Best Tent 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.

Best Tent Sites Near Fossil, Oregon (22)

    1. Service Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mitchell, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "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."

    2. Priest Hole Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Mitchell, OR
    18 miles

    "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."

    3. Muleshoe Campground

    3 Reviews
    Kimberly, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "A few walk in tents spots too. 2 vault toilets No trash so pack in/pack out $5/night, self registration. Great spot in center of John Day Fossil Beds national monument."

    "Only downfall is being wide open and really close to other sites. We had an RV to our right and no one to our left , so we didn’t have people directly by us."

    4. Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills)

    4 Reviews
    Mitchell, OR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "Great spot just outside the Painted Hills National Monument park. Easy to miss as there are no signs and it is an abrupt turn off.  Had the whole place to ourselves for one night."

    "Be ready for potential wind. Lots of space and very easily accessible but make sure to fuel up before you go it’s a bit of a drive."

    5. Fairview

    Be the first to review!
    Kimberly, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 676-9187

    6. Macks Canyon Recreation Site

    4 Reviews
    Moro, OR
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    $8 - $35 / night

    "We went during weather transition from rain to clear. The result, high winds in the canyon. This only lasted the one night. Fantastic weather the rest of the time. A slight bit of small trash around."

    "We were so glad we kept driving down this road until the very end."

    7. Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Moro, OR
    43 miles
    Website

    "We stayed in the big open field next to it.

    I don’t think this is technically an “official” campsite but it has a lovely composting toilet that smells like fresh cedar."

    "Bike-packing Campground Review:

    The lower Deschutes River from Pelton Dam to the Columbia River, goes about 100 river miles along the water and was designated an Oregon Scenic Waterway in 1970."

    8. Ochoco National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Mitchell, OR
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 270-0094

    "We boondocked at a great site in October 2020 near Mill Creek Wilderness, dirt forest roads not too bad but we have a pretty low bar. Some great views looking west/northwest."

    "There are trails in abundance and beautiful views to be had, in addition to lakes, mine remnants and vistas galore. Camp, trail run or just bbq at the lake. There is something for everyone here."

    9. Whistler Campground

    1 Review
    Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6500

    10. Walton Sno-Park

    1 Review
    Mitchell, OR
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    "Came to check it out since we were camped nearby. There’s a vault toilet, some fire pits where obviously you can camp and looks like lots of snow mobile trails. There is also a pond of water too."

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Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Fossil, OR

222 Reviews of 22 Fossil Campgrounds



Guide to Fossil

Tent camping near Fossil, Oregon offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into nature.

Tips for tent camping near Fossil

  • Service Creek Campground provides a rustic experience with picnic tables and fire pits, ideal for a cozy night under the stars.
  • Muleshoe Campground is a great choice for those seeking a peaceful spot along the John Day River, featuring self-registration and vault toilets.
  • Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills) offers easy access to stunning views of the Painted Hills, making it a fantastic base for exploration.

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $25

  • Fairview Campground is an affordable option at just $5 a night, perfect for budget-conscious campers looking for a simple stay.
  • Muleshoe Campground charges $5 per night, providing a great value for those wanting to camp near the John Day Fossil Beds.
  • Service Creek Campground offers a well-reviewed experience for $25, with convenient access to nearby attractions.

Tent campers should check out Macks Canyon Recreation Site

  • Macks Canyon Recreation Site is known for its serene atmosphere and proximity to fishing spots, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Whistler Campground features beautiful river views and is a great spot for those who enjoy hiking and exploring the surrounding area.
  • Ochoco National Forest offers numerous trails and stunning vistas, perfect for campers looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fossil, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fossil, OR is Service Creek Campground with a 3.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Fossil, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Fossil, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.