Condon is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Condon. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$13 - $74 / night
"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"
"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."
"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."
$20 / night
"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."
$13 - $74 / night
"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."
Guidepeaceful. close to several wineries and farm stands. especially recommend gunnels fruit and waving tree winery - both within walking distance of campground. other must sees are maryhill museum and stonehenge replica.
GuideStayed here on a job for at least some 6 months, absolutely loved it. The hostess was very friendly, the adjoining small state park I believe it is is very convenient for pet owners, and the location is overall gorgeous.
GuideClean, cute and well cared for park on the Columbia river. Rolled in at 11:30pm to a quiet park with well laid out directions and fresh peaches in our welcome bag. Called ahead letting them know we’d be super late with no problems, very accommodating. Nicely spaced, clean sites. No sewer hookups if on the river side but the view we woke up to was well worth it. The park is in the dryer part of the Gorge but this park surrounded by lush fruit orchards made it feel like an oasis. Definitely would stay here again.
GuideThis site is on the far end of the painted hills park, just outside of the gate. There is a sign that says "no turn around" but the exact spot of that is way down the road and you can turn around in this camping area.
There were a few bad ruts from people traversing in the mud but still a couple of level areas.
This is our backup spot if we strike out at Priest Hole, but haven't yet.
GuideBLM improved this area recently.
CONS -
Cant get anywhere near the river now, and walking access is sparse unless you want to hop the big guardrail and blaze the bushes.
The flow is backwards, and for the sites along the river you now are forced to face away from the painted hill and wildlife in the area.
The road to the river sites is NARROW, and we had trouble backing in with a 22' trailer while not hitting the guard rail, but the pull through sites are a lot farther from the river.
PROS -
Nice sites with table and fire ring - although even with the fire ring you still can't have fires during most of the good weather.
Some improvements on road in in case you get caught with an oncoming vehicle (I'm sure as heck not backing up a winding one lane road)
Whoever designed this upgrade had obviously never stayed at the park. It's nicer in a way, but also a bit less special than it was before. Still a good spot and is still free for the moment, but I hear they are putting in a pay station eventually.
ScoutClean ,comfortable, safe, quiet nice stay would/will stay again
ScoutA big shout out to Wayne, the camp host. He was such a life saver. The in-line water filter in our fifth wheel blew apart so we were checking to find the nearest RV parts place, on a Saturday evening. Wayne had a spare! He let us borrow his spare water filter for the duration of our stay, which saved us a 2-hour round-trip drive to Prosser. While the camp hosts are around, visible, and staying busy, they let the campers be campers to enjoy their time.
The water was super calm, so kayaking was very enjoyable. The grounds were clean and green.
LegendIf we had checked the forecast, we probably wouldn’t have camped here. However when we arrived at 6 pm and it was 100 degrees, we were far enough off the beaten path that we decided to sweat it out and spend the night. We stayed in site 12 which also had absolutely no shade and tons of bees, which didn’t help our situation.
All that aside, we are so happy we did spend the night here! The river is gorgeous and perfect for swimming. The views through the canyon are incredible at sunset and the temp dropped significantly for comfortable sleeping! The campground itself is clean and well appointed.
LegendWent to check it out but it's a nasty old concrete slab with a no camping sign, a cruddy old boat ramp, and a nasty body of water. No cell service and something creepy about the place...
Camping near Condon, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Camping near Condon, Oregon, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved!
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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