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.
