Best Dog-Friendly Camping near John Day, OR

Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground welcomes pets throughout its 31 spacious sites along the John Day River. All tent, RV, and teepee accommodations permit dogs with standard leash requirements. Grant County RV Park in John Day also accommodates pets with full hookup sites featuring picnic tables and trash service. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with hot showers—particularly valuable for campers with dogs after dusty hikes. Fawn Spring offers free dispersed camping with pets allowed in a more primitive setting without facilities. Most campgrounds in the area have no specific pet limits posted, though standard state park rules apply. The sites at Clyde Holliday are particularly spacious with good separation between neighbors, providing ample room for campers traveling with pets.

Strawberry Campground's riverside sites provide excellent access for dogs needing to cool off during hot summer months. The nearby trail system along the John Day River offers multiple pet exercise options, though mosquitoes become problematic in early summer—bringing repellent protects both humans and pets. Wildlife encounters are common in the area, with deer frequently approaching within 20 feet of campsites during evening hours. When exploring the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument with pets, Clyde Holliday serves as an ideal base camp with its location just 30 minutes from the Sheep Rock Unit. The closest supplies for pet food are 8-10 miles away in John Day with limited selection and higher prices, making advance preparation essential for multi-day stays with pets.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near John Day, Oregon (53)

    1. Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground

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

    $26 - $34 / night

    "This is the Only State Park Near John Day!

    You CANNOT make reservations for the campsites in this park. Only the Teepees are reservable."

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

    2. Grant County RV Park

    8 Reviews
    John Day, OR
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 575-1900

    $15 / night

    "After a full day, driving, we were having trouble finding a place to stay near John Day, Oregon. All of the very few campgrounds available we’re already full."

    "Comfortable park near the river in John Day for and overnight stop over."

    3. Strawberry Campground

    6 Reviews
    Prairie City, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 820-3311

    "Off the beaten path, but we'll worth it! Dropped 20 degrees from the hot valley floor. Around 8 spots, first come, but a few other spots on the way up, for dispersed."

    "Nice sites with lots of separation and easy access to a trailhead. Multiple vault toilets available as well as water taps that I don’t think are potable but good enough to rinse dishes."

    4. Magone Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    John Day, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 820-3800

    $25 - $60 / night

    "The Magone Lake campground was great! It is a nice sized lake and campground but not overwhelming or too busy."

    "We had such an incredible time with our two dogs! We caught several trout every day and loved how quiet and peaceful the campsite was at night! We can’t wait to go back someday with our family!!!"

    5. Starr

    4 Reviews
    Seneca, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 575-3000

    "Nice area close to the road. Plenty of room for my small trailer. Though it was close to the road it wasn’t very noisy. I camped in site 9 so 1/4 mile away from the road. Only issue last role of TP."

    "great location. sites 1-6 are pretty close to the main road, but tidy little sites, a pit toilet. no running water."

    6. Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    John Day, OR
    9 miles

    "Good little tucked away site with spring water, fire pits and lots of empty space for my truck. Make sure to stop at the sign, we went about 2-3 extra miles looking before we came back lol"

    "It’s a bit of an uphill drive off 15, but it’s a pretty good gravel road. There was a fair amount of litter from what looked like a hunting group when we arrived, but we took it with us."

    7. Depot Park

    3 Reviews
    Prairie City, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 820-3605

    8. Wickiup

    2 Reviews
    Seneca, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 575-3000

    $6 - $9 / night

    9. Slide Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Malheur National Forest, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 820-3311

    10. Dixie Campground

    2 Reviews
    Prairie City, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 575-3000

    "We chose Dixie because it was a little closer to civilization than Yellow Pine, Wetmore & Oregon campgrounds further east on Hwy 26."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near John Day, OR

222 Reviews of 53 John Day Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • 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.

  • S
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground

    Good spot if you're passing through

    Between the John Day River and the highway outside of John Day, this campground is beautifully maintained. The lawns are green, the bathrooms spotless. There are full hookup rv/trailer sites, tent sites, and hiker/biker sites. The restrooms include free individual shower rooms. There is some traffic noise but it isn't too bad. This is a first-come campground so no reservations are available. Get there early during the summer months.

  • 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.

  • Kate W.
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Trout Farm

    beautiful, clean

    little pond with camp sites surrounding. no portable water but next to the John day river, and clear to filter. bathrooms were really clean, sites were tidy. really nice spot

  • C
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Middle Fork Campground

    Hidden gem in plain sight

    Nice little campground right on the Middle Fork John Day River. Fairly close to the highway, so there's some road noise, but this highway doesn't have much traffic. Clean vault toilets.

  • Bill B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Grant County RV Park

    SO… tired….

    After a full day, driving, we were having trouble finding a place to stay near John Day, Oregon. All of the very few campgrounds available we’re already full. Even this campground, which is part of the fairgrounds, appeared to be full and it had prior reservations on to remaining Spots. As we were about to leave, the host of the campground caught up with us and said that since we had a short motorhome(24 foot) that there was one spot remaining. The people we dealt with were very friendly and helpful. I think the host realized how tired we were and made a special effort to invite us to stay.

  • Les G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Grant County RV Park

    Very pleasant stop over

    Comfortable park near the river in John Day for and overnight stop over.

  • Andrew T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2023

    Bates State Park Campground

    Convenient, Quiet, and Exceptionally Clean

    We were looking for a campground to stay at on our way from eastern Oregon to the John Day wilderness area. Bates State Park was a perfect overnight spot, just far enough off Hwy 26 to be quiet and exceptionally clean and well maintained. There are no hookups, and it will be a few years before vegetation matures to offer more privacy between spaces, but the park was uncrowded and felt private nonetheless. There are very interesting signs telling about the logging history of the area as well as a playground and nature trails.


Guide to John Day

Camping options near John Day, Oregon range from developed state parks to free dispersed sites within the Malheur National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 2,800-4,500 feet with significant temperature swings between day and night, even in summer months. Nighttime temperatures can drop to the 50s even when daytime highs reach 80°F.

What to do

Trail exploration along the John Day River: The Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground offers access to river trails where campers can observe wildlife. "There is a nice walking path next to a creek that some children were playing in," notes Eric L., who appreciated the well-maintained trails.

Crayfish hunting: Kids especially enjoy this activity in the warmer months. "There's a small creek that runs by the camp where you can wade and kids try to catch crayfish," shares Corinna B. about her experience at Clyde Holliday.

Day trips to John Day Fossil Beds: Use Magone Lake Campground as a base for exploring the national monument. "Great lake for swimming, paddling and walking. Ponderosa forest, osprey hunting every evening and resident beavers," writes Martha M., highlighting the additional natural attractions at the campground itself.

What campers like

Private camping areas: The Strawberry Campground offers secluded sites with natural features. "We picked a site next to the creek in the back and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. We even got a visit from a few deer every night around dinner time. They kept their distance but still came within 20 feet to check us out," shares Heather B.

Free hot showers: Multiple campgrounds offer this amenity, particularly valuable after dusty hikes. "Fabulous free hot showers! Nice campground. Sites have paved parking, tables and fire pits," notes Connie C. about her stay at Clyde Holliday.

Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer productive fishing. "My husband and I camped here for our one year anniversary! We had such an incredible time with our two dogs! We caught several trout every day and loved how quiet and peaceful the campsite was at night," writes Halie M. about her experience at Magone Lake.

What you should know

Road conditions to wilderness campgrounds: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. "The drive to Strawberry Campground proved a bit difficult. It started with approximately 6 miles of gravel road...no problem. Then the road became a forest road...The ruts and holes in the road began to increase," reports Mary G., who ultimately turned back in her sedan.

Weather variability: Be prepared for sudden temperature drops. "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 we packed just in case," notes a camper at Strawberry Campground.

Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "Site #25 backed up to hwy 26; daytime passing vehicle noise could be loud. Night vehicle noise wasn't an issue," reports Jeff C. about Starr Campground, noting that sites further from the road (7+) offer more privacy.

Tips for camping with families

Bring bikes and games: Entertainment options are limited. "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," advises a camper who stayed at Strawberry Campground.

Watch for creek drop-offs: "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 a visitor to Strawberry Campground.

Consider teepee accommodations: Dixie Campground offers interesting accommodation options in a pet-friendly setting. "What a beautiful site for camping. Saw several deer there when we arrived. It was very peaceful," shares Kelly P. about this family-friendly option.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for privacy: Choose sites carefully at Grant County RV Park for more separation. "Shaded pull through and easy back in sites. Good value. Stream running next to the sites. Close to town," notes Dave B., highlighting the convenience factor for RVers needing supplies.

Leveling considerations: Preparation for uneven sites is important. "Decent sites with full hook ups. Not too hard to level, but kind of tight on some corners for my 30' motor home," advises Mark P. about his stay at Depot Park.

Self-service check-in: Many campgrounds have simple registration systems. "Self service kiosk, $30 a night full hook ups. Pull throughs and back in sites. Showers and bathrooms are clean and across a grass area," explains Jim M. about the setup at Grant County RV Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near John Day, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near John Day, OR is Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near John Day, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 53 dog-friendly camping locations near John Day, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.