Best Cabin Camping near John Day, OR

Several cabin options are available near John Day, Oregon, including Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site and Victorian Lane Bed & Breakfast. At Clyde Holliday, cabins come with electricity and basic furnishings. The site offers two teepees that function as primitive cabins with concrete floors, acrylic mats, and small space heaters. Fall Mountain Lookout Cabin provides electric hookups but lacks water connections or bathroom facilities. Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin includes drinking water and toilet access. "The teepee inside is very bare bones compared to the luxury of yurts offered at other camp grounds. The floor is a concrete slab. There are six green acrylic mats and a small stool and very small space heater."

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. The Victorian Lane Bed & Breakfast offers more upscale cabin-style accommodations with full amenities including showers and toilets, while forest service properties like Murderers Creek Guard Station provide more rustic experiences. Most cabins require reservations, particularly during summer months. Fish House Inn and RV Campground allows pets in their cabin units, while many forest service cabins do not. According to reviews, some cabins like those at Clyde Holliday can experience significant traffic noise due to proximity to Highway 26.

Most rustic cabins include only basic furnishings and require guests to bring their own bedding, cooking supplies, and toiletries. The more developed locations like Victorian Lane provide standard hotel amenities. Cooking facilities vary widely between locations - some offer only outdoor fire pits while others include indoor kitchenettes. Drinking water is not available at all cabin sites, so visitors should check in advance and bring sufficient water supplies if needed. The town of John Day offers grocery and supply options approximately 8-10 miles from some campgrounds. As noted in one review, "Be advised the closest store is 8-10 miles in the city of John Day. Prices are high and selection is limited, so do come prepared if staying a few days!"

Best Cabin Sites Near John Day, Oregon (17)

    1. Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground

    28 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 932-4453

    $26 - $32 / night

    "General: 31 site state park that does not take reservations. There was plenty of availability at 4 pm on a Friday in April."

    "We stayed at Clyde Holliday for one night on the way to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. "

    2. Victorian Lane Bed & Breakfast

    1 Review
    John Day, OR
    2 miles
    Website

    $159 / night

    "Victorian Lane Bed & Breakfast offers guests a rural setting in the form of a 5 bedroom single family country style home that resides on about 12 and a half acres. "

    3. Murderers Creek Guard Station

    3 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 820-3800

    $50 / night

    "The fold out bed is old and worn out. I recommend putting an air mattress or at least sleeping pads on it. "

    "The Cabin Besides the pullout couch leaving a lot to be desired, this little guard station was wonderful."

    4. Fall Mountain Lookout Cabin

    Be the first to review!
    Mount Vernon, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 820-3800

    $40 / night

    5. Fish House Inn and RV Campground

    7 Reviews
    Dayville, OR
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 987-2124

    $25 - $150 / night

    "We stayed here as we had plans to visit John Day Fossil Beds National Monument the next day. We pulled our class B onto a lovely grassy FHU site."

    "And the bathrooms and showers are exceptionally clean and nice...they even include cloth hand and bath towels for you to use!"

    6. Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin

    1 Review
    Seneca, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 820-3800

    $60 / night

    "Clean, well maintained, cooking supplies provided, heated house with fridge. Outhouse was clean."

    7. Union Creek Campground

    28 Reviews
    Unity, OR
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 894-2332

    $36 - $120 / night

    "Site C6 walk-up site had electric and water. Park has dump station, Restrooms had flush toilets but no hot water and no showers. Elevation 4,097. Verizon had 2 bars 4G. "

    "Nice campground on the Upper Rouge River at the base of Crater Lake. Some sites on the outer loop don't look that great but the sites by the river and creek are pretty good."

    8. Unity Lake State Recreation Site Campground

    7 Reviews
    Unity, OR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 446-3470

    $26 - $62 / night

    "Touring through Oregon with my buddy on motorcycles, we had finished a great day of riding. Wanting to use his Oregon State Park benefits, we pulled into this spot."

    "We camped right next to lake. We didn’t have any neighbors which was amazing, many spots available. Enjoyed a beautiful sunset while sitting around campfires."

    9. Sunshine Guard Station

    Be the first to review!
    Prairie City, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 820-3800

    $60 / night

    10. Hilltop Hideaway

    1 Review
    Sumpter, OR
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 427-3231

    $55 / night

    "They have really cool cabins here at Hilltop Hideaway that are great! The cabins, however, are not very big. The max occupancy is 4 people."

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Cabin Reviews near John Day, OR

76 Reviews of 17 John Day Campgrounds


  • Julie P.
    May. 4, 2018

    Hilltop Hideaway

    Love the cabins

    This is a great place to come to getaway from the fast pace life. They have really cool cabins here at Hilltop Hideaway that are great! The cabins, however, are not very big. The max occupancy is 4 people. We had 4 people and I would say it did feel crowded but we managed. They only have 1 room, but there are bunk beds. There is a kitchen with fridge which is also nice. There is also an oven and microwave which made making food easy! The living room is cute, very "cabin" like feel. There was a couch and some chairs. We also brought a few folding chairs, which helped with more seating. The cabin also is equipped with a bathroom, running water, and shower. This piece was nice after a long day of exploring and getting dirty! Just FYI- and it does say this on their site- but there is no running water the months of October-May. We didn't have any issues with this because we went in June. Outside the cabin they do have a picnic table and grill, for those who want to do more outside cooking and activities. We BBQ one night, and it was a lot of fun! Another great thing about these cabins are dogs are welcomed. We brought our lab, and he had a blast! We enjoyed outdoor activities nearby- hiking, mainly. This place was great, however my only complaint would be the size of cabin (4 max), but it is obviously more room than a tent :)

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground

    Close to the road yet peaceful

    General: 31 site state park that does not take reservations. There was plenty of availability at 4 pm on a Friday in April.

    Site Quality: Sites are all level with paved pads, ranging in length from 37 to 84 feet. Good separation between the sites and some have foliage providing some amount of privacy. A large picnic table, fire ring, electric hookup, and wastewater drain complete each site. There are also two teepees. Sites along the river are better; road noise would obviously be louder at the sites that back up to the road. 

    Bathhouse: Up to many Oregon State Park standards with hot water, soap, utility shelves, and paper towels. Clean. Showers are free ($2 for non-campers) but did not use so cannot comment on their quality. 

    Activities: Not too much to do but there is a nice nature trail about a half-mile long that meanders along the John Day River. It forks a couple of times and if you keep to the left each time, you will eventually end up at a fence at the boundary of private property, but it is easy enough to loop around and return to the campground. 

    Although this campground is close to the road and you will hear road noise, it was also peaceful and quiet during our stay.

  • Brittney J.
    Oct. 15, 2019

    Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin

    Fall relaxing weekend

    Clean, well maintained, cooking supplies provided, heated house with fridge. Outhouse was clean. Recommended bring you own light, the lanterns did not provide a lot of light and your own blanket for the beds.

  • Tanya B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2021

    Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground

    Conveniently located

    We stayed at Clyde Holliday for one night on the way to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.  The campground is conveniently located near the town of John Day and is adjacent to the John Day River.  It had all the amenities we needed: electric hookups, water, T-mobile reception, hot showers, and a dump station. The hot showers were welcomed after our visit to wonderful (but dusty) Steens Mountain. We had the site just behind the information kiosk / pay booth, which was perfectly fine for a night, but as it was nearer the main road, I noticed the sound of traffic more than I might have had we gotten a river site. I liked the campground though, and would happily return in the future.

  • Kelli B.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground

    Only State Park Near John Day

    This is the Only State Park Near John Day!

    You CANNOT make reservations for the campsites in this park. Only the Teepees are reservable. However the park hosts here are amazing and allow boondocking in the large park overflow area when no sites are available.

    The sites are spacious with hook ups available. There is a restroom and shower located in the center of this small campground. There is no playground, but there is a large day use area adjacent that my kiddos loved to run around in. The John Day River runs along the south side of the campground and there is a nice walking trail.

    Be advised the closest store is 8-10miles in the city of John Day. Prices are high and selection is limited, so do come prepared if staying a few days!

    If the 3 John Day National Monuments are on your list, I highly recommend this campground for its location, friendly park hosts, and small campground feel!

  • Jill R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2017

    Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground

    This Oregon State Park is one of the best

    This is my second time staying at Clyde Holliday and wound up in the same site I stayed in last year. The sites are huge and well spaced. Lots of trees and a nice trail system along the river. Close to John Day and the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds.

  • Juice B.
    Aug. 8, 2019

    Murderers Creek Guard Station

    Loved the isolation in the middle of the forest.

    Wife and I stayed here in June 2019, and loved it. The building is quaint with gaslights, and gas fireplace. The fold out bed is old and worn out. I recommend putting an air mattress or at least sleeping pads on it. 

    There's a big refrigerator and gas stove in the kitchen, along with some pots and pans for cooking. But NO running water for drinking or cooking. so bring plenty of water. 

    There's a nice vault toilet outside the guard station. The outhouse is much newer than the guard station and kinda looks like a public toilet in the woods. But it's within the fenced boundary of the guard station. 

    Right in the middle of the Malheur Forest, this would be a great place to stay for deer/elk hunting season. 

    Fishing is good if you go over to the John Day river. 

    We saw Pronghorn in the Silvies Valley heading to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. I had to see the place that the standoff with the Feds took place.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Fish House Inn and RV Campground

    Lovely grassy site near National monument

    We stayed here as we had plans to visit John Day Fossil Beds National Monument the next day. We pulled our class B onto a lovely grassy FHU site. It was right next to the bathrooms but that was ok for us. The hot showers were lovely. The camp host was super nice. We enjoyed sitting outside on a hot evening. There is even a laundry. The only reason for not giving 5 stars, is that the neighbor’s rooster woke us up at about 4:30 am. If you are not a light sleeper you’d be fine here. We’d stay again if we were passing through but may use ear plugs.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Fish House Inn and RV Campground

    Excellent Small Town RV Park

    I've been visiting small town across the West for the last seven years. This is one of the nicest places I've stayed. It's quiet and clean with lovely grass growing between the camp sites. And the bathrooms and showers are exceptionally clean and nice...they even include cloth hand and bath towels for you to use!

    Highly recommended, especially if you are visiting John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.


Guide to John Day

Cabin camping near John Day, Oregon provides access to the high desert region of central Oregon, with elevations typically between 2,800-4,000 feet. The area experiences warm, dry summers with temperatures in the 80s and cold winters with nighttime lows often below freezing. Most cabins in the region operate seasonally from spring through fall, with limited winter access due to snow conditions on forest roads.

What to do

Riverside activities: At Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, campers enjoy water-based recreation along the John Day River. "My kids loved playing in the water and catching crayfish. There is a nice trail to walk on in the park," notes Jessica B., who stayed in one of their teepees.

Fossil exploration: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a popular destination for cabin campers, with three distinct units showcasing colorful rock formations. "We were here for Thanksgiving and it was great to be able to explore the Malheur National Forest during the crisp days, and come back to a warm cabin late in the afternoon," reports Kristen B. about staying at Murderers Creek Guard Station.

Wildlife viewing: Early morning hikes offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "If you hike a little off trail, there's plenty of wildlife to be seen. We ended up hiking to Horse Mountain (about 3.5 miles from the cabin), and saw wild horses early in the morning. We also saw mule deer and turkeys," according to a Murderers Creek Guard Station visitor.

What campers like

Hot showers: Several cabins and campgrounds offer shower facilities, a welcome amenity after outdoor adventures. "Fabulous free hot showers! Nice campground. Sites have paved parking, tables and fire pits," reports Connie C. about Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site.

Private spacing: Fish House Inn and RV Campground receives praise for its well-maintained grounds. "This is an adorable affordable location with cute little cottages," writes Marissa I., while another camper notes it has a "lovely grassy area" with full hookups.

Proximity to attractions: Cabin locations provide convenient access to regional highlights. "We stayed at Clyde Holliday for one night on the way to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The campground is conveniently located near the town of John Day and is adjacent to the John Day River," explains Tanya B., appreciating the strategic location.

What you should know

Cabin amenities vary widely: Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin offers certain basics while others are more rustic. "Clean, well maintained, cooking supplies provided, heated house with fridge. Outhouse was clean. Recommended bring your own light, the lanterns did not provide a lot of light and your own blanket for the beds," advises Brittney J.

Water availability: Not all cabins have running water. At Murderers Creek Guard Station, "There's a big refrigerator and gas stove in the kitchen, along with some pots and pans for cooking. But NO running water for drinking or cooking, so bring plenty of water," warns Juice B.

Road noise: Some cabin sites experience traffic sounds. As Quinn Z. notes about tent camping at Clyde Holliday, "It's right next to the road. It's loud. Really loud. Wake you up when you're sleeping loud."

Tips for camping with families

Water play opportunities: Kids enjoy shallow water areas during summer months. "The site backs up to the John Day river (very mellow in August). My kids loved playing in the water and catching crayfish," mentions a reviewer about the teepees at Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site.

Bring entertainment: Limited cell service means planning ahead for family activities. "If you hike a little off trail, there's plenty of wildlife to be seen," notes a Murderers Creek visitor, suggesting nature observation as a family-friendly option.

Supply planning: Stock up before arrival as shopping options are limited. "Be sure to gas up beforehand, no services on this scenic drive," advises Ron about visiting Unity Lake State Recreation Site, describing it as a "hidden gem" that's "serene" but remote.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Fish House Inn and RV Campground, the bathroom proximity can be convenient but noisy. "We pulled our class B onto a lovely grassy FHU site. It was right next to the bathrooms but that was ok for us. The hot showers were lovely," explains Kim G., who gave the site 4 stars.

Connectivity concerns: Cell service varies significantly throughout the area. One camper at Unity Lake notes, "Even with a weboost, cellular was poor. However, with the WeBoost, we could text and call. We don't have a starlink system, but we did see others using it."

Seasonal preparations: Be ready for temperature swings and bugs in certain seasons. A visitor to Unity Lake advises, "Bring lots of bug spray, they were everywhere," while enjoying the otherwise "nice little camp ground right on the unity lake reservoir."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near John Day, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near John Day, OR is Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near John Day, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 cabin camping locations near John Day, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.