Best Dispersed Camping near Fossil, OR

Join the fun near Fossil. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Fossil is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Fossil, OR. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fossil, Oregon (8)

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fossil, OR

18 Photos of 8 Fossil Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fossil, OR

26 Reviews of 8 Fossil Campgrounds


  • Corinna B.
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Painted Hills Dispersed

    Absolutely the Best. And free!

    This was by far my favorite place we stayed on our entire 4000+ mile road trip…. and it was free! We stayed at Priest Hole, which is a few miles past the Painted Hills visitor center on dirt roads. We saw a few vans and a pop-up trailer, but no RVs. The road was okay but not great, so not sure if regular RVs would make it or not. Fine for cars, trucks or vans.

    It's Bureau of Land Management land, which means all camping is free. We camped right on the banks of the John Day River and it was amazingly beautiful. The water was the perfect temperature for swimming and crystal clear. There were people a couple hundred yards from us on either side, so not too crowded. We were there on a Thursday and pulled right up to an empty spot.

    Only vault toilets. Bring your own water. No showers, picnic tables, etc. The only drawback, besides lack of a nice bathroom and not much natural shade, was quite a few earwigs and other bugs attacking the outside tent at night when we had our light on. Not the worst thing, but slightly annoying for the kiddos.

    When the river is higher (sometimes in the winter) there's a large grassy area in the center of the area for tents, but a bit far away from the water. But in the summer when the river is lower you can camp in any of the rocky dry stream beds and be safely right on the water.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Painted Hills Dispersed

    Amazing campsite, coordinates NOT correct

    We spent a weekend in June celebrating our anniversary in this stunning location. The Painted Hills are so beautiful. The hikes and trails are so well thought out and maintained. The camp spot that’s described in other reviews is the best we found. The coordinates however are not accurate. Pass the last parking area (Red Scar Knoll trail) on the main road, cross a cattle gate, and it’s on your right. If you have higher ground clearance you can go through the main camping area and take a dirt road just a bit further to a single spot that’s flat and shaded. We rented an off-road teardrop so this was super easy. Here are the correct coordinates to that single spot: 44.637881 -120.296011

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Priest Hole Recreation Area

    Recent Upgrades to an already beautiful area

    First time we have stayed here. Spent two nights along the river. Quiet, serene and peaceful. Each campsite had recently been upgraded with heavy duty Pilot Rock fire pits, fresh gravel,restrooms were clean. These upgrades were done over the past several years according to BLM Prineville staff. Maintenance of this nice area will be difficult since temporary staff and seasonal help have been reduced from 20 employees down to 2. Pack it in and pack it out. Appreciate and protect what these public lands have to offer.

  • Michael F.
    May. 16, 2024

    Priest Hole Recreation Area

    Great camping right on the John Day River

    Getting to camp you drive into a “canyon”, switch backs most of the way down. The road is bumpy but does not require 4WD or high clearance. Once you get to the bottom of the canyon, the road will pass by a vaulted toilet. You continue down the road and a bunch of campsites pop up that line the river. Great space for big groups, dog friendly, all around great hang!

  • Amanda K.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Painted Hills Dispersed

    Peaceful spot!

    We put Red Scar Knoll into our navigation and it took us to a private ranch with no trespassing signs. We couldn’t see other ways to get there. We used the coordinates named by a previous reviewer instead and found the spot and it was great. I would not recommend for vehicles larger than a van or after heavy rain as it was a bumpy ride down. We could see that other people had camped here previously as there were fire pits. There was a beautiful little creek next to the spot. There was some noise from the road but there was minimal traffic. I could get about one bar of AT&T service. It is only 11 minutes from painted hills overlook. No amenities. Great for a night among beautiful surroundings:) quite a few bugs at night. There was little to no service on the way there so make sure to save the coordinates/map

  • Eva W.
    Jun. 19, 2015

    Painted Hills Dispersed

    Otherwordly campsite

    Good note: You can camp on BLM and Forest Service lands without a permit! This place is amazing. It's no wonder it's one of the seven wonders of Oregon. It's a quick drive from Bend, and to see the Wallowa burn aftermath is humbling.

  • E
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Painted Hills Dispersed

    Pretty geology and colors!

    Super nice dry camping just 5 miles from the John Day Fossil Beds Painted Hills, and conveniently right off the main road. Also a small creek nearby to cool off in!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2024

    Priest Hole Recreation Area

    We have gone here the past 3 years!

    Mostly gravel road, high clearance is not necessary but there are some pretty big holes in the road, made it in a Toyota Corolla just fine but have gone in larger vehicles and tends to be a little less risky.

    Not a ton of camping spots near the water but plenty of open spaces elsewhere. Pretty spaced out if you choose the right spot.

  • R
    Jun. 18, 2022

    Painted Hills Dispersed

    Stream access

    This site is just off of the main road to the Painted Hills area. There are no restrooms or facilities of any type. We had the furthest most spot from the entrance off of the road and had great access to a small stream that we could sit in and cool off.


Guide to Fossil

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fossil, Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wild.

Dispersed campers should check out Priest Hole Recreation Area

  • This location offers a unique experience along the John Day River, with plenty of open spaces for camping. You can find a spot that suits your needs, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Check it out at Priest Hole Recreation Area.
  • The access road is mostly gravel, making it manageable for various vehicles, including sedans. Just be cautious of some potholes along the way.
  • Enjoy the freedom of no permits required, allowing you to set up camp without the hassle of reservations.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Fossil, Oregon

  • For a peaceful retreat, consider Painted Hills Dispersed, where you can enjoy stunning views and solitude. It's a great spot for reading or stargazing at night.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; this area does not have toilets or picnic tables, so plan accordingly and pack out what you bring in.
  • The site is dog-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with pets.

Scenic views and adventure at Gable Creek Road Dispersed Camping

  • Located close to the main road, Gable Creek Road Dispersed Camping offers easy access for larger vehicles and trailers, making it a convenient stopover.
  • The area provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding hills, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the scenery.
  • While hiking and biking options are limited, the peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free dispersed camping available in Fossil, Oregon?

Yes, free dispersed camping is available near Fossil, Oregon. Painted Hills South Camp offers free camping in a beautiful setting near the Painted Hills area. Another excellent no-cost option is Little Hay Creek Rd Dispersed, which provides free camping on BLM land. Remember that dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands generally doesn't require permits or fees. These free sites typically lack facilities but offer spectacular scenery and solitude, making them perfect for self-sufficient campers looking to experience the natural beauty around Fossil.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Fossil, Oregon?

The Fossil area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Painted Hills Dispersed is a popular choice located just 5 miles from the John Day Fossil Beds Painted Hills unit, conveniently right off the main road with some sites offering access to a small stream for cooling off. For those seeking a riverside experience, Priest Hole Recreation Area offers beautiful camping along the river with recently upgraded fire pits and vault toilets. The road is bumpy but accessible without 4WD or high clearance. Both locations provide great access to the natural wonders of the area while offering peaceful, scenic camping experiences.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Fossil, Oregon?

When dispersed camping near Fossil on BLM lands like Green Mountain North Trailhead Dispersed Camping or Gable Creek Road Dispersed Camping, follow standard regulations: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, stay in previously used sites when possible, and pack out all waste. Most locations have a 14-day stay limit. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry months. Always check current fire regulations with the Prineville BLM office before your trip. Vehicle access varies by location—some sites require high-clearance vehicles while others are accessible with standard cars. No reservations are needed for dispersed camping, but sites are first-come, first-served with limited or no facilities.