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.
"It's so wonderful just to drive up to a spot on the river and camp, what's better is it is free! The stars are wonderful here, as there isn't much light pollution."
"Nice views around, access to river, boat launch, and picnic tables at day use area. Two pit toilets fairly clean. No cell AT&T."
"Stayed here on a tour of the John Day Fossil Beds. Found a great site, but like the last reviewer felt it was overpriced for dry camping."
"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."
$20 / night
"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."
"It is way out in the middle of nowhere but that’s what camping is about and its location is in the middle of the John day fossil bed loop."
"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!"
"Plenty of trails for any hiking/walking level.
Great spot for photography, meditation, exploring solo or with company."
"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."
"Not a ton of camping spots near the water but plenty of open spaces elsewhere. Pretty spaced out if you choose the right spot."
"We found several walk in tent spots, nothing for Van's, trailers. The river invited us down...beautiful swimming space. After cooling down and finding a spot under a tree, we decided to stay."
$13 - $74 / night
"Right next to the John Day River great walking path along the River. Fenced dog park for your pet and free bicycles for use."
"There was several trails within the campground as well as trailheads around the perimeter."
$14 - $25 / night
"This tucked away lake and campground in the Umatilla National Forest is amazing. As you drive there you think what the heck. It’s dry and straw looking as far as the eye can see."
"Our site #13 was situated by the lake near the narrow paved trail that circles the lake. There were few people there and the night was quiet. The vault toilets were open but the water was turned off."
TravelerFirst come first serve sites with fire rings. There is overflow camping in the lawn without a fire ring but with a picnic table. Restrooms are very clean and campground is well maintained. Winds can pick up in the canyon so be sure to have strong tent stakes. Right next to the John Day River great walking path along the River. Fenced dog park for your pet and free bicycles for use.
LegendWe were so glad we kept driving down this road until the very end. Along this road (Lower Deschutes Access Road- which is pretty bumpy but we did fine with our camper) you will pass several other campgrounds- Twin Springs, Jones Canyon, Beavertail Recreation Site, Rattlesnake Canyon- and then at the very end of the road, you will find Macks Canyon Recreation Site.
It was fairly empty when we arrived and we got an awesome site along the river, site 11. The view of the river was amazing and we watched lots of fishing boats and rafting boats go by. There is also a railroad track across the river and it was fun to watch the trains go by. No AT&T phone service here.
The only negative is that it can get super windy. At one point we were frantically trying to get our awning down from the Cricket and things were flying everywhere. The wind lasted about an hour and then things calmed down again.
From the end of the Lower Deschutes Access Road just above the campground, you can hike along the old railway line. Again, amazing views of the Deschutes and the canyon. We did about 5 miles road trip but you could go further.
One of my new favorite places to camp in Oregon!
TravelerThis beautiful campground was loaded with amenities. 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. 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. Pet friendly! Including a fenced in dog area (about an acre) and doggie poo bags readily available. We have a truck with camper but the tent sites each had a solar panel to provide electricity for charging the essentials. The grounds must have been a farm originally and the campground designers did an awesome job of using the existing structures to add to the rustic nature and maintain the land’s historic relevance. Cottonwood Canyon surpassed our expectations, especially considering the very low price tag. I cannot recommend highly enough.
LegendThis place was okay. Near Fossil, Oregon and on the way to the Painted Hills. Lots of trees and a slope/hill to run around on for the kids. Sites were a decent size. But overall the whole place seemed overgrown and full of weeds. If it was free, I would have rated it higher. But at $25 for any camping including tents, it was way overpriced.
GuideNot sure what some people are complaining about. This small four site RV “Park” located in a public park in the town of Mitchell, Oregon is perfect if wanting to visit John Day National Monument. Very close to the painted hills and the road to Fossil. For only $25 with electric and water, it's a steal, especially after boon-docking for a few days. Close to a small store that carries a lot of stuff. Plus the Tiger Town Brewing—all any camper needs. Right ? Would definitely stay here again.
LegendBear Hollow County Park is a decent little campground to spend a night if you're passing through Eastern Oregon for the fossil beds, painted hills or the just the dark skies. We stopped here on our way into Spray as we were running out of daylight hours and didn't know the roads well. It gets dark out here!
If you're looking for a destination campground you can do much better in Oregon - but Bear Hollow is adequate for a drive in!
There is an ADA accessible site. Water didn't appear to be potable and there isn't really anything nearby so you'll need your own supplies. 20$ a night - cash only.
GuideThere aren’t a lot of reserve-able campsites in this area, so I was happy to find the group site a few weeks before our trip to the Fossil Beds.
The good: location can’t be beat - though if you’re looking to explore all of the units in the Fossil Beds monument, it’s gonna be a lot of driving no matter where you stay. The camp host, Gloria, is great, and the kids loved Ricky, her dog. The outhouse is clean and if you’re in the group site you’ve basically for your own. Mitchell is ~20 minutes away for groceries and ice.
And this campsite is HUUUGE. Lots of shady areas, three picnic tables, Very nice fire pit (though burn ban meant no fires for us). We had three tents, a sun shelter and three hammocks set up with lots of space.
The not-so-good: the group site is closest to the highway, so we did hear a lot of noise. (If I were to come back, I’d try my luck with the first-come-first-serve spots set further back.)
Also, dry camping, so bring your water jug and things to keep you cool. We went swimming in the John Day near Burnt Ranch, which was perfect!
RangerWe were the only ones camping here for a night in October 2020. Sites are OK, some pull-throughs, some tent sites, too. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table. Pit toilets were dirty. Good location outside Fossil but kind of expensive at $20 for no hookups and dirty toilets, plus it’s right next to road so there’s some road noise.
RangerFossil 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. There's a wonderful little trail right nearby the takes you up to the city water tank and 360 view of the town and area. Fossil also has the best grocery store in the area so stock up on fresh produce. Movie rentals too!!! Only downside is that there's 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.
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Fossil, Oregon, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Fossil, OR is BLM John Day River - Priest Hole with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 53 dog-friendly camping locations near Fossil, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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