Cottonwood Canyon State Park sits at the intersection of Sherman and Gilliam counties along the John Day River, with elevations ranging from 850 to 3,000 feet throughout the park boundaries. The area experiences temperature extremes typical of Oregon's high desert, with summer highs frequently exceeding 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. The camping terrain features exposed, open sites with minimal natural shade in most locations, creating a stark contrast to the more wooded camping experiences found elsewhere in Oregon.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Trout Creek Campground offers access to numerous hiking trails along the Deschutes River. "There's hiking trails and fly fishing and rafting instead!" notes one visitor. The trails range from easy riverside walks to more challenging climbs up surrounding rimrock.
River activities beyond swimming: Fishing the John Day River is popular at Macks Canyon Recreation Site, where you can watch "fishing boats and rafting boats go by." The Deschutes River access points provide options for fly fishing in waters that require skill to navigate. Be aware that some water areas may not be suitable for casual swimming - one camper at Penland Lake reported finding "leeches attached to our feet" after wading.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The desert ecosystem supports diverse wildlife viewing. At Trout Creek, campers can "watch the wild horses from the Warm Springs Indian Reservation collect at the watering hole" and observe osprey nesting. Early mornings and evenings provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities when temperatures are cooler.
What campers like
Isolation and quiet: The remote nature of many camping areas near Fossil creates opportunities for solitude. At Macks Canyon Recreation Site, one camper appreciated that it was "fairly empty when we arrived and we got an awesome site along the river." Another visitor noted it's "a great place to get off the grid while still having most amenities."
Riverside camping spots: Securing a campsite along the water is highly valued. Campers at Trout Creek appreciate being able to "sit by the river in the shade of an ancient juniper" while watching wildlife. These premium spots often fill quickly during peak summer months.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers particularly good viewing, with one visitor noting, "We were there during a full moon and it lit up the whole campground which was pretty spectacular."
What you should know
Wind conditions can be challenging: Strong canyon winds frequently affect camping comfort. At Macks Canyon, campers note that "the wind kicks up (strong) around 7:30p to 8:30p." Another visitor at Cottonwood Canyon reported "frantically trying to get our awning down from the Cricket and things were flying everywhere."
Road access varies significantly: Many sites require navigating rough roads. The access to Macks Canyon features "a washboard road as bad as this was for 6-7 miles. I thought the doors were going to blow off the truck." Similarly, reaching Trout Creek requires passing through "a 14' clearance tunnel" that limits some RVs.
Limited amenities and services: Most sites near Fossil offer basic facilities only. Maupin City Park provides more amenities but still has limitations. "The tent camp runs along a river which is nice and there is grass and each site has a table. The problem is they pack the campground like sardines and only have one facility at one end of the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Security considerations: Some campgrounds experience occasional theft issues. At Maupin City Park, one camper reported having "coolers and chairs pulled out from under our trailer" during the night. They advise: "don't leave your valuables out overnight."
Kid-friendly amenities: Morrow County OHV Park offers excellent facilities for families with "a huge playground and lots of different types of camping available." The park also features over 300 miles of trails across 9,000 acres for ATV enthusiasts.
Weather preparation is essential: Temperature swings can be extreme, especially with children. Pack layers and sun protection, as natural shade is limited at most sites. Remember that summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F while evenings can cool significantly, requiring both cooling strategies and warm clothing.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy. At Maupin City Park, one RVer noted "The sites are a little tight for ginormous 36 foot trailers with multiple slideouts." Consider calling ahead to confirm your rig will fit comfortably.
Utility hookups vary widely: While primitive camping is common, several sites offer partial hookups. At Morrow County OHV Park, campers appreciate that "Water and sewer hook ups are available as well." Most sites with hookups require early reservations during peak season.
Parking logistics: Tow vehicle parking can be limited at some sites. At Maupin City Park, "You may have to park your tow vehicle in the overflow lot across the street" when spaces fill. Always confirm parking arrangements when making reservations for larger rigs.
