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Campgrounds near Condon, Oregon range from state parks to county fairgrounds, with most options clustered along the John Day River corridor. Top-rated campgrounds in the area include Lone Tree Campground at Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park, and several primitive camping areas providing mixed-use accommodation for tents, RVs, and occasionally cabins. Many sites maintain the rugged character of eastern Oregon with limited amenities, while others provide full hookups appropriate for longer stays. Condon RV Park and Burns Park offer additional options within city limits for those seeking more convenient access to services.
Road conditions and seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in canyon areas, while higher elevation sites like Bear Hollow County Park provide cooler conditions. "Bear Hollow County Park is at 3600 ft up, cool and shady. At other campgrounds in the area the temperature was in the high 80s. At Bear Hollow, it was a wonderful 72°," noted one visitor. Water access varies significantly between sites, with some locations along the John Day River providing swimming and fishing opportunities. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many campgrounds, particularly those in canyon areas or more remote locations, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and solitude available at campgrounds near Condon. The John Day River provides recreational opportunities at several sites, with Cottonwood Canyon State Park receiving particular acclaim for its amenities. As one camper described, "Some nice amenities include solar USB charging stations, potable water, free bikes to use and free fishing poles to borrow." Sites vary considerably in their development level, from primitive locations with vault toilets to RV parks with full hookups, showers, and electric service. Tent and RV sites are available throughout the region, though tent campers should note that many locations have limited shade and protection from wind. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting bighorn sheep sightings along canyon ridges and excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution.
"I wasn't sure what to expect at this high desert park, but situated deep in a canyon on a once working cattle ranch, this park is poised to become one of Oregon's top state parks."
"Its also a rattlesnake habitat in Eastern Oregon's high desert biome, within 30 miles or so of The Dalles, a city marking the change in the Columbia River Gorge from high desert to wooded mountainsides"
from $15 - $92 / night
Check Availability"Very lovely and woodsy wayside campground, with fairly open sites that feature a table, firepit and nearby water. There is a bathroom (pit) and dumpster (might have been more, but I didn't see any)."
"Fossil is an awesome little town near the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds. The Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park is super clean, with full hookups and decent size sites."
"Location at fairgrounds in Fossil sounded a little iffy, but we agree with the previous review. Nice enough for a stopover, although it could feel sardine-ish if super busy."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful if remote location on the banks of the John Day River in Central Oregon."
"Easy access to lots of different river spots to play and swim in the warmest water ever. Beautiful views, really amazing and peaceful."
"There's not much happening at Shelton Wayside, but it makes for a quiet night of camping if you're passing through Eastern Oregon."
"The campsite situated below the road in the valley surrounded by towering hills on either side. There are ample trees and the possibility of hammock camping if you can find the ones close enough."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"It's the perfect spot if you are traveling across Oregon and need a nice place to stop before continuing to another state, or eastern Oregon. The campground is relatively small."
"Found this place on the map while searching for a place to camp at the Washington/Oregon border."
from $15 - $119 / night
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ScoutPulled in around 5pm, only ones in this location. No shade except for camper, but quiet as away from the highway. Nice breeze and view of Columbia. Continue along gravel road, past boat launches and road turns paved with 5-6 flat gravel sites. Free, as far as we can tell, no hookups.
GuideBeautful park along the Columbia River. Interesting history. Day use, tent camping Friday through Sunday, or seven days in the designated parking area. Restrooms, garbage dumpsters, veiws of barges or cruise paddle boats on the river. Cell service works great. The only drawback is if the interstate noise or traffic from trains bothers you. Located right next to both.
GuideVery nice free camping for 7 days. There's vault toilets and trash dumpsters. Looks like it was a paid campground years ago. Easy access to river and gorgeous views. A few "longggg" term campers but still nice.
TravelerGreat for a few days but it is very hot in the gorge in july. Great signal. Gas station that closes at 10pm and i think bar across the street. More social of a spot than the woods. There is some sand at few vans got stuck in at one spot near the no camping sign at end.
RangerNice site . Can walk, fish along Deschutes River in camp and some nice trails around. Train and highway noise was constant. When talking on phone with reservation guy he made it sound like there were no none hookup sites for trailers to parkbut only for tents, but after exploring there were some sites further back in CG and away from hwy and train noise. So if ya don't need power check those out! CG was well maintained .
RangerNumerous,Easy parking,and level spots to park camp trailer. Short drive into Painted Hills fossil monument to view at sunset. Some cattle around and a handful of other campers.
LegendCamped right next to the river with other travelling campers, visible to wide area and fwy, so safe feeling. Gravel, close to fwy access.
ScoutIts a beautiful spot thats not overpriced. They charge an extra 10 dollars to stay closer to the water but its not necessary. You can stay here monthly in the winter for $810.
TravelerTowing a trailer solo so I’m keeping an eye out for quick overnight stops that are easy to pull through or turn around. This is great for that. Pretty little spot and I can hear water, but haven’t found access. Not sure that I’d recommend for more than just a night, but it’s great for what I need it for!
Camping sites near Condon, Oregon range from riverside settings to high-desert terrain with elevations varying from 1,200 to 3,600 feet. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument creates a dramatic backdrop for many camping areas, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F in lower elevations while higher sites remain cooler. Cell service can drop completely within canyons and remote areas.
Horseback riding excursions: Near Wilson Ranches Retreat, visitors can experience guided trail rides through eastern Oregon landscapes. "If you choose to ride, they even offer a library of cowboy/girl hats and boots to borrow during your ride," notes one camper who appreciated the authentic western experience.
Fossil hunting: The area around Condon sits within the John Day Fossil Beds region, with several campgrounds providing access to fossil-rich areas. When staying at Shelton Wayside, campers can explore nearby fossil beds. As one visitor mentioned, "Its location is in the middle of the John Day fossil bed loop," making it convenient for paleontology enthusiasts.
River activities: The John Day River offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. "The John Day River is easily accessible and swimmable just down from the campsite. It's great to fish, float, or hike the trails nearby," explains a camper who visited Lone Tree Campground at Cottonwood Canyon State Park regularly.
Natural isolation: Many campers value the remote setting of BLM John Day River - Priest Hole for its dramatic scenery and quiet atmosphere. "The stars are incredibly bright at night. The surrounding cliffs are beautiful. We watched a huge bald eagle perching on a rock eating an animal it had just caught," shared one visitor highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite the remote locations, several campgrounds feature clean, well-kept amenities. At Deschutes River State Recreation Area, campers appreciate the upkeep: "The facilities were very clean, the host was seen cleaning the bathrooms every morning. The host was friendly and welcoming to us and also were the park rangers that were there."
Unique amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected features that enhance camping experiences. At Lone Tree Campground, a camper noted, "Pet friendly! Including a fenced in dog area (about an acre) and doggie poo bags readily available." Other campers mentioned loaner bikes available at certain parks.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires suitable vehicles. At Priest Hole Recreation Site, visitors warn: "You need to have an AWD vehicle, preferably a truck with spares. The road is gravel that gets rutty and difficult the further you go. We got a flat (apparently along with 20 other people) when we went."
Seasonal temperature variations: The region experiences extreme temperature swings. At Bear Hollow County Park, a summer camper noted, "We stayed on a Tuesday night at the end of July. At other campgrounds in the area the temperature was in the high 80s. At Bear Hollow, it was a wonderful 72°."
Limited shade: Many campgrounds have minimal tree coverage. A camper at Lone Tree Campground observed, "Because it was so new the trees were still saplings and provide no shade from the hot sun or protection from the wind." Bringing shade structures is advisable during summer months.
Free recreational equipment: Some campgrounds offer loaner equipment for families. At Cottonwood Canyon State Park, "We brought our own bikes but if you don't bring yours, they offered loaner bikes and there were little bike workstations on the grounds."
Water access points: Identifying safe river entry points helps with family activities. One visitor to Cottonwood Canyon State Park shared, "The gorgeous John Day River, was perfect for fishing, swimming, floating. There was several trails within the campground as well as trailheads around the perimeter."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area provides excellent wildlife spotting for children. A camper at Cottonwood Canyon State Park recalled, "We saw some interesting birds and lizards around the campsite," while others have reported seeing elk, bighorn sheep, and turkey in the region.
Site leveling challenges: RVers note that many sites require significant leveling. At Bear Hollow County Park, one RVer warned, "Sites are large, but not very level for an RV," while another mentioned, "Hard to find a level spot for RVs."
Town amenities: When staying at campgrounds with limited facilities, RVers appreciate nearby towns. In Fossil near the Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park, a visitor noted, "Fossil also has the best grocery store in the area so stock up on fresh produce. Movie rentals too!!!"
Connectivity limitations: RVers should plan for disconnected stays. A camper at Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park observed, "No connectivity in town. No phone, no wifi, no cable, no nothing. Bring lots of books or have your iTunes downloads ready to go...or just enjoy the peace and quiet."
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year for camping in Condon?
The ideal camping season near Condon runs from late spring through early fall (May to October). Macks Canyon Recreation Site is particularly pleasant in early fall when temperatures moderate but days remain sunny. This area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F in July and August. Spring offers beautiful wildflowers but can be unpredictable with occasional rain. Maryhill State Park Campground across the Columbia River provides a good option for extended season camping. Winter camping is generally not recommended due to cold temperatures, potential snow, and seasonal closures at many campgrounds.
Where are the best camping spots near Condon?
The Condon area offers several excellent camping options. Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a standout destination with its beautiful canyon setting along the John Day River. This park offers primitive camping with stunning high desert scenery. For those seeking a unique experience, Antelope RV Park and Campsites provides a fascinating stay near a historic small town that's particularly popular with cyclists on the Oregon Outback trail. Other good options include Burns Park and Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park near Fossil, both offering convenient access for exploring the region.
What amenities are available at Condon camping areas?
Camping amenities vary significantly around Condon. Deschutes River State Recreation Area offers clean bathrooms, hot showers, and decent-sized campsites where the Deschutes meets the Columbia River. For RV travelers, Condon RV Park provides reservable sites with toilet facilities. Most primitive camping areas like Giles French Park feature vault toilets and sometimes picnic tables, but typically no running water or electrical hookups. At Bull Prairie Campground in Umatilla National Forest, you'll find an unexpected green oasis with lake access. Most campgrounds in this region are relatively basic, so come prepared with your own water and supplies.
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