Top Tent Camping near Malheur National Forest

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Malheur National Forest, look no further. Find the best information on tent camping near Malheur National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Oregon tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Malheur National Forest, OR (34)

    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Campground

    1.

    Strawberry Campground

    6 Reviews
    13 Photos
    81 Saves
    Prairie City, Oregon

    Strawberry Campground is located at the edge of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Set amongst ponderosa pine in a beautifully wooded area, the campground is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to hike, hunt, fish or simply relax. Strawberry Basin Trailhead is located at the campground. Strawberry Basin Trail #375 connects to other trails in the wilderness allowing for day hiking or backpacking trips.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Starr
    Camper-submitted photo from Starr
    Camper-submitted photo from Starr

    2.

    Starr

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    30 Saves
    Seneca, Oregon

    Starr Campground is located just off of US Highway 395 making it very easy to get to. The campground has an upper level that is closer to the highway, yet still set back amongst beautiful pondersa pines. The lower part of the campground is set further back in the pine trees allowing for a more secluded experience. This beautiful campground sets in a prime spot for hunters, hikers and wildlife enthusiats. Within a 7 mile drive of the campground are numerous trailheads leading into the beautiful Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Just a few more miles down the road is beautiful Logan Valley, this area is amazing during the spring, summer and fall months affording wildflower, wildlife and scenery viewing. Starr Campground is a great base camp spot for those wanting to explore the Murderers Creek area and have the opportunity to see the wildhorses that reside there.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Trout Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Trout Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Trout Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Trout Farm

    3.

    Trout Farm

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    16 Saves
    Malheur National Forest, Oregon

    Trout Farm Campground offers opportunities for picnicking, pond/stream fishing, and hunting. This nice little campground is ideal for families, or the fishing enthusiast. This campground offers a nice pond for fishing with an barrier free path along the pond as well as a barrier free pier. Trout Farm Campground also has a newly renovated covered picnick shelter and running water. A great place to visit near the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Creek Campground

    4.

    Elk Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    3 Photos
    26 Saves
    Unity, Oregon

    Near the North Fork Malheur Wild and Scenic River, the campground provides opportunities for hunting and stream fishing. This small rustic campground is popular durning hunting seasons. A great area to camp that is easy to reach during the summer months allowing for a great get away for those looking for a more secluded space. 5 sites available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground

    5.

    Middle Fork Campground

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    1 Save
    Unity, Oregon

    This small campground along the Scenic Middle Fork of the John Day River set back amongst beautiful ponderosa pine trees is a great spot for fishing and viewing spawning steelhead in the fall. The campground is a good starting point for hunters, hikers and those wishing to see beautiful scenery, wildlife and wildflowers. The campground sets just off of the county road allowing for easy access to all variety of vehicles and bicycles.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Mine Campground

    7.

    Oregon Mine Campground

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    10 Saves
    Mount Vernon, Oregon

    Adjacent to Murderer's Creek, this little campground is a great base camp for hunters. The campground is a nice area for those wishing to horse camp, a buck and pole corral is located adjacent to the campground. Visitors to the campground can enjoy bird watching, hunting and fishing in near by creeks. Hikers have options in the Cedar Grove Botanical area and Fields Peak trail. Visitors may get the opportunity to see one of the beautiful wild horses that reside in the area.

    • Tents
    • No image available

      9.

      Canyon Meadows

      Be the first to review!
      2 Saves
      Malheur National Forest, Oregon

      Located near the old Canyon Meadows Reservoir, opportunities at this site include hiking, hunting, this rustic campground sets at the edge of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness . The reservoir no longer holds water. The campground has wood picnic tables and older fire rings.

      • Tents
      • No image available

        10.

        Crescent Campground

        Be the first to review!
        2 Saves
        Malheur National Forest, Oregon

        On Crescent Creek, this site offers opportunities for fishing and picnicking. The campground is rustic, with older facilities. The campground is a great base for those wishing to visit the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, hike, hunt or just explore. Wildlife viewing is excellent at Crescent campground from small creatures such as chipmunks and squirrels to larger animals such as deer coming to the creek to drink. Many varieties of birds are seen in the area as well as beautiful wildflowers during late spring and early summer.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Picnic Table
        • Toilets
      Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Malheur National Forest

      189 Reviews of 34 Malheur National Forest Campgrounds


      • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry
        August 18, 2024

        Dispersed near Baboon Creek Quarry

        Good spot for a few nights

        There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.

        I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site
        July 30, 2024

        Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site

        An Oasis on Highway 26

        This is always such a great place to stop when traveling between Idaho and western Oregon. It has lots of shade, lawn, and hedges that offer privacy between the large camp sites. Super clean showers and restrooms, dog friendly, and a nice trail to walk along next to the river. Yes, the sites closer to the road are noisier due to traffic, while the ones closer to the river are the buggiest in the summer, but if you want hook ups, easy access, and an RV dump and don't mind paying for all these amenities, this is the place. We stayed in site 9, which has a super long paved and level driveway giving you lots of peace and quiet.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground
        July 17, 2024

        Middle Fork Campground

        Hidden gem in plain sight

        Nice little campground right on the Middle Fork John Day River. Fairly close to the highway, so there's some road noise, but this highway doesn't have much traffic. Clean vault toilets.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site
        July 16, 2024

        Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site

        Quiet State Park

        We were surprised how quiet this state park was during our visit. Very clean and beautiful green grass through campground. Enjoyed the river trail along the John Day river. Perfect to cool off in during the hot summer months. Mosquitoes definitely come out at night and we were tent camping. A little highway noise at night but not bad.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Burns RV Park
        July 6, 2024

        Burns RV Park

        Disappointed

        The campsite was level and shady. However, there was a lot of trash on and around it. The restrooms and showers definitely needed attention. They were equipped with soap, toilet tissue, and paper towels, but had not been cleaned in quite a long time. Also, both loops were blocked with campsites, so be prepared to have to back up your trailer or camper.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Juntura Hot Springs Dispersed
        June 16, 2024

        Juntura Hot Springs Dispersed

        Great location, entrance is on the east side of the bridge next to a guard rail

        The spring is on the island at the tip of the horse shoe. We had to wade across the river to get to it. Make sure you have a capable AWD vehicle and can handle a bumpy road.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Southwest Shore Campground
        June 14, 2024

        Southwest Shore Campground

        Peaceful and spectacular views

        Dry camping with a put toilet, very clean. The camping sites were pretty level. Site 11 we feel was the best. Baker city was just about 20 minutes away along with the old gold mining town of Sumpter about 10 minutes away

      • Camper-submitted photo from Unity Lake Dump Station
        June 2, 2024

        Unity Lake Dump Station

        Nice smaller campground

        We stayed one night as a stopover on a walkabout. The hosts were friendly and helpful. Clean restrooms and showers. 2/3 of the sites have a view of the lake. The wind often comes up in the afternoon and is there until after sunset, but the fishing looked great. Another camper offered us freshly caught trout as they had too much for their group. Lots of grass.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Millers Lane
        April 11, 2024

        Millers Lane

        Nice spot on Lake Miller

        Just arrived today. I’ll update after our full stay. Come here to explore Sumpter and the mines. Dispersed but tables and fire rings. Some pull throughs. No hookups or trash service. Beautiful setting. 3 bars AT&T.

        Sites are not level. Large rigs will be fine, ours is 30’ TT

        After stay review. Had a great time. Cranes were hanging at the lake, two Bald Eagles were close by. Great location with a lot to explore.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Olive Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest
        October 29, 2023

        Olive Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest

        Beautiful Olive Lake

        Beautiful and peaceful stay. We were able to snag a first come first serve campsite just before the 4th. Cons: Most sites are simple turnouts, more suitable for tents. No ATV use so our mobility was limited. There are a few sites to back a camper off the road. Pro: nice boat dock and access for swimming.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Bates State Park Campground
        October 24, 2023

        Bates State Park Campground

        Convenient, Quiet, and Exceptionally Clean

        We were looking for a campground to stay at on our way from eastern Oregon to the John Day wilderness area. Bates State Park was a perfect overnight spot, just far enough off Hwy 26 to be quiet and exceptionally clean and well maintained. There are no hookups, and it will be a few years before vegetation matures to offer more privacy between spaces, but the park was uncrowded and felt private nonetheless. There are very interesting signs telling about the logging history of the area as well as a playground and nature trails.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Harney County Fairgrounds
        October 4, 2023

        Harney County Fairgrounds

        Good Overnighter

        This review is based on an overnight versus destination campground (CG). We followed our RV GPS to Harney County Fairgrounds. We saw the fairground entrance sign, turned into the main fairground area, and stopped in front of the office. We had called the fairground office about a week prior and left a message to call us back, which was quickly returned. The nice lady on the phone said camping was first come, first serve, and if there was no one in the office and it was normal work hours, a worker on the grounds would help us. She also said that there was nothing going on that week, so come on in. No one was at the office, so we proceeded straight into the fairgrounds. We came upon a worker, and he came over and led us to the new full hook-up area, which is in the southwest corner of the grounds. The gentleman could not have been nicer, giving us a rundown on the fairgrounds and camping areas, including opening up the new bathhouse/restroom that is located in the 30-site fenced FHU area. There was no one camping at the time, so he told us to pick any site and either pay him (cash or check) or put the payment in the slot at the office. That evening another camper came into the FHU area and another into the water and electric sites, which are at the end of the office road where you curve around and head to the FHU area about 150 yards further down the road. We chose site 18 as it had the lowest sewer connection, as most were 4 to 6 inches or more above the ground. The water, which we were told was very good/clean water, had water pressure at about 60 PSI, so we used a reducer. The pads are not marked, but you can figure out how they are laid out. Depending on how busy the FHU area might be, you could be parked very close to each other. There are a few street light poles. Overall, the FHU area is just a big parking lot but worked well as an overnighter. There are huge areas to walk or run your dog. We had stayed in the area before, and the fairgrounds are a bit cheaper than the other campgrounds in the area, but you don’t get a picnic table or other amenities other than the bathhouse. Call 541-573-6447 after hours or if no one is around to check in. Highly recommend that If it's your first time, don’t come in after dark as the sites are not well marked, and you could run over the FHU area utilities. Take a right out of the FHU area, as that road is the recommended exit. Though on the pricey side for what you get, we’d rather have the privacy and spaciousness to let our dogs run.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Campground
        September 26, 2023

        Strawberry Campground

        Quiet and secluded

        Nice sites with lots of separation and easy access to a trailhead. Multiple vault toilets available as well as water taps that I don’t think are potable but good enough to rinse dishes. We got caught in rain, sleet, snow, and graupel all in one day but that’s hardly the campground’s fault. If you can get up the sketchy and rough road, it’s a beautiful site.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Olive Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest
        September 20, 2023

        Olive Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest

        Beautiful and peaceful.

        Olive Lake is a beautiful and quiet place to camp. There is a boat ramp and dock that are in good repair there. There are lakeside campsites. Some are reservable and others are first come first serve. There has been some thinning of the trees in the campground and the cleanup process has not been completed, yet it is still a great place to stay. There is a trail that goes around the lake that they say is only 2 miles long. It was a wonderful hike but according to our sports watches and GPS was almost 3 miles. So be prepared.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Mccully Forks
        August 24, 2023

        Mccully Forks

        Peaceful and beautiful

        This quite little gem of a camp ground is our favorite spot to get away for a weekend or longer. Beautiful old growth trees, with a stream running through it. Close to Sumpter if you forgot something, or there is always some street activity or flea market happening.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Lunch Creek
        July 27, 2023

        Lunch Creek

        For Cars and Tiny Rigs

        Sweet little spot for smaller vehicles. We walked along the path to check it out before attempting it in our 26ft class c and I’m glad we did. The path was too narrow for us, and the road rose up a bit too high along the middle. A smaller vehicle shouldn’t have a problem. There’s a nice little clearing at the end of the path right along the little creek. Very peaceful and green when we came here in July. 

        At the main road there IS a spot large enough for our RV (that’s where we parked when we got out to walk to the creek spot) but we decided not to stay the night there. It wasn’t flat at all and a little too noisy and close to the main road. But it would definitely do in a pinch- very easy to get to- just off the main road to the right. There’s a fire pit marking the spot. 

        Zero cell reception in this entire area for verizon and ATT. No amenities here, this is a FS dispersed camping spot so please keep the area clean and pack out your waste.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mtn Sno Park
        July 27, 2023

        Blue Mtn Sno Park

        Good sno park camping

        Free camping in sno park parking lot in Malheur National Forest between May and October. Huge parking lot, accessible for any giant RV. Lot is flat enough, not totally flat but good enough for the night. 

        There’s an accessible pit toilet here but it was locked when we stayed here in July. 

        We had the whole lot to ourselves for the night. Very peaceful and quiet, very minimal traffic and road noise. Nice forest roads to walk along. Lots of green grass and trees when we came in July. 

        No amenities here at all, please pack out your waste and keep it clean. Zero cell reception here in this entire area with Verizon or ATT but the lot is in a big clearing with no trees around so I’m guessing starlink would work well here.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Campground
        July 23, 2023

        Strawberry Campground

        Hidden Gem

        Off the beaten path, but we'll worth it! Dropped 20 degrees from the hot valley floor. Around 8 spots, first come, but a few other spots on the way up, for dispersed. Right along strawberry creek, beautiful, quiet. Trails to explore, wildlife to see.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork
        July 22, 2023

        Middle Fork

        Beautiful riverside campground

        This is a very nice Forest Service campground along the Middle Fork of the John Day River. The sites are nicely laid out and are a fair distance from each other. Although the campground is adjacent to a paved road, there was little traffic during our two night stay.

        The river is a little difficult to access because of shrubs and small trees, but this is actually good news because so much of the Middle Fork has been damaged by mining and cattle. Continuing west on the road brings you to several very interesting locations with information boards that describe the reclamation efforts of the Warm Spring Tribe on 2,000 acres of land through which the river runs.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Unity Lake Dump Station
        July 17, 2023

        Unity Lake Dump Station

        Quiet place with small trees

        Hosts were very friendly and the location was peaceful. Sunsets were beautiful but we stayed during a very hot week and the lack of shade made it very difficult to stay cool. Trees were very small and didn’t provide much shade. In about 5 years it may be a better place to camp.
        Lake water was extremely filthy. Kids swam and had a good time in the cool water but the water was gross.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Union Creek Campground
        July 10, 2023

        Union Creek Campground

        Big group camp sites

        We’ve been here a couple of times with trailers and about 10 other families. Their groups sites are next to each other and allow big groups to stay together.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork
        July 4, 2023

        Middle Fork

        Quiet & Clean Campground on the river

        We stopped here after a long drive from Stanley, ID enroute to Reno. Found the campground on The Dyrt app. Only 3 campers were at the site. Very quiet. Our dog swam in the river. The toilet was clean & didn’t smell. Very shaded sites.



      Guide to Malheur National Forest

      Camping near Malheur National Forest, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers at Strawberry Campground mention, "Tons of hiking, including a closer one to Strawberry Lake with stunning views and a waterfall further if you want."
      • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Unity Lake Dump Station, are near water. One visitor shared, "The fishing looked great. Another camper offered us freshly caught trout as they had too much for their group."
      • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A camper at Idlewild Campground noted, "We even got a visit from a few deer every night around dinner time."

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, one reviewer said, "Super clean showers and restrooms, dog friendly, and a nice trail to walk along next to the river."
      • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A visitor at Union Creek Campground remarked, "Sites are not close together, facilities were clean and camp hosts super nice!"
      • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Olive Lake Campground described it as "a beautiful and quiet place to camp."

      What you should know:

      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Idlewild Campground, lack electric hookups and showers. A camper mentioned, "There are vault toilets and seasonally a camp host with firewood."
      • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A visitor at Chukar Park Campground warned, "We were swarmed by mosquitoes... Citronella candles may as well have invited them into our site."
      • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds are accessed via rough roads. A camper at Strawberry Campground noted, "If you can get up the sketchy and rough road, it’s a beautiful site."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds. Campers at Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site enjoyed the "beautiful green grass through the campground."
      • Plan for Activities: Bring games and bikes for kids. A camper at Strawberry Campground suggested, "I was thankful I brought our bikes and games."
      • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Unity Lake Dump Station mentioned, "The lake water was extremely filthy... kids swam and had a good time in the cool water but the water was gross."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check for Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Grant County RV Park, offer full hookups. A visitor noted, "Spaces were all level and gravel with full hook-ups."
      • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site mentioned, "Did not feel crowded."
      • Know Your Route: Some roads can be tricky for larger RVs. A visitor at Idlewild Campground advised, "The original entrance is now closed but signage takes you to the new entrance about 1/4 mile up the road."

      Camping near Malheur National Forest, Oregon, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Malheur National Forest?

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

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Malheur National Forest?

        TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Malheur National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.