RV camping near Fossil, Oregon offers options across the high desert plateau at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 feet. Summer temperatures frequently reach the upper 90s while winters bring snow and temperatures below freezing. Several campgrounds provide river access with fishing opportunities along the John Day River system, Oregon's longest undammed river.
What to do
Explore fossil beds: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument has three separate units - Painted Hills, Clarno, and Sheep Rock. Near the Painted Hills unit, BLM John Day River - Priest Hole offers primitive campsites with river access. "The stars are incredibly bright at night. The surrounding cliffs are beautiful. We watched a huge bald eagle perching on a rock eating an animal it had just caught," shares Thomas B.
Hiking trails: Local trails range from easy walks to challenging treks through high desert terrain. In Fossil, one camper at Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park mentioned, "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."
Visit local museums: Learn about regional history and paleontology at several museums. Ken W. noted that Wheeler County Fairgrounds provided "Nice enough for a stopover... We'll come back again to check out the museum and Paleo Lands Institute."
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The area offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. At Sherman County RV Park, Emma R. commented, "Amazing little place with the nicest people. Clean and comfortable restrooms/showers. Beautiful night sky. 10/10 recommend."
Hot springs access: Several hot springs exist in the region for soaking. Gil W. says of Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert RV Park, "There are many mineral pools varying in temperature. Including three cold plunge tanks... The soothing mineral water is well worth the price of admission."
Horseback riding: Experience the landscape from horseback at local ranches. Tanya B. reviewed Wilson Ranches Retreat saying, "The breakfast set us up well each morning for big days out visiting the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, as well as for a wonderful morning out on an unforgettable horseback ride adventure."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have no connectivity. A camper at Wheeler County Fairgrounds noted, "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."
Road conditions: Unpaved roads can be challenging for some vehicles. Alysa W. warns about Priest Hole: "You will need a vehicle with enough ground clearance - definitely more than a Nissan Altima... I'm pretty sure that I almost tore the bottom of my car out."
Grocery access: Stock up before arrival as supplies are limited. "Fossil also has the best grocery store in the area so stock up on fresh produce. Movie rentals too!" mentions Jill R. about the town of Fossil.
Weather extremes: Prepare for significant temperature swings. Katie S. reports from Priest Hole: "My husband and I had the worst sleep at this campsite. The wind was insane, we came in March. Sounded like someone was pounding on our tent all night."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: River and pool swimming available at select locations. Lanae wrote about Fish House Inn and RV Campground: "We loved sitting in the hot wellness spas at night, and floating on the warm lazy river during the day."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple species can be spotted from campsites. Stephanie F. observed at Priest Hole: "Deer will go by your site along with turkey and quail."
Educational opportunities: Learn about geology and paleontology at nearby parks. Gary G. recommends Fish House Inn saying, "Highly recommended, especially if you are visiting John Day Fossil Beds National Monument."
Activities beyond camping: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation. Lanae notes that Kah-Nee-Ta provides "swimming, mini golf, hiking, and pickleball... They also have basketball, volleyball, river tubing, horseback riding, ping pong, cold plunges, a spa, a restaurant, a full bar."
Tips from RVers
Hookup realities: Some sites have unusual utility layouts. Jason S. warns about Kah-Nee-Ta: "Writing a review because our site was backwards. The utilities were on the passenger side. Couldn't hookup to water or sewer with my TT because I would have had to pull in forward."
Laundry access: Plan accordingly as laundry facilities are scarce. Marty S. notes of Sherman County RV Park: "The restrooms and laundry are spotless. The host is very nice. The rates are very low."
Reservation timing: Book early during peak months. "Should be plenty of last-minute spaces available," according to Marty S. about Sherman County RV Park, but this varies by season.
Site size considerations: Different parks accommodate various RV sizes. At Imperial River Co., Nicole S. reports: "Right on the river, clean and cell service is great. WiFi works great. Full hook up's and showers."
