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.
