Malheur National Forest spans over 1.4 million acres in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet. The forest's diverse landscape includes ponderosa pine forests, high desert terrain, and alpine meadows, creating varied camping conditions. Summer temperatures can fluctuate significantly, with daytime highs reaching the 80s and nighttime lows dropping into the 40s even in July.
What to do
Explore the John Day River trail system: Several campgrounds provide access to riverfront trails. At Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground, you'll find "a nice little nature path" along the John Day River that's perfect for morning walks and wildlife observation.
Visit the Malheur Wildlife Refuge: Located within driving distance of Burns, this refuge offers excellent bird watching opportunities. "Proximity to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge" makes Burns RV Park "a nice place to be for a week" with a "slower change of pace."
Geocaching opportunities: The forest area contains several geocaching locations. As one camper noted about Clyde Holliday: "Activities: Geocaching cache in the park, a couple within one mile. John Day Fossil Monument 30 minute drive away."
Wade in creeks and rivers: Many forest campgrounds offer water access. At Union Creek Campground, "our dog swam in the river" while kids enjoy wading in creeks at other locations where, as one camper reported, "there's a small creek that runs by the camp where you can wade and kids try to catch crayfish."
What campers like
Free hot showers: Clean shower facilities are available at some locations. At Middle Fork Campground, campers appreciate that "the toilet was clean & didn't smell." Clyde Holliday offers "free hot showers" with "one button operation which ran for 2 minutes per press."
Spacious campsites: Many forest campgrounds provide ample space between sites. At Wetmore Campground, visitors note there are "lots of space between spaces" and the sites are "nice and spread out." Similarly, Middle Fork features "very spacious" sites where "you are far from your neighbors."
Wildlife viewing: The forest's diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife. At Dixie Campground, one visitor "saw several deer there when we arrived" while Burns RV Park guests enjoy "all the quail, squirrels and listening to coyotes at night."
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a quiet retreat. Dixie Campground is described as "very peaceful," while Wetmore Campground is "super beautiful and well kept" with a tranquil setting.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most forest campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Unity Lake State Recreation Site Campground notes that "the wind often comes up in the afternoon and is there until after sunset, but the fishing looked great."
Road noise varies by location: Some campgrounds are more affected by nearby highways than others. At Middle Fork, "the road is close but there was little traffic" while at Clyde Holliday, "Site #25 backed up to hwy 26; daytime passing vehicle noise could be loud. Night vehicle noise wasn't an issue."
Water sources limited: Many forest campgrounds lack potable water. At Wetmore, visitors should note "one vault toilet, nice padded tent spots, access to water, $5 a night" but should bring drinking water.
Variable pricing structures: Campground costs vary based on amenities and season. Wetmore is described as having "no garbage service or any other kind of service. $15/night, self pay at the entrance with cash or check. 14 day stay limit."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with amenities: For yurt camping Malheur National Forest with children, select sites with facilities. Bates State Park Campground has "very interesting signs telling about the logging history of the area as well as a playground and nature trails."
Look for water features: Kids enjoy water activities during hot summer days. One visitor noted Union Creek Campground has "nice spots along the river" and another mentioned that at Clyde Holliday "we walked along the river and found the mosquitoes, thank goodness for mosquito repellent."
Consider shower facilities: After dusty forest adventures, showers become essential. A Burns RV Park visitor appreciated that "the bathrooms are clean" while at Clyde Holliday, the "hot showers were free" - a welcome amenity after exploring.
Select shaded sites in summer: The high desert sun can be intense. At Burns RV Park, one camper noted, "Yes, it's by the main road, but you're also pretty much right out of town. Road quiets down to nothing at night. It's still warm in September, so got a spot with shade. Super comfortable."
Tips from RVers
Look for level sites: Many forest campgrounds have variable terrain. At Burns RV Park, "sites, despite an apparently fresh dump/spread of gravel, were not as level as site managers seemed to think. Back of the back in space sloped just enough to cause issues."
Consider site orientation: Trees can be both a benefit and challenge. Burns RV Park has "sappy trees over spaces" where "we have sap on our rig and our tow" - something to watch for when selecting a site.
Check site dimensions: Forest campgrounds accommodate various RV sizes. At Wetmore Campground, "we were able to fit into the sites in our 26ft class c" while at Clyde Holliday, sites offer "easy access" where "our 28 ft travel trailer fit with room to spare."
Note dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Clyde Holliday, visitors appreciate the "dump station: yes" while noting site amenities include "level price: $26 electrical."
