Best Tent Camping near John Day, OR

Tent campers seeking remote sites near John Day, Oregon will find several rustic options in the surrounding Malheur National Forest and Ochoco National Forest. Established campgrounds like Strawberry Campground provide tent camping approximately 9 miles south of Prairie City along forest roads that can be challenging to navigate. Other primitive tent sites include Oregon Mine Campground and Billy Fields Forest Camp, which offer more remote experiences with minimal amenities.

Road access to tent sites in the John Day area varies considerably, with some campgrounds requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough forest roads. Many tent sites feature picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Strawberry Campground and Billy Fields Forest Camp, but most primitive tent sites lack drinking water. Campers should plan to bring sufficient water supplies or equipment to filter water from nearby creeks. During spring and early summer, sites at higher elevations may be inaccessible due to snow or extremely muddy conditions.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking expeditions, particularly in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Most sites offer good tree cover, providing shade during hot summer days, though some locations like Oregon Mine Campground are more exposed. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer regularly visiting campgrounds and wild horses occasionally spotted near Oregon Mine. Creek-side tent sites offer natural white noise and cooler temperatures. According to one camper at Strawberry Campground, "The sites were tidy with a steep drop to the creek, and we saw deer every evening at dinner time within 20 feet of camp." Tent sites along creeks tend to have higher mosquito activity, especially in early summer, so proper insect protection is essential.

Best Tent Sites Near John Day, Oregon (47)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near John Day, OR

5 Photos of 47 John Day Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near John Day, OR

209 Reviews of 47 John Day Campgrounds


  • C
    May. 21, 2022

    Southwest Shore Campground

    Lovely Spring Camping

    There are picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets. No water. Lots of birds singing and wonderful views. The lake is dry, but the scenery is amazing. Very clean and the sites are spacious and well separated. I’d come back.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2019

    Barnhouse Campground

    Simplicity

    As other reviewers stated, this campground is free, and secluded, but maintained. We were looking for a spot around Painted Hills/John Day Fossil Beds/John Day, and this worked out as we pulled into the last spot available (6 total). There were a couple RVs and trailers and a few tents. Road to get to the campground was paved, but watch out for free roaming cows! There was a trail and creek nearby with a trough to fill up water - I’d recommend filtering before drinking. There are picnic tables and rock fire rings, and one vault toilet. Not much else to it, but like I said, FREE and relatively clean.

  • Heather B.
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Strawberry Campground

    Nice, quiet and secluded

    This was a great little campground for getting away from the Memorial Day crowds. Over the weekend we stayed, there were only 2 or 3 other campers as well.

    Just south of Prairie City, this was a good location to explore the surrounding Strawberry Mountain wilderness and John Day Fossil Beds. As the road turns to a forest road, it’s gets a bit adventurous, but we just kicked it into 4 wheel drive and had no trouble getting there. 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.

    From the campground, you can take the trails to the lake, which was a fun hike. The vault toilets were clean and the Ranger came around every day to check in. The only thing I would change is the temperature. We didn’t realize it was still so chilly at the end of May and we’re thankful for our extra layers and warmer sleeping bags we packed just in case.

    Tips for camping here:

    *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 so we needed some fun stuff to do between hikes and outings.

    *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.

    *The campground was a bit dusty so bring stuff to wash up when needed.

    *Lots of wildlife in the area so make sure to keep your food and other items locked up so the critters don’t get into it.

    *Bring your own firewood, as there isn’t a camp host to buy it from.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2021

    Idlewild Campground - Malheur

    USFS campground along highway 395

    This is a basic USFS campground north of Burns, Oregon off of 395. There are few campgrounds off this highway so we always camp here. The fee is $10. There are vault toilets and seasonally a camp host with firewood. Standard clean vault toilets and water during high season. Fire ring and picnic table. There are pull through sites for larger rigs. You are surrounded by large pine trees. It is a popular campground in the fall for hunters. Highway 395 is not a busy highway so the campground is quiet. We always stay here when we visit this area.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2021

    Middle Fork

    Quiet campground along John Day River

    We have spent 3 nights total at this USFS campground. It is a small campground along the middle fork of the John Day River. There are 2 vault toilets to service this small campground. There is no water or garbage so bring your own water and pack out your garbage. The sites are very spacious and you are far from your neighbors. The road is close but there was little traffic. When we were there in May, there were wildflowers everywhere. We were the only ones there. You are surrounded by large pine trees. Along the access road, there has been reclamation of the John Day changing it from a dredged out mess to a meandering river with newly planted pine trees and tree trunks to enable the salmon to return.

  • K
    Jul. 18, 2019

    Barnhouse Campground

    Secluded, shady camping near painted hills/fossil beds

    Came through the area planning to camp before exploring the fossil beds and painted hills nearby. Campsite is secluded from the main road, and only had one other camper while we were there (we stayed Monday night through Tuesday morning). There was a single Vault toilet that was fairly clean minus some Archaeology Today magazines, and someone came by in the morning to restock toilet paper. 

    Be forewarned that the right hand entrance of the road loop that goes to each site is pretty rough! Deep potholes and tree branches leaning into the road which scratched our vehicle. Next time we will only drive through the left side which was smoother and branch-free. 

    Each site had a basic fire ring(made with stones with a small metal grate that flips over the top) as well as a picnic table. Our site was next to a trail entrance, which crosses a cute little bridge/creek and heads up into the hills where a beautiful sunset over the valley could be seen. Lots of evidence of cows on the road leading up to the campground as well as on the hiking trail, but none in the actual campsites. Deer and chipmunks aplenty though! Some sites had better flat spots for tents while others seemed better suited to campers. Our spot was without large lumps or rocks in the ground but slightly slanted on a hill. We made it work okay though! 

    We have Verizon and had zero cell service both in the campground as well as the surrounding areas, took a good 15 minute drive or more down the highway to get even a bar of service to show up again, so be warned! 

    Would definitely stay here again if in the area: beautiful, clean, and private!

  • H
    May. 24, 2023

    Lone Pine Campground

    Wonderful John Day riverside camp spot

    On the banks of the North Fork John Day river. Five sites with picnic table & fire ring. River was high with the spring mountain runoff mid May. Nice respite for 2 days and close enough to explore and hike around the area.

    Large open gravel area when you drive in with sites along the river edge with some shade trees. 

    Nice visit down the road by Kimberly of Apricot Apiaries and picked up some of their honey. Trail above the campground and across Rt402 up the mountain right above.

    Clean campground & pit toilet.

    It's right below  Rt402 which has low traffic and none at night. Low traffic noise with the roaring river and roadway high above site.

  • 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.

  • Paul A.
    Apr. 18, 2016

    Umatilla National Forest Winom Creek Campground

    Primitive campground with a nice stream

    Nice flat campground developed for OHV and equestrian activities. 22 mi SE of Ukiah on FR 52. No drkg wtr, just vaulted toilets. Winding narrow road to the site. This was our first night over on our 3 month camping trip to the EAST coast after leaving Portland. This June 7th night we were the only campers at this site. We had driven the Blue Mountain byway from I-84 exit 147. Beautiful day of touring the countryside in Eastern Oregon. The campsite had fire rings and Picnic tables.


Guide to John Day

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near John Day, OR is Strawberry Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 47 tent camping locations near John Day, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.