Searching for a tent campsite near Heppner? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and frogs chirping and croaking and wake up to Blue Gill and Rainbow Trout jumping at the bit. This campground is set on the shore of Penland Lake, which also abuts private land and land owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Penland is popular on summer weekends and offers access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There are seven campsites and two vault toilets on the National Forest portion of the campground, with more campsites located on the adjacent ODFW property. There is also a boat ramp, fishing dock, and benches located on the dam. Picnic tables are available for Day Use on the lakefront as well. There is no potable water or garbage service; please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home.
Located 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.
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.
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.
This is a peaceful campground set in an open Ponderosa pine stand along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River. Gold Dredge features 7 campsties and 1 accessible vault toilet. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. Attractions in this area include photography, swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing. Water levels are low in mid to late summer, which can impede use of boats. The campground provides good access for big game hunting. In addition, the Oriental Trailhead is about 6 miles west, providing access to both OHV and wilderness trails.
Divide Well Campground is a remote site with a rustic look. It is situated in an meadow with scattered ponderosa pine and denser fir along the campground edges. Divide Well is a popular spot for elk hunters, but little used through the rest of the season. It features 11 campsties and two accessible vault toilets. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home. Nearby is the Potamus Point Interpretive Site , with breathtaking views, interesting geology, and a herd of re-introduced bighorn sheep. There are no developed trails on this side of the North Fork John Day Ranger District.
Fairview Camp is drive-through loop off State Highway 207 offering five campsites and an accessible vault toilet. Two campsites directly across from the toilet are fully accessible. A free-flowing water fountain provides potable water from May to October. Remnants from a wildfire in the late 1980s can be seen along the egdes of this small campground. There is no garbage service, so please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home. The campground is used primarily for hunting and OHV riding--its trailhead accesses 80 miles of OHV roads and trails on the Heppner Ranger District. Also, Morrow County OHV Park is only 6 miles north on State Highway 207 and offers over 200 miles of OHV marked and groomed trails. The main season of use is from late fall to early winter during big game hunting season. It also serves as an overflow camping site when Bull Prairie Lake Campground is at full capacity.
Camping is now 'group camping' only, and requires a permit
This fairly secluded campground is near the end of Forest Road 5506 along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River. It features 8 campsites and 2 accessible toilets. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. Large vehicles, trailers, and low clearance vehicles are not recommended due to poor access road and limited turnaround capability. This campground offers fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating, hiking, OHV riding, horseback riding, sight-seeing, and photography. Water levels are low in mid to late summer, which can impede use of boats. The campground also provides good access for big game hunting. Near Oriental Creek is the start of the River Trail #3043 , an OHV trail accessing the southern end of 100 miles of trail. Three miles down the closed portion of Road 5506 is entry to the North Fork John Day Wilderness with access to the North Fork John Day River Trail #3022 , Big Creek Trail #3151 and Corral Creek Trail #3009.
Drift Fence Campground is situated along the paved Blue Mountain Scenic Byway and is traditionally a hunting camp. This is a small, rustic site and the short access road is in poor condiiton. The campground features 6 campsties and 2 vault toilets. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack all garbage out and dispose of it at home. The surrounding area offers hunting, wildlife and wildflower viewing opportunities, and photography. Fishing is available at several nearby stocked ponds including Twin Ponds where the annual Fishing Derby is held. If you like to drive, you can pick up the Ukiah-Granite Roadside Geology tour brochure at the Ranger District and take a day trip to Granite. The Bridge Creek Wildlife Viewing Area (elk) is just a few miles down the road.
West Park is located within McNary Dam Wildlife Area just downstream of McNary Dam in Eastern Oregon on the Mid-Columbia River.
The park provides two softball fields and a playset for the children to enjoy the park. There is also close access to the McNary Dam Wildlife Areas and its trail system.
West Park offers two reservable picnic shelters. West Park #1 Steelhead Shelter has eight picnic tables and two fire grills and West Park #2 Coho Shelter has 10 picnic tables and two fire grills. Both shelters also offer electricity.
The park is located within the McNary Dam Wildlife Area. Day users enjoy the beautiful park with its mature shade trees.
The Pacific Salmon Visitor Center, Oregon Fish Viewing Room and the McNary Dam Wildlife Area with its beautiful natural trails are all in close proximity to West Park.
$70 / night
Traveler
Easy to pull into tent camping spots. Recommend if traveling and need an easy sleep spot.
GuideThis is where we start our camping season...on Mother's Day weekend! This is a small campground. Has a vault toilet but no potable water so bring your own. Each site does have a fire ring. Site 1 can hold about 2 RV's or 4 tents and possible 10 people. Site 2 is good for 1 RV or tent, Site 3 is closest to the river, tight fit for a RV but a small pull behind fits nice - could fit 2 tents. Site 4 and 5 is small. Site 6 can fit 4 to 5 tents or 1 RV/trailer. Taking a "Sunday drive" up and around is amazing! Great area if you have OHV's!
Scout
This is a nice little park, it’s a little misleading when you pull in as there is an Indian reservation next to it that looks like a bunch of homeless camps, so be careful where you park your rig. Also if you’re tent camping, I found out from the camp host that you may want to check with him before you set up a tent as there are automatic sprinklers that come on certain days
Ranger
We 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.
Guide
I was very disappointed with this camp site. The one positive note is that there are a few campsites further away from the water so you're not so crowded. The campsites near the lake are tent sites with a parking area. Unfortunately, there were rvs parked in the parking area which took up most of the parking space. The tent sites were extremely close to each other and the water so I would image, come evening the mosquitoes would be awful! If you go further into the campsites area you will find a dirt road and a few more campsites near the water. Very tight and looks difficult to get an rv in, but there was a small one parked there. There was another site that looked like it had long term residence with trash and alcohol bottles spread out around their place. 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. 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. Then while we were cleaning our selves of the leeches, someone asked if they could have our spot since we were only day visiting. Made it awkward and felt like we had to leave.
Scout
Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful, well-maintained state park. We have not camped here because it is not our camp vibe (too developed), but I just want to clarify that there is NO dispersed camping here. This page incorrectly states there is dispersed camping in Cottonwood Canyon SP. There are a handful of what the park has called “hiker” spots, which are about 25 feet from a parking lot. Campsites on literally on top of each other. Camping is prohibited essentially everywhere else on park land, which is frustrating because it’s over 800 acres and there’s plenty of room to accommodate the handful of adventure seekers to disperse. Piggybacking what others have said: canyons get very windy and tent camping can be tricky in these conditions.
Overall, a lovely campground for families and campers who prefer less primitive amenities.
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.
Guide
Let's start with the positive folks. This site as an amazing parking area that is large enough for rvs and horse trailers to be able to turn around without any issues. There's a wooden pin to be able to keep horses safe and secure over night. Almost all campsites are shaded. There is a trail for either a long hike or a short one. With two littles, we did the short on which around trip was under 3 miles. It looks like if we would have kept going there is definitely an uphill climb to continue the treck, but I'm sure the few is gorgeous on top! Now is time for the negatives that really just makes this place not that great. The campsites are very close together. The ground isn't very level, so tent camping would be bumpy and on an incline. There's also little tree trunk scattered out through out the whole place so it is kinda dangerous for kids to ran around a play. Mosquitos can be murdereres so lots of bug spray! Last thing, it is rather close to the main highway so lots of noise from the traffic.
Guide
So… many… spiders! I paid 20 bucks for 1 night tent camping for me and 2 dogs. The campground is absolutely gorgeous with lots of trees and water views. A little confusing to get to since there isn’t much signage to guide you and I ended up going to wrong way the first time. They have bathrooms with showers available for use. I was very very satisfied here but once it got a little darker, all the creepy crawlers started coming out and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many spiders in one place. In the morning, I had spiders in each of my door handles, my mirrors, when I turned on my car they started crawling out of the hood of my car, and I had spiders coming out of my trunk for a week. I am not a “beginning camper” so I’m used to bugs and spiders on my trips but I’ve never had this many in one place. There are really cute baby frogs hopping all around in the mornings though which was very cute. Just watch your step. Probably won’t be going back because of the spiders though…
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.
TravelerCcottonwood Canyon State Park Campground is a lovely, remote primitive camp experience. For the uninitiated, this means no electric sites, no running water, no flush toilets. Its also a rattlesnake habitat in Eastern Oregon's high desert biome, within 30 miles or so of The Dalles, a city marking the change in the Columbia River Gorge from high desert to wooded mountainsides. This camp ground us located deep in a canyon 15 miles from Wasco, Oregon. Before descending into the canyon, you'll see Eastern Oregon's classic golden wheatfields, then a wind farm, with scores of white windmills. 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. Unfortunately, my camera phone and photographer skills are lacking; sorry. If you love truly getting away from it all, as I do, you'll appreciate the absolute peace at Cottonwood Canyon. We arrived at dusk, late in July, and as is typical for the region, it was still 90 degrees. Fortunately, my summer tent is mostly screen, allowing the cool canyon breeze in, and it erects quickly and easily. It was full dark by the time I'd pitched it, and outfitted it with my airbed. Because of all the rattlesnake warning signs, I kept my dog leashed or tied out on a campsite-length cable. We parked across the campground from the pit toilets, which were not lighted, so bring a flashlight, cell phone, or lantern for inside the biffy. If this kind of camping appeals to you, you'll be rewarded with a quiet night of no traffic noise, only the sound of the nearby murmuring creek and the breeze in the trees. The other campers here were very quiet and respectful of the rules. The beautiful moonlight set one side of the canyon aglow and the clear sky was filled with stars. I didn't need my rain fly, so could enjoy finding the constellations as I lay in my tent. 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. The fee here is $10 a.night, and worth every penny!
Here is the one caveat: as of this writing, (late July 2018) the loud diesel pickup truck that came through to empty trash bins at 6am was jarring. It was followed by the back-up beeping of heavy machinery by 6:30am, as work on a new building commenced near the campground. This was so unfortunate, and I pity the folks that had hoped to sleep in.
ScoutCamping here is nice on the Columbia River Washington side. Little breezy at times. $40.00 a night for RV $30.00 for veterans $20.00 for tents
TravelerWe visited this campground over a weekend that was going to be rainy in the Willamette Valley. Sarvice is listed on the Painted Hills park map with plenty of amenities- toilets and showers, mainly.
The owners live across the street, a note on the main cabin said to leave the money ($10 for tents) in a lockbox by the bathroom. There was one other couple each night of the weekend, so it was incredibly quiet and peaceful.
There are perhaps 15 RV pads. They tend to be clustered with 2-3 next to each other, but generally the campground is spread across a hillside.
Amenities- there are a handful of cabins, the RV pads all have power and water (but not sewer). I think the RV pads are where tents are supposed to be- it's basically the only flat ground- but the large rocks mean you'll want a good tent footprint and thick sleeping pad or air mattress). There's a kitchen area with stoves and fridges. I didn't use it.
Obviously this is a "corral", so there are horse facilities. That's all I know about that. I was on a bicycle, not a horse.
Traveler
Not sure of the price for an Rv slot. Beautiful river view. Some tent pads, level area for my van to park and sleep. Great breezes today.
TravelerThis State Park is absolutely a beautiful part of the country. The canyon is steep and unique with the John Day river running right through it. The campground is nestled right near the water and has gorgeous 360 views. The campsites are well kept and have all the amenities for a nice pull in site to camp with either a trailer, van, or tent. The only downside is how windy this canyon can get. The state park definitely took this into consideration and provided each campsite with a wooden wind break for tents. So they make it manageable but be prepared! Heads up, there's no cell service at this campground.
Guide
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
Guidefor tents or walk in. Very dry, dusty area adjacent to John Day River. Not close to river and access was a raft ramp at one end of campground. No where for a teardrop. Again, my phone is off when camping so no pics. I wouldn't chose this as a destination, but someone else may love the rawness of the area. Especially rafters or someone wanting to float the lovely river.
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.
Legend
We stayed in the Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Village the day we purchased our trailer. The surroundings are sparse but what it lacks in scenery they make up for in amenities. There is a pool and a shuttle service to the casino. While we didn't go to the casino, we did spend a lot if time in the pool and envied those staying in the tipis. This is a great stop if you are traveling from Western Oregon to Eastern Oregon. The grounds and restrooms where clean and we enjoyed our stay!
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.
Ranger
Lane Creek campground is in the Umatilla Forest off Hwy 244 (Between HWY 395 & I-84). Between milepost 10 & 12. It has 7 camp sites with vaulted toilet. No water or garabage, but have picnic table and fire ring, with level gravel site for trailers (can pitch a tent). One out of the 7 sites can hold a large RV of 35ft. Town of Ukiah is west about 8 miles and has a dump station for RV at a park in middle of town off HWY 244. Great Elk hunting area lots of forest road to drive around.
GuideWe stayed on a Tuesday night at the end of July. At other campgrounds in the area the temperature was in the high 80s. At Bear Hollow, it was a wonderful 72°. The toilets were immaculate with hand disinfectant and air fresheners provided and plenty of toilet paper. US tons of space. No reservations possible nor are they needed. The sites are sometimes uneven and therefore better for fifth wheels or motorhomes rather than for tents but we had no issue finding a flat site for us with no neighbors. 5* for climate, shade and cleanliness. 3* for layout, privacy and inclines. The street is hardly used at night, no issues there.
Guide
Large parking lot on the John Day, not exactly on it. It was SO hot but we had to head east to beat the smoke. 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. So quiet and magical as the evening wore on. Next to the hwy, but really no traffic after it was dark. We decided that it wouldn't be a destination spot, but we would stay again for a couple days. Beautiful desert scenery...my phone is usually off when we camp so sorry no pics.
Legend
Plan ahead: You will need to reserve your river permits well in advance, have a bit of rafting/kayaking experience, know your portable toilet/trash/water plans, and plan for picking up your vehicle, etc. so this is a review for those that know they want to raft the John Day and are looking for camping spots along the way. These sites are accessible by water only.
We camped at the bluffs at 130R (on the right side just before the bend) and at “Last Chance” at 119.3L (on the left side that juts out in the bend just before Cathedral Rock).
The bluffs were amazingly beautiful. There was an easy and obvious spot to pull off the river on the right. Up the hill just slightly was a flat area where I assume smaller groups often camp. We were one larger group and made a lower area into a kitchen/dining are (there is a tree for shade which was very welcomed) and there were many smaller areas for tents above that. You get a stunning view as the sun sets beyond the river. We faced out tent towards the open field and slept without the rain cover to take it all in. I can't recommend camping at 130R enough. The river was a bit too fast and low to swim here. It was a bit tricky to find a private spot for the travelling loo.
The next night, we camped at 119.3L. There were also sites on the opposite bank. This was a broad flat area with a slow pool to swim in. Cathedral Wall was visible from our spot, which was an added bonus. Trees for shade and for loo privacy were appreciated.
RangerWow!!!! That seemed to be a word I used constantly during my 3 day stay at this wonderful new park. I wasn't sure what to expect at this high desert park, but situated deep in a canyon on a once working cattle ranch, this park is poised to become one of Oregon's top state parks. Whoever has done the design and development of this location should be praised. They're working with the natural features and old ranch buildings to give campers a feeling of history while they enjoy the remote locations typical of Eastern Oregon. Loads of wonderful trails, free use of mountain bikes, an information center, wonderful, huge sites......all added up to an amazing stay. Yes, it's dry camping so plan ahead. There is potable water on site. The bathrooms are super clean. I stayed there during a full moon and the night lighting of the surrounding hills and rocks was outstanding....not to mention star gazing as there's no peripheral lighting.
Ranger
Only a mile off I-84 down an easy dirt road, this little site sees some day use for kite surfers, kayakers and fishermen, but also has plenty of space for a number of RVs to set up camp, just feet above the Columbia. We arrived right at sunset, which was gorgeous over the mountain tops and river. There ended being 3 or 4 RVs set up overnight, plus 2 tent campers on a Saturday night. Peaceful and quiet, easy on and off the highway, perfect little overnight stop while driving back to Portland. Didn’t hear highway noise, even though we were that close to the interstate. Would definitely use again.
Had 2 of 4 bars on AT&T. This site is also known as Threemile Canyon Park according to the signs from the highway.
Scout
$12 a night for water and electricity. Clean area with grass and playground. Some areas appear to be under construction or upgrade. Dumpster and restroom available. Showers closed because of covid-19. Sights are on paved roadway with firepits and picnic tables. Easy in and out for our 32' Class A. Hermiston Oregon is 6 miles away.
Tent camping near Heppner, Oregon offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from lakeside retreats to forested areas, there's something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Heppner, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Heppner, OR is Penland Lake with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Heppner, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Heppner, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
