Accessible via gravel roads just off Highway 26, this state park campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with sites ranging from $7-11 per night. The 130-acre park accommodates both RVs and tent campers on level gravel pads, though no hookups are available at individual sites.
Campers find spacious back-in sites with minimal privacy between spots, as the young trees throughout the campground stand only 4-5 feet tall. Water spigots are distributed throughout the grounds, and reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the pit toilets. The campground typically remains uncrowded, with most visitors using it as an overnight stop while traveling between eastern Oregon destinations.
The park preserves the site of a former lumber mill company town that once housed 400 residents. Interpretive signs detail this logging history, and short nature trails wind through the property to remnants including the old mill pond. "All that remains are a few trees, a lilac bush, and the mill pond," notes Mary G..
A day-use area with picnic facilities complements the camping areas. The location works well for travelers heading to the John Day wilderness area, and campers wanting additional options can explore campgrounds around Prairie City about 13 miles southwest.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBates State Park Campground is located in Oregon near Prairie City
Directions
Bates State Park was once the site of a thriving lumber mill and an adjacent company town set in a lush valley in the Blue Mountains. The mill closed in the mid-1970s. Families--and in some instances their houses--moved to nearby Prairie City and John Day. The mill buildings and town were dismantled; the land sat empty for more than 35 years. The memory of Bates lives on in many of its community members, and the site is now a state park, thanks in large part to their efforts. When you visit or stay at the park, look for the interpretive panels that describe Bates life in the early to mid 20th century and the steps taking place now to restore the land and waterways. You can explore Bates on the more than three miles of hiking trails. Viewpoints along the trails overlook the park, old mill pond and valley. The 131-acre park lies along the Middle Fork John Day River, Bridge Creek and Clear Creek. Check the Oregon Department Fish & Wildlife website for fishing regulations. Campground info 28 primitive sites for tents or self-contained RVs (first come, first served) Vault toilets Potable water Hiker/biker camp with six sites and electric plug-ins Universal access: 3 campsites are accessible to campers with disabilities.
Coordinates
44.59266808621033 N
118.50984774278096 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 27 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 1 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 3 hrs 10 min from Bend, OR
- 3 hrs 16 min from Kennewick, WA
