in and a playground. We had a few windy days, and some perfect spring days. Quiet and peaceful.
Camping near Heppner, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Heppner, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful scenery and a variety of activities, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Heppner, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Heppner, OR is Penland Lake with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Heppner, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Heppner, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
