Best Camping near Mitchell, OR

Mitchell, OR is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Mitchell campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Mitchell camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Mitchell, OR (117)

    Camper-submitted photo from BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM John Day River - Priest Hole

    1. BLM John Day River - Priest Hole

    20 Reviews
    69 Photos
    287 Saves

    For a rustic overnight stay deep in eastern Oregon, let your tires roll past the Painted Hills-one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders-and drive deep into John Day River Territory to the Priest Hole Recreation Site. Although primitive, camping here lands you in the middle of the Wild and Scenic John Day River, designated for scenery, recreation, fish, wildlife, and geologic values. Camping is allowed everywhere, including on the gravel bar northeast of Priest Hole, where you sleep to the gurgle of the river and stepping out of your tent or trailer lands your foot in the water. Know Before You Go: Open YEAR ROUND but the rough road can make access difficult in winter. ACCESSIBILITY is primitive and not easily accessible for people with disabilities. NO FEES for camping or floating the one-mile section around Priest Hole. There is one toilet; NO potable water, trash cans or campsite amenities. PETS ARE ALLOWED under owner control. Watch for rattlesnakes. HUNTING/FISHING LICENSES ARE REQUIRED. Fire restrictions run June 1 – September 30 (liquid gas or propane only). Point of Interest: Priest Hole is a local favorite for fishing and swimming. Stopping here is a natural part of a visit to the Painted Hills, Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway and eastern Oregon! Priest Hole Brochure Explore Oregon Recreation: Priest Hole ADA Access: Priest Hole Recreation Site is primitive and not easily accessible for people with disabilities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed

    2. Painted Hills Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    88 Photos
    722 Saves

    Dispersed camping is allowed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service (USFS) lands without a permit, but it is recommended that campers obtain a map that shows current property boundaries. Please contact the BLM , (541) 573-4400 or (541) 416-6700, or the USFS, (541) 575-3000 or (541) 416-6500, for more information. While camping is not allowed within the three units of the monument, there are many nearby campgrounds. Some have full service amenities, some are quiet and remote, some are in the forest, and some are right on the John Day River.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Ochoco Divide Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ochoco Divide Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ochoco Divide Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ochoco Divide Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ochoco Divide Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ochoco Divide Group Site

    3. Ochoco Divide Group Site

    11 Reviews
    43 Photos
    51 Saves

    Overview

    The Ochoco Divide Group Site is a convenient place to camp while traveling across scenic State Highway 26 by bicycle or car. Resting at the top of the Ochoco Divide at an elevation of 4,700 ft., the group site is set on a hill away from the road as an extension of the general campground. Summertime in the Ochoco National Forest brings pleasant temperatures; the campground is closed during winter.

    Recreation

    The group site of the Ochoco Divide Campground is mainly used by touring cyclists. It is also a good place to take a relaxing stroll through the woods. There are opportunities for hunting, mountain biking and hiking in the national forest surrounding the facility. Several trailheads begin at the Bandit Springs rest stop about one mile from the campground on Highway 26.

    Natural Features

    The scenery surrounding the campground alternates between thick Ponderosa pine forests and grassy meadows, though shortly beyond the campground the road descends into lower-elevation, arid canyon lands. One of the most unique geologic features of the Ochoco National Forest is the 'thunder egg,' Oregon's official state rock. Thunder eggs are small, colorful, round volcanic rocks similar to geodes that have been exposed over time. The U.S. Forest Service has designated specific sites for rock hounding.

    Nearby Attractions

    John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is less than an hour away. Hike amongst the Painted Hills and famed fossils, take a journey through time at the museum at Sheep Rock or picnic beneath the beautiful mountain scenery. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Barnhouse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Barnhouse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Barnhouse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Barnhouse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Barnhouse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Barnhouse Campground

    4. Barnhouse Campground

    8 Reviews
    11 Photos
    135 Saves

    This campground is surprisingly quiet and serene as it sits nestled among some large ponderosa pine trees just a few miles from the main highway. It also hosts the trailhead for Barnhouse Trail (#813) located in the northwest corner of the campground.

    Coyotes and owls can be heard most summer evenings and occasionally local ranchers will graze their cattle nearby, which can make for some interesting serenades in the evening hours.

    Size & number of trailer sites are limited (no dump station). No RV's over 25 feet. There is a 14 day stay limit on all National Grassland and US Forest Service land including but not limited to campgrounds and other developed facilities.

    This campground has 6 campsites that each have a picnic table and combination fire pit/grill. Parking spurs vary in size so any site can accommodate tent camping, but some may not be able to accommodate RV camping.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Walton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Walton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Walton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Walton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Walton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Walton Lake

    5. Walton Lake

    8 Reviews
    51 Photos
    85 Saves

    Overview

    Walton Lake Campground may be the best-known location in the Ochoco National Forest, offering a serene setting among old-growth Ponderosa pine and mountain meadows. Most sites offer sweeping lake views.

    Recreation

    Visitors can choose to spend their vacation relaxing by fishing on the shore of Walton Lake, or swimming and paddling in the water. There is a swimming beach, fishing pier and boat ramp for small self powered craft, and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout.There are also many trails nearby for those who would like to explore on foot or mountain bike. This includes the 7.5-mile multi-use Round Mountain Trail as well as the 1-mile Walton Lake Trail, which offers many scenic views around the lake.

    Natural Features

    Walton Lake is a blue sparkling jewel hidden within the dense forest. A small dam impounds spring-fed water that seeps from surrounding sloped meadows. Fishing is a favorite activity while hiking is very popular as is simply enjoying a picnic at the lake.Aspen and tall willows add habitat diversity to make this place especially attractive to wildlife. This is a place to find white-headed woodpecker, belted kingfisher, spotted sandpiper, cinnamon teal, American coot, Steller's jay, yellow-headed blackbird and Brewer's blackbird.

    Nearby Attractions

    For visitors seeking a bit of civilization, the city of Prineville is nearby. There are opportunities to shop, dine out, golf, attend events and visit the localmuseum. For those wanting to explore the Ochoco National Forest, Lookout Mt and Round Mt are great places to hike and Mt bike. Wild flowers are abundant at the Big Summit Prairie where occasional antelope, elk and deer are sometimes seen.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $60 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell City Park

    6. Mitchell City Park

    7 Reviews
    23 Photos
    12 Saves
    • Electric Hookups
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Spoke'n Hostel Creekside Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Spoke'n Hostel Creekside Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Spoke'n Hostel Creekside Camping

    7. Spoke'n Hostel Creekside Camping

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    7 Saves

    This is part of the donation based hostel run as a ministry of the church it is housed in. In four years we have hosted 2250 guests. The suggested donation at the hostel is from $25-65 per bed depending on option. This camping area is newly cut from the wild to reveal a charming creekside at the base of basalt rock cliffs. We have two summer teepee style Wentzel tents on site for a suggested donation of $25 a night They sleep two comfortable and three cozy. Five hammock poles some with lounging hammocks installed on a few. It is a work in progress but lovely, protected from harsh sun and faces the sunset. Kitchen, shower with towels, soap, shampoo and laundry options are included. Pets upon approval. They must be socialized, stay with you at all times and must sleep inside your tent or car. We love pets and have three of our own but we must encourage a friendly place for all. Barker's or lunger's will be asked to leave for the comfort of other guests.

    • Pets
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Market
    Camper-submitted photo from Prineville Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prineville Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prineville Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prineville Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prineville Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Prineville Reservoir Campground

    8. Prineville Reservoir Campground

    25 Reviews
    56 Photos
    128 Saves

    Located partway along the Crooked River’s 125-mile journey from the Ochoco Mountains to its confluence with the Deschutes River, the Prineville Reservoir is a vast blue pool filling a colorful canyon of volcanic rock, sagebrush and juniper. The reservoir was created in the 1960s with the construction of the Bowman Dam. The state park was established shortly after to provide campers, anglers and water lovers an opportunity to enjoy the natural area—and a chance to beat Central Oregon’s summer heat. The park lies adjacent to the Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area, which preserves the habitat of a wide variety of mammals, waterfowl, songbirds and raptors. Prineville Reservoir State Park is located just 15 miles south of the town of Prineville, and 50 miles east of Bend. The park’s Main Campground features 67 sites, including full- and partial-hookup RV sites and primitive tent sites. The Jasper Point Campground features 28 partial-hookup sites. Both locations provide drinking water, flush and vault toilets, hot showers, and recycling stations; a dump station is located at the Jasper Point site. There are also a few camping cabins for rent. The park hosts interpretive programs at an outdoor amphitheater, and onsite amenities include sports courts, hiking trails, a dog park, and a fishing pier. The park host sells ice and firewood. Dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed. Seasonal campsites are $21–$33/night; cabins are $89–$99/night; reservations recommended. For enjoying some on-the-water fun time, boaters can launch watercraft from the ramp at the day-use area, which has plenty of parking for vehicles and trailers. Nearby, sunbathers and swimmers can enjoy some beach time at the designated swim area. Picnic tables are available for packing lunches and refreshments to enjoy by the water. For paddling around the shoreline, kayaks and SUPs can be put in from either the boat launch or the beach. Anglers can cast for trout, catfish, bass and black crappie, then take their catches back and prep them for dinner at the park’s fish cleaning station. Another boat ramp, beach and parking area is located west of the state park at Powder House Cove, near the Bowman Dam.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $37 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills)
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills)
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills)
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills)
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills)
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills)

    9. Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills)

    3 Reviews
    15 Photos
    164 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Skull Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Skull Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Skull Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Skull Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Skull Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Skull Hollow Campground

    10. Skull Hollow Campground

    33 Reviews
    46 Photos
    266 Saves

    As of10/5/2020 *** There is a Closure Order prohibiting dispersed camping outside of the Skull Hollow campground. View a map of the closure area here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd507382.pdf.

    This closure is designed to help protect natural resources around the trailhead from overuse and to prevent conflict between campers and day users. Please observe the closure order and use the campground for camping in the vicinity of Skull Hollow trailhead. AMENITIES: NO DRINKING WATER 28 standard campsites No hook-ups or dumping facilities 1 wooden picnic table and 1 combination fire ring/grill per campsite 2 vault outhouses for the campground 1 informational signboard On-site campground host NEARBY ACTIVITIES: Horseback Riding Hiking Mountain Biking Rock climbing (Smith Rock State Park) Hunting

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $10 - $20 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 117 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Mitchell

Recent Reviews In Mitchell

302 Reviews of 117 Mitchell Campgrounds


  • Mary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crooked River National Grasslands Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Crooked River National Grasslands Dispersed Camping

    Solitude and wide open space

    Love this dispersed campsite! So much wife open space. We were the only campers here last night. So quiet that you can hear a pin drop. Oh, the 360 views are fantastic! A little bumpy ride for regular cars as it is in a dirt road; an AWD preferred.

  • Mike The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Haystack Reservoir Campground
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Haystack Reservoir Campground

    Nice campground. Central to a lot of stuff.

    We enjoyed our stay here. We had a nice space with decent trees for shade and putting up some lights. We could easily drive in to Madras...or to the Crooked River Canyon to go bungee jumping!!!!  We also took a nice drive out east in the hills. Firewood was a bit steep, at $8/bundle.

  • Lyn V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Trout Creek Campground Boat Ramp
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Trout Creek Campground Boat Ramp

    Quiet and relaxing

    Loved this spot. Across the river we watched wild horses. In the river there were birds. During the day rafters come down.

    No water available unless you boil river water.

    The road down was STEEP! I really overheated my motorhome breaks. Plus a scary, low and narrow tunnel at the bottom.

  • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cyrus Horse Camp
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Cyrus Horse Camp

    Nice but Rough Road

    Great secluded dispersed camping. It was obviously meant for folks with horses, but I was the only one there, so there were no horses in sight. The road getting there entailed about 5 miles of bumpy, windy dirt roads. Not totally worth it for a one night stay in a van, but might be for a 4wd car.

    GPS: 44.448114, -121.102884

  • Ann W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Campground & Day Use Area
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Wildcat Campground & Day Use Area

    Peaceful Retreat

    Nice small quite campground. Enjoyed the miles of hiking with TH right at the campground. A very friendly deer kept visiting us during our stay. Enjoyed cooling off in the small creek that runs through the edge of campground.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope RV Park and Campsites
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Antelope RV Park and Campsites

    Awesome campground

    Antelope is a strange and beautiful little place. Part ghost town, part living community, it is often a welcome oasis on the Oregon Outback cycling trail. The path north out of Prineville is a beautiful ascent-descent of the Ochoco Mountains, which is pretty exhausting. If weather is a factor (we arrived in cold, wet and punishing wind) Antelope is a much better place to camp than Shaniko which is 8 miles up on a plateau.

    The RV Park is a work in progress. We arrived without a reservation and were given a very nice spot to camp behind an old diner. Some small a-frame cabins are available with more being built, and a few spots to park campers with sewer dump and 30 amp hookups.

    Overall I give this campground an outstanding rating. Hospitable, well-equipped, well-situated… great spot.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Post Pile Campground
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Post Pile Campground

    Beautiful spot on the Crooked River

    One of several BLM (fee) campgrounds along the Crooked River. Post Pile is one of the smaller sites. Only 7 designated spots. I stayed here one Saturday night in June, to connect with someone cycling north along the Oregon Outback route. This area is a good place for cyclists doing that ride to camp (night 3 if you do the full ride in 5 days, Klamath Falls to Biggs Junction).

    These campgrounds were full of trailer campers, most who were there for multiple days. Rocky Canyon, and the Crooked River below Prineville Reservoir and the Bowman Dam is very popular being about an hour from Bend. Because of that camp sites are hard to come by.

  • Shelby S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Painted Hills Dispersed

    Perfect ✨️

    I arrived midday, so I spent the hottest part of the day in my shade tent reading and then in the evening watched the fire under the stars in my hammock. very peaceful, only saw one car drive by the whole time

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Painted Hills Dispersed
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Painted Hills Dispersed

    It’s what you’d expect

    Stayed here one night. Very windy and very desolate. We were the only ones here. The coordinates take you to a parking lot that does not allow overnight, but you go right past it and across a cattle grade and the campsite is on your right.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area
    May. 28, 2024

    Priest Hole Recreation Area

    We have gone here the past 3 years!

    Mostly gravel road, high clearance is not necessary but there are some pretty big holes in the road, made it in a Toyota Corolla just fine but have gone in larger vehicles and tends to be a little less risky.

    Not a ton of camping spots near the water but plenty of open spaces elsewhere. Pretty spaced out if you choose the right spot.

  • Rob’t H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ochoco Divide Campground
    May. 18, 2024

    Ochoco Divide Campground

    Pleasant Campground

    The sites are tucked in among Ponderosa pines & some sites are spacious. There’s occasional highway noise during the day, but fairly quiet at night. Verizon was available at times with a booster.

  • Michael F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Hole Recreation Area
    May. 16, 2024

    Priest Hole Recreation Area

    Great camping right on the John Day River

    Getting to camp you drive into a “canyon”, switch backs most of the way down. The road is bumpy but does not require 4WD or high clearance. Once you get to the bottom of the canyon, the road will pass by a vaulted toilet. You continue down the road and a bunch of campsites pop up that line the river. Great space for big groups, dog friendly, all around great hang!

  • j
    Camper-submitted photo from Muleshoe Campground
    May. 4, 2024

    Muleshoe Campground

    BLM camping and boat launch on the John Day

    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

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
    May. 1, 2024

    BLM John Day River - Priest Hole

    Beautifully Remote

    I would recommend a rig with lots of ground clearance. The main gravel roads have been recently maintained but the last bit has deep ruts and there are rocky areas.  Our trailer had better clearance than our truck and we bumped a few rocks getting into our spot. There are a few less rocky areas, but they seem to get taken first.  More people in the off-season than I expected for such a remote area.   You need to use a fire pan for fires when allowed, so be sure to bring one.  It was our first time using a fire pan but it was better than using the ground as they are designed to allow perfect air flow.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ochoco Lake County Park
    Apr. 26, 2024

    Ochoco Lake County Park

    Cute small campground - Dry Camping

    Cute small campground on a little hill overlooking a lake.  Tent sites by the lake's edge. 
    Very Clean bathrooms with code for campers. Pits for public areas. 
    Since there are no RV services be prepared to hear some generators running occasionally.  Quiet hours 10PM-7AM.  Water is available but may not be close enough for a hose to your RV.  Most sites have good Starlink view of skies.

  • Brodie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
    Mar. 25, 2024

    BLM John Day River - Priest Hole

    Our new favorite boondocking spot

    Incredible little spot. We pulled in around an hour before sunset and found a beautiful site right on the river. Doesn’t look like there are a ton of spots so make sure to get there during daylight to be safe. It was super quiet and peaceful with no noise other than the river roaring which provided a great nights sleep!

    The views are also stunning both at night and in the sunlight!

    We made it through all the gravel roads fine (about 7 miles total) with our van pulling a 21ft travel trailer. Just go slow and you’ll be fine!

    There is one bathroom available, but we didn’t use it.

  • Kelly H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Prineville Reservoir Campground
    Jan. 6, 2024

    Prineville Reservoir Campground

    Loved this smaller State Park and area!

    We were able to score a couple of nights here in Early May.  It's a very popular Oregon State Park and I'm sure summer requires advance planning.  The weekend we were there was pretty full and our site was at the top of the B loop.  Monday, however, the park cleared out to much fewer campers.   The lake was actually mostly full and the views were beautiful.   Some of the amenities were boating, of course, lake views from some sites, a nice dog park along with the normal state park fare.  We'll definitely make another trip!

  • Camden P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Bend Campground
    Sep. 29, 2023

    Big Bend Campground

    Couple Night Stay on the River

    Great campsite, camping right on the river was beautiful. Pretty quiet but a lot of day use traffic from fly fishers.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Barnhouse Campground
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Barnhouse Campground

    Quiet and secluded

    Stayed for one night, most of the sites are far enough away that it didn’t feel crowded with three other parties there, but a couple of the sites are close enough to be good for a group. Our site had a slight slant so we needed a couple of leveling blocks. Clean toilet when we were there.



Guide to Mitchell

Camping near Mitchell, Oregon, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the Painted Hills: This iconic site is just a short drive away. Many campers rave about the breathtaking views, with one reviewer saying, "The Painted Hills are so beautiful. The hikes and trails are so well thought out and maintained."
  • Visit John Day Fossil Beds: Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike, this area is known for its rich fossil history. A camper noted, "This is a great spot if you’re visiting the area. It’s easy to get to and plenty of room."
  • Fishing and kayaking: Many campgrounds, like Bull Prairie Campground, offer great fishing spots. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is great for fishing or floating with non-motorized vehicles."

What campers like

  • Seclusion and privacy: Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at places like Barnhouse Campground. A reviewer shared, "This campground is secluded from the main road, and only had one other camper while we were there."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Ochoco Lake County Park, are well-maintained. One camper noted, "The bathrooms are clean. The showers are hot and the host was friendly and helpful."
  • Affordable options: Campers love the budget-friendly spots like Mitchell City Park. A visitor mentioned, "For only $25 with electric and water, it's a steal, especially after boon-docking for a few days."

What you should know

  • Road conditions: Some campgrounds, like BLM John Day River - Priest Hole, have rough access roads. One camper advised, "A high clearance vehicle is a must. We pulled a 28 ft Travel trailer down in early June."
  • Limited amenities: Many sites, such as Painted Hills Dispersed, lack basic facilities. A camper pointed out, "There is one bathroom available, but we didn’t use it."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings, especially at places like Bull Prairie Campground. One visitor shared, "We saw some deer, one of those baby deer in my pictures was running and fell and slid."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for spots like Ochoco Divide Group Site, which offer spacious areas. A reviewer mentioned, "The spaces are big enough to accommodate groups or multiple vehicles."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have games and outdoor activities ready. One camper suggested, "We had three tents, a sun shelter and three hammocks set up with lots of space."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand is essential, especially in remote areas. A visitor noted, "We packed camp dinners for both nights, but ended up at Tiger Town every night because the atmosphere was so good."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds, like Walton Lake, have varying site sizes. One RVer mentioned, "Some of their sites, you can’t actually park at the site, cause they’re on a hill."
  • Be prepared for noise: Campgrounds near roads, such as Service Creek Campground, can be noisy. A camper shared, "The highway was not far and the noise of the cars was loud."
  • Bring extra supplies: Many sites lack amenities, so it's wise to stock up. A visitor advised, "Please pack out your trash and human and dog waste."

Camping near Mitchell, Oregon, provides a mix of adventure and tranquility, making it a great destination for all types of campers.

Frequently Asked Questions