Best Tent Camping near Condon, OR
Tent campers can choose various campgrounds near Condon, Oregon, with options ranging from established sites to more primitive areas. Muleshoe Campground along the John Day River offers tent sites with river views, while Service Creek Campground provides walk-in tent sites between the highway and river. Priest Hole Recreation Area offers dispersed camping opportunities with riverside locations. These tent camping areas provide access to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and the Painted Hills, making them strategic bases for exploring central Oregon's unique landscapes.
Sites may be set on dirt, gravel, or open areas with minimal grading. Most tent campgrounds have fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly. Service Creek Campground features vault toilets and designated tent sites about 100 yards from parking areas. Muleshoe Campground charges $5 per night with self-registration and offers vault toilets but no drinking water. According to one visitor, "The campground is very basic. The toilets were clean." Many areas require campers to pack out all trash, and seasonal wind can be challenging, particularly in canyon areas like Macks Canyon where strong gusts typically occur in evening hours.
"Great spot in center of John Day Fossil Beds national monument," noted one camper about Muleshoe Campground. Tent sites often provide scenic views of the John Day River, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and wildlife observation. Service Creek Campground places tent campers close to the river with "gorgeous location, though close to freeway," as one reviewer mentioned. Priest Hole Recreation Area requires driving down switchbacks to reach the canyon floor where campsites line the river. The area experiences minimal light pollution, creating excellent stargazing opportunities. Most tent camping areas become quite hot during summer days but cool significantly at night. Campers seeking more seclusion can find walk-in tent sites at several locations, though these typically require carrying gear short distances from parking areas.