Lone Pine Campground

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.

I love campgrounds with a historical angle and this is one of the best in the area. The Birch Creek Historic Ranch was established by settlers from Europe and West Virginia (an interesting combo, no?) to serve as a home base for herding sheep and cattle. It is well over 100 years old and is on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s an old water wheel that used to irrigate the area and a handful of old buildings and structures in various states of disrepair… but so fun to look at and imagine how things used to be.

The geology is also super cool, you can tell that there has been a lot of activity in this area from the stripes in the hills, everything from white to red with granite-colored spires towering above it all.

I had no issues getting here in a 2WD minivan, but can see how it would be challenging in more inclement weather.

One source for potable water (i.e. no hookups) and one restroom, in good shape all things considered. Highly recommend at least a one night stay to take it all in.