Searching for the best camping near John Day, OR? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Oregon camping adventure.
$30 - $37 / night
Strawberry Campground is located at the edge of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Set amongst ponderosa pine in a beautifully wooded area, the campground is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to hike, hunt, fish or simply relax. Strawberry Basin Trailhead is located at the campground. Strawberry Basin Trail #375 connects to other trails in the wilderness allowing for day hiking or backpacking trips.
$15 / night
Starr Campground is located just off of US Highway 395 making it very easy to get to. The campground has an upper level that is closer to the highway, yet still set back amongst beautiful pondersa pines. The lower part of the campground is set further back in the pine trees allowing for a more secluded experience. This beautiful campground sets in a prime spot for hunters, hikers and wildlife enthusiats. Within a 7 mile drive of the campground are numerous trailheads leading into the beautiful Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Just a few more miles down the road is beautiful Logan Valley, this area is amazing during the spring, summer and fall months affording wildflower, wildlife and scenery viewing. Starr Campground is a great base camp spot for those wanting to explore the Murderers Creek area and have the opportunity to see the wildhorses that reside there.
Magone Lake Campground is situated along its namesake lake in the northern reaches of Malheur National Forest in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing, swimming and hiking.
The Magone Lake area offers swimming, fishing, hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The lake contains eastern brook and rainbow trout. A boat ramp is available on-site. Visitors also enjoy viewing wildflowers and interesting geology throughout the region.
The campground is set in a forest of Engelmann spruce and ponderosa pine. Magone Lake covers about 50 acres and features both deep holes of up to 100 feet and shoals on the north side. Geologists believe Magone Lake was created by a landslide in the early 1800s. It is located in the southern reaches of the Malheur National Forest.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 575-3000.
$25 - $60 / night
Nestled on the edge of a lake, high in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, this popular campground is only 8 miles west of the historic Fremont Powerhouse and 12 miles west of the old mining town of Granite. The campground features 28 campsites and 7 accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and 2 docks. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. Besides beautiful scenery, the lake offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing--particularly a nesting pair of osprey that return annually. Activities in this area include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, and photography. Within 20 miles are several historic sites.
A 2-mile hiking trail encircles the lake, providing access to more secluded spots where solitude can be enjoyed. Bicyclists can also enjoy the trail although there are a couple of spots bikes might need to be walked, depending on skill level. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee and crawfish boils are a popular dinner option. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but wakes and jet skis are not allowed. There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. Mushroom and berry picking are available in season. Other nearby trails access the North John Day Wilderness Area and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. An interpretive sign about the beetle infestation is located in a few spots within the campground.
The area around Olive Lake is rich in history. The dam and gates on the north side of the lake were constructed as part of a hydroelectric system to support gold mining activities within the northern Blue Mountain Region. Historically, water from the lake flowed through a wooden pipeline to the Fremont Powerhouse, where it was used to produce electricity for mines and towns in the area. Fremont Powerhouse is located approximately 7 miles east and the historic moning town of Granite is 12 miles east of Olive Lake along Forest Road 73.
$12 - $25 / night
One of Eastern Oregons largest Forest Service campgrounds, Union Creek Campground is located 18 miles South of Baker City. Sitting along Phillips Reservoirs North shore, Union Creek Campground boasts many amenities including over 60 tent/trailer sites, some with full hookups. There is access to boating, mountain biking, hiking and more. This campground is part of the Union Creek Recreation Area, which includes a picnic and day-use area. Union Creek Campground is set on three loops with separate walk-in tent camping, and it has four group sites that can accommodate large groups up to 60 people. PLEASE NOTE: This Union Creek Campground is located in northeastern Oregon in the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. This is not the Union Creek Campground located in southwestern Oregon near Medford.
The campground is near a boat launch and a small, rocky swim beach. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing. Anglers can fish for bass, trout and perch. There's an access point for the Phillips Lake Shoreline Trail, a scenic trail for hiking and mountain biking. This trail can be connected to make a 16 mile loop around the lake.
Phillips Reservoir is a popular destination within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest because it offers scenic views of the surrounding Elkhorn Mountains. The shoreline is forested with a mix of Ponderosa pine and various firs interspersed with small grasslands. Visitors enjoy several varieties of colorful wildflowers in the spring.
The historic gold mining town of Sumpter is about 10 miles away, West of Hwy 7. Visitors can explore the Sumpter Dredge State Heritage Park, browse the holiday weekend flea markets or take a ride on a historic steam locomotive.
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy
$36 - $120 / night
Murderer's Creek Guard Station is in the heart of the Malheur National Forest, in central Oregon. It makes an excellent base camp for back country recreating, and is a cozy retreat for a couple and a fun opportunity to imagine the life of the early day forest rangers. The historic guard station is one of the oldest standing buildings in the forest. The cabin contains some modern amenities and can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Viewing wildlife and birds is popular in the area, as is hunting not far from the facility. Guests can hike area trails, explore the Cedar Grove Botanical Area and fish Murderer's Creek and South Fork John Day, though area creeks run dry toward summer's end.
The guard station is located approximately 32 miles from the town of John Day. It sits at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. The facility was built in 1913 and was originally used as a fire guard station. It was in use by Forest Service officials until the late 1990s. Murderer's Creek, a small creek that runs east and west along the southern base of Aldrich Mountain, is nearby the cabin. The guard station is surrounded by open meadows and timbered areas of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer. Abundant wildflowers dot the Cedar Grove Botanical Area, a 26-acre cedar grove on the northeast slope of Aldrich Mountain. The area is known for its wild horses, which coexist with mule deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, bear, cougar, and myriad smaller forest animals.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 575-3000.
$50 / night
Envision a stay in our beautiful and modern country style Bed & Breakfast in John Day, Oregon. It's been uniquely decorated by Andrea with furniture redesigned in her homey, yet eclectic style. Add to that specifically selected or custom made accessories, styled with co-ordinated fabric and paint schemes throughout. All of this comes together to create a symphony of comfort and relaxation for your enjoyment. The rooms are inspired by the works of four classic authors: Jane Austen, Lucy Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, and JM Barrie; portraying the style and feel so well described in their books to each. We look forward to meeting you and making your stay a memorable one.
$159 / night
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LegendLegendTravelerTravelerGuideCamping near John Day, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near John Day, Oregon, offers a unique blend of outdoor fun and relaxation. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near John Day, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, John Day, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near John Day, OR and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near John Day, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near John Day, OR is Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near John Day, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near John Day, OR.
What parks are near John Day, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near John Day, OR that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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