Cabin glamping in Heppner, Oregon offers outdoor recreation opportunities at an elevation of 1,700 feet in the rolling hills of Morrow County. This high desert climate sees summer temperatures reaching 90°F during day and dropping to 50°F at night, with significant seasonal temperature variations. Winter visitors can enjoy clear skies with fewer crowds, though some facilities close seasonally.
What to do
Fishing access: John Day River provides fishing opportunities near Lone Tree Campground — Cottonwood Canyon State Park. According to one camper, "The John Day River is easily accessible and swimmable just down from the campsite. It's great to fish, float, or hike the trails nearby."
OHV riding: 300+ miles of trails at Morrow County OHV Park offer extensive terrain for off-road vehicles. A visitor notes, "If you ride ATVs, dirt bikes or side by sides there are over 300 miles of trails over 9,000 acres here. Water and sewer hook ups as well."
Kayaking: Camas Creek provides water recreation for novice paddlers. At Ukiah-Dale Forest, one reviewer shared, "Quiet 27 spot state campground... Right on Camas Creek. Lovely."
Swimming: Penland Lake offers water access with some cautions. One camper advised, "We found a nice place to wade our feet in the water and play fetch with the puppers. It smelled awful and wasn't really the ideal wading water but we made it work."
What campers like
Affordability: $10-40 per night depending on amenities and hookups. A visitor to Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor mentioned, "$10 a night self pay. You can buy a small cart of firewood for $5. We had the place to ourselves in early May."
Wildlife viewing: Birds and elk frequent camping areas. One Cottonwood Canyon visitor shared, "In the morning, I awoke just before dawn when my dog sat bolt upright and intently watched with me as an elk cow walked through our campsite."
Stargazing: Low light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. A reviewer at Cottonwood Canyon noted, "The evening I arrived was the night before a full moon, so the setting sun over the canyon and the waxing moon gave a lovely glow to the sights."
Campsite spacing: Well-separated sites at many locations provide privacy. At Crow Butte Park, a camper observed, "Campsites are well-spaced (both back-in and pull-through), with electric and non-electric options. Reasonable cost for a full hookup at $40/night."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Check ahead for operating dates. Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor operates "mid April to mid October" according to campground information.
Wildlife precautions: Rattlesnakes inhabit several areas. A visitor warned, "This camp ground is located deep in a canyon 15 miles from Wasco, Oregon... It's also a rattlesnake habitat in Eastern Oregon's high desert biome."
Weather considerations: Wind exposure affects comfort at some sites. A visitor to Willow Creek RV Park described it as "A great place to relax with friends and family," earning it a 5-star rating despite occasional wind challenges.
Bathroom facilities: Limited options at some locations. One camper at Crow Butte Park noted, "The only bathroom/shower was right by the office. While it wasn't crowded, it was far from our site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kid-friendly facilities available at some campgrounds. A visitor to Morrow County OHV Park shared that "This place is great for families. Huge playground and lots of different types of camping available."
Swimming safety: Check water conditions before entering. One Penland Lake visitor cautioned, "Unfortunately, when we got out of the water we found leeches attached to our feet. So I would say this water isn't really meant for swimming and more for fishing and boating/floating."
Bike-friendly trails: Flat paths suitable for children. At Wildhorse Casino, a camper mentioned, "Clean, quiet, and lots to do! Golf, museum, movies, walking trails, nature and special events!"
Frogs and wildlife: Small creatures fascinate kids. A Crow Butte visitor shared, "There are really cute baby frogs hopping all around in the mornings though which was very cute. Just watch your step."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Easy access at several campgrounds. A Wildhorse Casino visitor noted, "Easy access for either pull through or back in. Fills up in the afternoon."
Hookup options: Water and electric services vary by campground. At Crow Butte Park, "The site was level, power checked out good and sewer and water were also provided. There is a picnic table."
Site selection: Perimeter spots often provide better atmosphere. One RVer at Wildhorse Casino advised, "The camp spots in the middle of the camping around had terrible grass and no trees. Camping stops around the perimeter had good grass and trees."
Road noise considerations: Some sites have highway proximity. A visitor noted, "Sites 1-5 are across from the office and along the road out - so one needs to anticipate truck noise and idling early morning when people might be leaving."
