Best Tent Camping near Kimberly, OR
Tent campers near Kimberly, Oregon can choose from several BLM and Forest Service sites along the John Day River and throughout the Ochoco National Forest. Muleshoe Campground, managed by the BLM, offers six vehicle-accessible sites and four walk-in tent sites directly on the John Day River, providing a convenient basecamp for exploring the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Priest Hole Recreation Area offers primitive tent camping with recently upgraded facilities, while Service Creek Campground provides basic tent sites between the river and highway.
Most tent sites in the area feature minimal amenities, with fire rings and picnic tables at some locations but rarely potable water. Campers should bring all water supplies or equipment to filter from nearby creeks and rivers. Several campgrounds including Muleshoe and Service Creek provide vault toilets that are generally well-maintained but not always stocked with supplies. Walk-in tent sites typically require carrying gear 50-100 yards from parking areas. Seasonal considerations include intense summer heat, potential for high winds through river corridors, and seasonal fire restrictions that frequently limit or prohibit campfires during summer months.
The riverside tent sites offer direct water access for swimming and fishing, though summer temperatures can be extreme with little natural shade. Most tent campgrounds in the area sit on level, gravelly terrain with minimal privacy between sites, though walk-in options typically provide more seclusion. Areas farther from main highways like Priest Hole offer more peaceful tent camping experiences, while Service Creek sites experience more road noise. A recent review noted that Priest Hole offers "great camping spots along the John Day River" with "more secluded pull-out spots" available for tent campers willing to venture farther down the access road. Fall and spring typically provide the most comfortable tent camping conditions when temperatures moderate and crowds thin out.
