Bates State Park Campground

We were looking for a campground to stay at on our way from eastern Oregon to the John Day wilderness area. Bates State Park was a perfect overnight spot, just far enough off Hwy 26 to be quiet and exceptionally clean and well maintained. There are no hookups, and it will be a few years before vegetation matures to offer more privacy between spaces, but the park was uncrowded and felt private nonetheless. There are very interesting signs telling about the logging history of the area as well as a playground and nature trails.

Used it as a stop over on a trip between Wallowa SP and Redmond, OR. No reservations, no problem, as there were only 3 other RVs when we arrived at about 5 pm.

Green grassy area, gravel roads and pads. No hookups, nice day use area, nice short trails, and local history of the site.

This is a Primitive Campground. No RV Hook Ups. Reservations Cannot be made.

Sites are spacious and pads are gravel. Perfect campground to spend the night in after taking in John Day and heading for Baker City, OR.

There is no playground, but a nice picnic area is available.

The drive from Salem to John Day took about 6.5 hours. Then I spent the afternoon and early evening looking for a campground (my first campground fell through when my Mazda 3 couldn’t climb the last few miles…a story for another day). Before long, the storm clouds began to gather, lightening began to flash, and the occasional BIG drop of rain would hit my windshield. I needed to find a campground FAST! Bates State Park was close by, so I decided I would hang my hat there for the night.

Bates State Park has a little growing up to do. It has lush green grass and lots of trees. Unfortunately, the trees are 4-5 feet tall, so they provide no shade. The campsites are close together and there is no privacy…which wasn’t a problem since there were just four RVs using the campground. I was the only tent camper. Bates is considered a primitive campground, because there is no water or electricity at the campsites. But, there are water spigots throughout the campground and the pit toilets are the nicest/cleanest that I have every used…serious!

Bates State Park has an interesting history. It was the site of the Bates Lumber Mill company town. At one time it boasted 400 residents. All that remains are a few trees, a lilac bush, and the mill pond. You can reach the mill pond via one of the many trails throughout the 130+ acres.

Would I stay again? Probably not. However, it is a perfect stop for a quick overnight. It is also a very accessible place for RVs to park.