Best Tent Camping near Fossil, OR
Searching for a tent campsite near Fossil? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Fossil, OR (23)
1. Service Creek Campground
Mitchell, Oregon5 Reviews•36 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Market
2. Muleshoe Campground
Kimberly, Oregon3 Reviews•13 Photos•32 SavesLocated just off of the sleepy John Day Highway, this campground offers 8 primitive campsites and an unimproved boat launch accessing the John Day River. The ancient river canyon weaves through the area providing spectacular views with ever-changing light and shadows in the early morning and late evening hours. A picturesque grove of ponderosa pine trees lines a section of the riverbank opposite the campground and the site itself has a large, solitary pine prominently situated. The surrounding layer cake geology is exposed in various peekaboo angles from the campground.
Know Before You Go:
Open year-round Six drive-in campsites; two walk-to campsites. All campsites are available on a first come, first served basis; no reservations are available. Two wheelchair accessible vault toilets. No utility hookups or potable water are available No garbage service - please pack out your trash An annual fire closure is in effect from June 1 through October 15. Prohibited acts include building, igniting, maintaining, attending, using, tending, or being within 20 feet of a campfire, charcoal fire, or any other type of open flame; smoking, except while in non-public buildings, closed vehicles, in boats on the water, or while standing in the water.
Point of Interest
Although located along State highway 19 the sights and sounds of the John Day River dominate over any road noise making it easy to forget the highway is even there. Bring a book as there's no cell phone coverage here.
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Market
- Toilets
- Alcohol
3. Priest Hole Recreation Area
Mitchell, Oregon2 Reviews•15 Photos•35 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Burnt Ranch Road/Bridge Creek (Painted Hills)
Mitchell, Oregon3 Reviews•15 Photos•164 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Macks Canyon Recreation Site
Moro, Oregon4 Reviews•42 Photos•77 SavesThe Macks Canyon archaeological site is a large, prehistoric village locale overlooking the Deschutes River in north-central Oregon. The site is characterized by shallow, circular, semi-subterranean house depressions, surface artifacts, and riverine shell deposits. Limited excavations conducted in the late 1960's indicate that the site was the location of a winter village occupied by Sahaptin-speaking people of the Columbia Plateau. Although the main period of occupation appears to have occurred within the last 2,000 years, the site may have been occupied as early as 5,000 BC. A campground and boat ramp are situated at the end of the Access Road along the east bank of the Lower Deschutes River. The area is popular with boaters and fishermen. The route to Macks Canyon is also a National Back Country Byway. ADA Access: The archaeological site itself does not have accessible facilities. However, the nearby campground has an accessible campsite, vault toilets and parking.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
$8 - $35 / night
6. Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area
Moro, Oregon4 Reviews•38 Photos•48 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Toilets
- Alcohol
7. Ochoco National Forest
Mitchell, Oregon2 Reviews•3 Photos•22 SavesThe Ochoco National Forest is located in Central Oregon, north and east of the City of Prineville. It encompasses 850,000 acres of rimrock, canyons, geologic oddities, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain as well as the North Fork of the Crooked River. At 155,000 acres, Crooked River Grasslands is one of the largest tracks of preserved grassland in the U.S. Visitors can find a variety of evidence of a ‘failed’ homestead attempts on the Grasslands: stone shelters, tools, cans, log cabins, barns and water troughs still remain. Please note that these items are protected by the Antiquities Act and must not be removed to preserve the historic integrity of the area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
8. Whistler Campground
Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, Oregon1 Review•7 SavesLocated on the northern edge of Mill Creek Wilderness, this campground is located within walking distance from the Wildcat North Trailhead. There are many standing dead trees here so be careful where you wander and where you set your camp. Whistler Springs rockhounding site is located within the campground shortly downhill from the restroom that has a tendency to draw enthusiasts. For visitors who are interested in either hiking in preserved wilderness areas, or scavenging for some beautiful stones this is a great place to spend some time. Visit our Rocks & Minerals page for more information on rockhounding. View a vicinity map of Mill Creek Wilderness and trails NOTE : The road getting to the campground, as well as the road within the campground, are both very rough. Recreational vehicles and trailers are not recommended.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
9. Walton Sno-Park
Mitchell, Oregon1 Review•17 PhotosWalton Lake Sno-Park is located off of Forest Service Road 22 and provides access to a variety of winter activities. There are two parking areas; the lower provides immediate access to the network of cross-country ski trails, and the larger upper area that provides immediate access to the warming hut and restroom. The greatest concentration of snowmobile trails on the Ochoco National Forest can be accessed from the upper parking lot. Additionally, there is a small hilly area next to the upper parking area that is good for sledding and tubing. Walton Sno-Park is ideal for snowmobile enthusiasts, as well as anyone who is looking to participate in more than one kind of winter recreation and does not mind roads that are maintained less in the winter. Be advised: Plowing of the FS 22 Road only occurs approximately once per week and there are few adequate places to turn around, so access may be difficult. In addition, early season plowing extends outside the road bed to allow room for the snow that accumulates throughout the season, so please be aware and drive with caution. View a map of Nordic ski trails at Walton Sno-Park . View the Snowmobile Trail Map .
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
- Alcohol
10. Ochoco Forest Camp
Mitchell, Oregon1 Review•2 Photos•26 SavesOverview
Ochoco Forest Camp is nestled in the Ochoco Mountain range near the 6,926-foot Lookout Mountain, which is known for its unusual rock formations. The pavilion offers a large group picnic area and several campsites. A small meadow and group fire ring with BBQ is popular for weddings and family reunions. Wild horses are sometimes seen near the camp and surrounding area.
Recreation
The shelter is close to the Lookout Mountain Trail, which climbs to the top of the mountain and offers terrific views of the Cascades and meadow wildflowers in the spring. This trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. However, horses are not allowed at the pavilion and campground. Anglers can also go fishing for trout in nearby Walton Lake.
Natural Features
Much of the area is dominated by old-growth Ponderosa pine. Wildlife include Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer, as well as several bird species that include white-headed woodpecker, belted kingfisher, spotted sandpiper, cinnamon teal, American coot, Steller's jay, yellow-headed blackbird and Brewer's blackbird. Wild horses are commonly seen in the area. Excellent hiking, mt biking, and horse riding is available on the trails nearby.
Nearby Attractions
Walton Lake offers a variety of activities for day-use visitors. There is a swimming beach, fishing pier and boat ramp, and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. There is exellent trail hiking and mt. biking at Lookout Mt and Round Mt. trails.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$125 - $200 / night
Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews in Fossil
215 Reviews of 23 Fossil Campgrounds
- E
Eric P.
Ranger
Maupin City Park
September raft trip
Stayed 3 nights and had a great time rafting on the river. Lots of options for RV and tent camping. Group sites are available (3). Restrooms could use an update but functional. All camp staff hosts are helpful and friendly. Will come back again. This campground is popular and books up quickly.
- Dennis P.
Guide
Bear Hollow County Park
Good for an overnighter
Arrived afternoon on Labor Day to find an empty campground. Sites are large, but not very level for an RV.
Mike H.
ScoutMaupin City Park
Lock Up Valuables and Booze
Overall experience was great…. with a caveat. It’s a small camping park, sites are small and close to each other. However the park is clean and well maintained. Our only issue is that our first night, at about 2am, I was woken up by footsteps outside our trailer window. I looked out to see we hat appeared to be a younger adult male dressed in all black who pulled the coolers and chairs out from under our trailer and pulled two booze bottles out of the cooler and had them on the picnic table getting ready to take them. I opened the door and scared him into running by yelling at him. This is my first time, in 40+ years camping that I’ve had anything like this happen. So at 2:15 this morning, I was outside hauling all of our gear into the trailer. Joke was on him though, the bottles were filled with water to freeze and use as ice. Just beware, this is a nice little park, but don’t leave your valuables out overnight.
We reported it to the office, who told us they’ve been having the issue recently, that they think it’s local teens, but their hands were being tied by local police on how to catch the thieves. I called local non emergency and reported the incident to them in hopes they might step up patrols or something.
- Lyn V.
Traveler
Trout Creek Campground Boat Ramp
Quiet and relaxing
Loved this spot. Across the river we watched wild horses. In the river there were birds. During the day rafters come down.
No water available unless you boil river water.
The road down was STEEP! I really overheated my motorhome breaks. Plus a scary, low and narrow tunnel at the bottom.
Keith H.Scout
Fish House Inn and RV Campground
Very Very Nice!
This place is beautiful! Everything perfectly cared for@
- LLelandGuide
Antelope RV Park and Campsites
Awesome campground
Antelope is a strange and beautiful little place. Part ghost town, part living community, it is often a welcome oasis on the Oregon Outback cycling trail. The path north out of Prineville is a beautiful ascent-descent of the Ochoco Mountains, which is pretty exhausting. If weather is a factor (we arrived in cold, wet and punishing wind) Antelope is a much better place to camp than Shaniko which is 8 miles up on a plateau.
The RV Park is a work in progress. We arrived without a reservation and were given a very nice spot to camp behind an old diner. Some small a-frame cabins are available with more being built, and a few spots to park campers with sewer dump and 30 amp hookups.
Overall I give this campground an outstanding rating. Hospitable, well-equipped, well-situated… great spot.
Teresa W.ScoutAntelope RV Park and Campsites
Heaven on earth
This place is a pure gem. Heaven on earth. Make sure to take the road to or from Shiniko to see the view.
Bill M.Guide
Oasis BLM Campground
Few spots, great stop
In the lower deschutes area, maupin is a busy spot. Oasis is straightforward, no frills, and just a few spots. They have electronic fee machine which was convenient.
Shelby S.Guide
Painted Hills Dispersed
Perfect ✨️
I arrived midday, so I spent the hottest part of the day in my shade tent reading and then in the evening watched the fire under the stars in my hammock. very peaceful, only saw one car drive by the whole time
- GGil W.Guide
Mitchell City Park
NICE SPOT IN A CITY PARK
Not 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.
- LLelandGuide
Sherman County RV Park
A rare find
This is not a fancy place, but it is clean, well tended, quiet and beautiful. After 10 hours driving, I just wanted a quiet place to sleep. This was exactly that. I paid $35 for a pull through and a 30amp hookup for my teardrop. There are bathrooms which are immaculately clean. All in all, this place is a great find.
- RRaina D.Traveler
Painted Hills Dispersed
It’s what you’d expect
Stayed here one night. Very windy and very desolate. We were the only ones here. The coordinates take you to a parking lot that does not allow overnight, but you go right past it and across a cattle grade and the campsite is on your right.
- mmadorie M.Traveler
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.
Rob’t H.ScoutOchoco Divide Campground
Pleasant Campground
The sites are tucked in among Ponderosa pines & some sites are spacious. There’s occasional highway noise during the day, but fairly quiet at night. Verizon was available at times with a booster.
- Michael F.Guide
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!
- jjamesGuide
Muleshoe Campground
BLM camping and boat launch on the John Day
6 long level spots on the John Day. 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. Across the way you could see the seasonal waterfall
- MMark W.Guide
BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
Beautifully Remote
I would recommend a rig with lots of ground clearance. The main gravel roads have been recently maintained but the last bit has deep ruts and there are rocky areas. Our trailer had better clearance than our truck and we bumped a few rocks getting into our spot. There are a few less rocky areas, but they seem to get taken first. More people in the off-season than I expected for such a remote area. You need to use a fire pan for fires when allowed, so be sure to bring one. It was our first time using a fire pan but it was better than using the ground as they are designed to allow perfect air flow.
Richard H.GuideOasis BLM Campground
Nice basic BLM campground right on the Deschutes River.
Basic no frills campground. Right on the river. Good for fishing or rafting. Gravel parking. No shade. Pit toilets, garbage, picnic tables and fire pits.
- EEric P.Ranger
Oasis BLM Campground
Great spot on the Deshutes
We had a great day camping and enjoying the river. A few spots to hike. Several other camping opportunities on the Deshutes byway as well. I would return. Plenty of opportunities for fly fishing in the area as well. Lots of falls nearby.
Brodie D.GuideBLM John Day River - Priest Hole
Our new favorite boondocking spot
Incredible little spot. We pulled in around an hour before sunset and found a beautiful site right on the river. Doesn’t look like there are a ton of spots so make sure to get there during daylight to be safe. It was super quiet and peaceful with no noise other than the river roaring which provided a great nights sleep!
The views are also stunning both at night and in the sunlight!
We made it through all the gravel roads fine (about 7 miles total) with our van pulling a 21ft travel trailer. Just go slow and you’ll be fine!
There is one bathroom available, but we didn’t use it.
Logan K.Traveler
Macks Canyon Recreation Site
Off the beaten path
Really good spot to get off the grid while still having most amenities. Stayed here for a few days and loved it. About 20 miles of gravel road will take you here and some small Rockwall to semi-worry about. Other than that most people you'll bump into are fisherman or overlanding.
Matt D.Traveler
Lone Tree Campground — Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Nice spread
Pretty amazing State Park, lucked on weather. Trails on either side are both nice cruisers on bikes - green runs, but can make them more work, and the views are sublime.  The park amenities were top-notch, including a nice windbreak. Stars at night were spectacular.
- AAndrew S.Traveler
Barnhouse Campground
Quiet and secluded
Stayed for one night, most of the sites are far enough away that it didn’t feel crowded with three other parties there, but a couple of the sites are close enough to be good for a group. Our site had a slight slant so we needed a couple of leveling blocks. Clean toilet when we were there.
Jenny H.Scout
Spoke'n Hostel Creekside Camping
I love this place !
It’s clean, comfortable and cozy. Like staying at a good friend or family members’ house .
Alix J.Guide
Anson Wright Memorial Park
Nice Spot
This place is nice for it's location-far away from pretty much everything. It's quiet and shaded and has a few good amenities like bathrooms, showers, park, and fishing pond. A great place to relax.
- BBrooklyn P.Traveler
Painted Hills Dispersed
quiet & secluded!
campsites were super easy to find & best of all..free! it was SO quiet out there, so lovely. just a little drive even from the furthest most campsite to all of the little trails around the painted hills! super lovely place to stay the night if you’re just passing through! :)
- DDavid P.Guide
BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
Remote campground but beautiful. Everything is a long way from here.
The road into the hole is a sketchy single lane with large ruts. A high clearance vehicle is a must. We pulled a 28 ft Travel trailer down in early June. The place was not crowded at all. We probably should not have done that, We got lucky that we did not meet anyone on the road.
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 23 tent camping locations near Fossil, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.