Tent camping opportunities near John Day, Oregon extend beyond established campgrounds into the surrounding Malheur and Ochoco National Forests. The region sits at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet, creating diverse ecosystems with ponderosa pines at lower elevations and alpine meadows higher up. Summer temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night, with 30-40°F temperature drops common after sunset.
What to do
Trail access from camps: Strawberry Campground provides direct access to the Strawberry Lake Trail, a moderate 2.6-mile hike to the alpine lake. According to a camper, "Tons of hiking, including a closer one to strawberry lake with stunning views and a waterfall further if you want."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Oregon Mine Campground offers chances to see wild horses in their natural habitat. One visitor noted, "We not only saw Wild Horses, we woke up to them grazing in our camp ground!" The area surrounding Oregon Mine also features deer, elk and various bird species.
Fishing access: Trout Farm Campground provides good fishing opportunities along the John Day River. A camper reported, "little pond with camp sites surrounding. no portable water but next to the John day river, and clear to filter."
What campers like
Temperature relief: Higher elevation camps like Strawberry Mountain provide natural cooling during summer heat waves. One camper noted the campground "Dropped 20 degrees from the hot valley floor" making it "Off the beaten path, but we'll worth it!"
Water features: Many campsites feature creeks or streams that enhance the camping experience. At Billy Fields Forest Camp, "There is a stream next to sites... the sound of stream was nice," though the same reviewer cautioned about mosquitoes near the water.
Solitude and space: Looney Spring Campground offers a more secluded experience away from crowds. A visitor described it as "A local favorite" where "Almost everyone else there was local to the region and it was a lucky thing for me, because they were quite friendly and generous with their knowledge."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest roads to remote campgrounds can deteriorate significantly after rain or snow. One camper attempting to reach Strawberry Campground reported, "The road was slick. The ruts and holes in the road began to increase. 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."
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent sites near John Day lack potable water. At Middle Fork Campground, basic amenities include "Clean vault toilets" but campers must bring all water or filter from streams.
Weather unpredictability: Mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer. A visitor to Strawberry Campground experienced "rain, sleet, snow, and graupel all in one day" during their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment: When camping at Strawberry Campground with children, extra activities are essential. One camper advised, "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."
Safety around water features: Some campsites have potentially hazardous terrain. Campers note that at certain sites, "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."
Shorter hiking options: For families with younger children, several campgrounds offer beginner-friendly trails. At Looney Spring Campground, a visitor recommended the "1.6 mile Reynolds Creek Trail, just a bit of an elevation gain, good to stretch the legs."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility limitations: Many forest roads near John Day are not suitable for larger RVs. A visitor to Strawberry Campground noted it's "accessed from a nine or ten mile dirt road, a bit of a challenge to navigate the last mile" and advised high-clearance vehicles.
Emergency communications: Cell service is extremely limited throughout the area. One camper at Oregon Mine Campground shared, "no cell service. For us...no problem! We do carry an InReach Emergency communication device that we can always get an emergency message out."
Creek proximity for water access: When choosing sites for tent camping near John Day, creek-adjacent locations provide water for filtering but come with downsides. A camper at Billy Fields noted "too mosquitoes for me, probably because there is a stream next to sites."
