Escape into nature and disconnect from your daily life with cabin camping near John Day. Cabin camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find your own little secluded paradise in nature. The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect camping cabin rental.
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
$40 - $46 / 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
A Country Inn and RV Park in a beautiful park - like setting.
Come experience the small western-style town of DAYVILLE, The eastern gate to the John Day Fossil Beds!
Located just nine miles from the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and the new Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, the Fish House Inn offers unique guest rooms, and an immaculate RV park.
An oasis in the rocky juniper canyons of the John Day Valley, the well manicured grounds of the Fish House Inn are an inviting sight. Within walking distance from the Inn, is the John Day River, The Park with playground, The Dayville Cafe, Mercantile and South Fork Mini Market & Gas. Interesting surrounding terrain attracts hunters, fisherman, hikers, bikers and rock hounds. Visitors to the John Day Valley enjoy river floats on the John Day river, exploring the many trails of the fossil beds, touring down the scenic road along the South Fork of the John Day River. Comfortable outside sitting areas, barbecue grills, horseshoe pits and star filled skies entice visitors to relax and enjoy the ranching community of Dayville.
A visit to Dayville is peaceful journey back in time....
$25 - $150 / night
Deer Creek Guard Station is located approximately 31 miles from the town of John Day, in central Oregon. It is in a beautiful, quiet location, off the beaten path. From sunup to sundown, the cabin affords opportunities for adventure in exploring, viewing wildlife, or just relaxing and enjoying the wonders of nature all around. The cabin is larger than some, is furnished and offers many comforts. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Big game hunting is popular in the area, as well as fishing on Deer Creek and South Fork John Day River. Anglers might watch for,Mid-Columbia River Steelhead and redband trout, among others in the area. Guests can also enjoy hiking and horseback riding on a variety of trails in the area.
The three-room cabin was built in 1956 and was originally used as a work station by fireguards. Before satellite surveillance systems, fireguards were the smoke chasers who rushed to sites of reported smoke and tried to extinguish the flames. Douglas fir and ponderosa pine trees dot the broad, flat expanse surrounding the cabin, which sits at an elevation of 5,100 feet. Deer Creek runs through the area nearby. In the spring and summer, guests enjoy abundant wildflowers and wildlife in the area, including wild horses, elk, black bears, deer and wild turkeys and other species of birds.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 575-3000.
$60 / night
Fall Mountain Lookout Tower is situated about 20 miles from John Day, in central Oregon. It provides 360-degree views of the surrounding Strawberry Mountain Wildness, as well as the towns of Seneca and Mt. Vernon. The lookout offers access to a variety of recreational activities. In addition to sightseeing, visitors to the area enjoy hunting, hiking and viewing wildlife. The lookout can accommodate just two people and provides few amenities. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring many of their own supplies.
Recreational options include wildlife viewing, huckleberry picking, star gazing and hiking the area around the lookout. There is a multiple-use trailhead south of the tower, at Starr Springs. Designated hiking trails into the wilderness are located 30 minutes from the lookout tower by vehicle.
The tower was built in 1933 and sits at an elevation of 5,949 feet. Before satellite surveillance systems, lookout personnel monitored the forest from this 18-foot perch for signs of smoke, alerting fire guards when necessary. Today guests can watch the sun rise and set, spot wildlife from the catwalk and witness dramatic thunderstorms that traverse the territory during summer months.
The nearby Strawberry Mountain Wilderness area includes approximately 69,350 acres of land, including mountain peaks and several lakes, as well as the headwaters of Pine, Indian, Strawberry, Canyon, Bear, Lake, Wall, Roberts and Big Creek streams. A variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, antelope, black bear, cougar, bighorn sheep, ruffed and blue grouse, pileated woodpecker, sharp-shinned hawk, bald eagle, pine marten, mink and beaver. A varieties of bird and fish can be seen in the area.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 575-3000.
$40 / night
Hilltop Hideaway is a 1930's era cabin that allows guests to relax in the outdoors and step back in time to the bygone gold mining days. Hilltop Hideaway is part of the Fremont Powerhouse complex, a hub for mining built in the early 1900s. It is one of four cabins located at the site near the town of Granite, and provides great flexibility for larger groups. The surrounding valleys once teemed with mining activity, primarily gold. The Fremont Powerhouse was built as an economical power source for mining. Two dams were constructed at Olive Lake and the water was piped through an 8-mile wood and steel pipeline to the powerhouse to generate electricity. Homes were constructed to shelter workers who monitored the pipeline. Today, these same homes are available for the public to enjoy. Hilltop Hideaway is the cabin farthest uphill from the Fremont Powerhouse. Winter access may require skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles. Click here for a virtual tour of the area.
Guests can hike on trails into the North Fork John Day Wilderness or go mountain biking on forest roads. A drive along the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway is a treat, as are other activities like huckleberry and mushroom picking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photographing the vast landscape. Nearby Olive Lake offers boating, fishing and swimming.
The cabin sits at an elevation of about 5,000 feet, on a hillside overlooking the expansive Umatilla National Forest near the North Fork John Day Wilderness. A grassy lawn in front leads to the other three cabins in the area. The forest lies in the Blue Mountains and is home to Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Birds in the area include the black-backed woodpecker, American kestrel and the Boreal owl. Black bear, cougar, wolves, elk and deer are among the native land mammals. Click here to learn about bear safety.
The cabin is located less than 6 miles from Granite, Oregon, a ghost town that once bustled with prospectors and pioneers. The town provides groceries and fuel.
$55 / night
Sunshine Guard Station is situated along John Day River in the Malheur National Forest at an elevation of 3,700 feet, about 43 miles northeast of John Day, Oregon. The former guard station was built in 1936 and until the 1990s was used alternatively as a bunkhouse or a work station for fireguards. The guard station can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreational options include fishing for steelhead and rainbow trout in the John Day River. Restrictions apply; visitors should refer to Oregon State regulations. There are hiking trails and back roads to the north of the guard station that lead into the nearby Vinegar Hill / Indian Rock Scenic Area. Wildlife viewing is popular, as is scenic driving.
The guard station has a view of the Middle Fork of the John Day River. The Vinegar Hill Forest/Indian Rock Scenic Area is nearby. The 25,000-acre area includes a 10 mile ridgeline that comprises the summit of the Greenhorn Range in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. Outcrops of serpentine, rhyolite, basalt, granite, and shale can be seen. Agates can also be found on some of the rocky slopes. Wildlife includes elk and deer, songbirds and, in the river, steelhead and trout. Nearly every type of alpine wildflower found west of the Rockies can be blooming at different times in this area. Magone Lake is about 20 miles west of the guard station.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 575-3000.
$60 / night
Scout
This place is beautiful! Everything perfectly cared for@
Guide
We stayed one night as a stopover on a walkabout. The hosts were friendly and helpful. Clean restrooms and showers. 2/3 of the sites have a view of the lake. The wind often comes up in the afternoon and is there until after sunset, but the fishing looked great. Another camper offered us freshly caught trout as they had too much for their group. Lots of grass.
Traveler
Great camp site. Electric and water hook ups, great camp hosts, close to the water.
GuideHosts were very friendly and the location was peaceful. Sunsets were beautiful but we stayed during a very hot week and the lack of shade made it very difficult to stay cool.
Trees were very small and didn’t provide much shade. In about 5 years it may be a better place to camp.
Lake water was extremely filthy. Kids swam and had a good time in the cool water but the water was gross.
GuideWe’ve been here a couple of times with trailers and about 10 other families. Their groups sites are next to each other and allow big groups to stay together.
TravelerThe park is operated by a friendly and helpful couple. The ground and facilities are clean and well supplied. Dayville is a delightful small town with chickens and goats and horses as neighbors to the RV park. The proprietors clearly value hospitality and are very welcoming.
LegendHad a quick overnight here. Easy back in and lovely grassy area. Full hook ups allowed us to "refresh"!
I'd definitely stay here again when in the area.
LegendFor us this was an overnight to have water and dump capability after nights without. It was a very pretty campground in the trees. The water level was VERY low in Sept 2020. We were able to get in some good walking. Clean campground, nice hosts, lovely area, except for the lake. We'd stay again if in the area.
Guide
We loved this hidden gem of a campground. We’ll definitely be back. 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. Good view of the sky for it.
RangerOnce Union Creek was ran by a family and had a great restaurant called Beckie’s, Union creek resort, cabins, sledding area… but now has been bought out by bigger businesses and it’s changed. It’s a good campground in one of the prettiest forests around Oregon in my opinion but it doesn’t feel the way it once did.
ScoutSites are not close together, facilities were clean and camp hosts super nice!
TravelerWe 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. Apart from a few mosquitoes… it was a perfect spot to camp. Great showers! Clean bathrooms!
GuideLate stop Lon a rainy night. Owners moved us right in, arrange the table and did a quick orientation. Nice grass camp/RC site with power. Great showers with towels and really clean restrooms. Just a great friendly spot
GuideNice spots, with a lot of space between sites. Camp host are very nice and friendly. Water in the lake is way down, lowest it has been in 50+ years. Water and electric price, $27.
LegendThis is a large busy Campground it fills up quickly in the summer. It's on a nice Blake however the lake levels can vary radically. There is a RV dump station here for a small fee. $5 when we were there. Boat ramp nearby. Shoreline access can multiple locations
GuideNote this is NOT the southern Oregon campground near the Rogue, this is on Phillips Reservoir lake in eastern Oregon. Nice campground, some sites with hookups. Sites are nicely spaced and private enough, and the basic facilities are clean. Nice atmosphere. Minimal cell service on Verizon. I'm giving 4 stars ONLY because with the current drought the reservoir itself was unusable, which was the main attraction for us picking it in the first place, but not a fault of the campground itself.
RangerCamped here on a bike trip (as with many of my other adventures). Not very dense in the green department. This was a nice departure from the campgrounds in the Oregon Cascades. A little more arid and desert-y. Some raccoons got into our panniers, though!
Smoky Bear greets you at the entrance. Don't forget to say Hi!
ScoutNice clean campground. Sites are spaced apart, so pretty private. Lots of hiking trails along creek and the rogue river. Cafe and store near by.
ScoutCampground has water & power at sites in Loop B & C. Loop A also has sewer hookups. Lake was very low due to drought conditions. RV dump.
GuideWe stopped at Unity Lake SPCG after pulling off I84 onto 26W, OR. The drive is spectacular and beautiful, the SP serene! CG was very clean, not crowded and mostly empty. Has paved sites, room between neighbors, elec hookup and water for our RV, and there’s a dump station, A full cell signal too. As close to being off the grid as one can be, (without actually being off). Will be back! Be sure to gas up beforehand, no services on this scenic drive.
GuideSuper clean. Great camp host and only $17 with my National Park Pass. Full hookups
RangerTouring 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. Although rather full, we found a great spot at the end of the ‘second loop’. Flat grass & plenty of room to pitch our tents far apart (he snores), gave me a great night’s sleep. Stunning sunset & lake views were gorgeous. Restroom & showers were clean!!
TravelerWe went late in the year and it was very quiet. Clean, low traffic. Based on size of day use area it looks like the lake is probably busy during the summer. Nearby Sumpter is a neat little town with lots of history. Be sure to tour the Dredge.
Scout
Small Gaurd station but its all you need. It makes for a treat central point for camping or RV, but no beds in side cabin. We have slept on the floor but the tard is perfect for a tent or 3. The area is beautiful but the creek is so very tiny and back behind the cabin. It has a vault toilet that was very clean but we may have been lucky since it is not cleaned between guests. You can take a unpaved road to Dayville and the creek the runs alongside the road has lots of crawdads and is refreshing.
LegendMay 17-26, 2019 Very nice campground. 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. Address: 17564 Sumpter Stage Highway, Baker City Oregon 97814. Hike 16 mile trail around the lake. Legally sale cannibus in Sumpter - 10 miles from the park. Enjoyed D&J Taco Shop restaurant downtown. No sales tax in Oregon.
GuideTook a day trip up here a couple years ago during the winter. Absolutely beautiful with the creek and snow. Just a short drive from Medford. Be sure and stop at Mac’s diner in Shady Cove. Great food right on the bank of the Rogue River...
TravelerAfter dry camping for 3 days, we needed a hook up site but prefer campgrounds to RV parks. This campground fit the bill with a water and elec hook up. We made reservations about 2 weeks in advance.
The campground is on Lake Phillips but you can’t see the lake from most sites. The water level was pretty low when we visited. The camp host was nice enough to deliver ice to our site since the concession area was closed due to Covid. We spent our days hiking on some great trails nearby and our friends kayaked on the lake and visited the historic town of Sumpter. Some sites are pretty exposed and hot if it’s sunny.
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 Union Creek Campground with a 4.6-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.
