Dispersed camping near John Day, Oregon provides access to multiple national forests and wilderness areas at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The region experiences temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, especially in the higher elevation campsites. Many campsites offer vault toilets but limited water access, requiring campers to bring sufficient supplies.
What to do
Hiking to Strawberry Lake: From Strawberry Campground, trails lead to beautiful alpine destinations. "From the campground, you can take the trails to the lake, which was a fun hike. The vault toilets were clean and the Ranger came around every day to check in," notes Heather B., who adds that trails start directly from the camping area.
Fishing for trout: Magone Lake Campground offers productive fishing opportunities throughout summer. "We caught several trout every day and loved how quiet and peaceful the campsite was at night," shares Halie M., who visited with her husband for their anniversary. The 7-acre lake supports rainbow trout populations stocked by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Wildlife viewing: Local campgrounds provide opportunities to spot deer, beaver, and birds of prey. "Ponderosa forest, osprey hunting every evening and resident beavers," reports Martha M. about her stay at Magone Lake. Multiple reviewers mention deer sightings, with many animals becoming comfortable around campsites during quieter weekdays.
What campers like
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate sites located near creeks and streams. "We picked a site next to the creek in the back and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves," writes Heather B. about Starr Campground. The sound of running water adds to the camping experience while providing practical benefits.
Shaded sites: Tall Ponderosa pines create natural cooling at many sites. "Nice, secluded campground right off the road. Sites 7+ are definitely in a better spot and have more privacy," notes Kara H. about her midweek stay at Starr Campground. This natural shade becomes particularly valuable during summer when daytime temperatures can exceed 90°F.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The hot showers were welcomed after our visit to wonderful (but dusty) Steens Mountain," writes Tanya B. about her stay at Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site. She adds that the campground is "conveniently located near the town of John Day and is adjacent to the John Day River."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. "When I was about 2 miles away from Strawberry Campground, I turned around. I just didn't trust my Mazda 3 to make it without bottoming out or getting a flat tire," shares Mary G. Many forest roads become more challenging after rain or early in the season.
Temperature variations: Be prepared for significant day-to-night changes. "The only thing I would change is the temperature. We didn't realize it was still so chilly at the end of May and were thankful for our extra layers and warmer sleeping bags," reports Heather B. This temperature swing affects all sites in the region.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise. Quinn Z. mentions about Grant County RV Park: "This really is an RV spot. Yes, you can tent camp here but it's expensive and it's right next to the road. It's loud. Really loud. Wake you up when you're sleeping loud." Site selection can mitigate this issue at certain campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Bring activities: Limited structured recreation means planning ahead. "I had my 9 year old nephew with me for this trip and was thankful I brought our bikes and games. Since the campground wasn't busy, there weren't other kiddos for him to play with," recommends Heather B. Board games and outdoor activities help during downtime between hikes.
Water safety awareness: Some campsites have water hazards. "There's a steep drop off next to some sites that goes right into the creek. Keep an eye on kiddos or pick a site farther away from the creek if you're worried about that," warns Heather B. about creek-side sites at Strawberry Campground.
Consider amenity needs: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "The bathhouse is accessed by walking through a grassy area and was pretty basic but clean," notes Lee D. about Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping, adding that larger RV parks might better suit some families' needs.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "Lots of flat ground for our 26" skoolie. There was a fire ring, but we didn't use it," reports Thomas B. about Fawn Spring, while mentioning "it's a bit of an uphill drive off 15, but it's a pretty good gravel road."
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites exist but are limited. "Shaded pull through and easy back in sites. Good value. Stream running next to the sites. Close to town," shares Dave B. about Grant County RV Park, which offers water, electric, and sewer connections near John Day.
Weather preparedness: Temperature extremes affect RVers too. "It got very cold at night. We were fine in our bus, but our traveling partner had his water bottle freeze in his tent," Thomas B. reports from his spring camping experience. RV systems can freeze during shoulder seasons without proper winterization.
