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Campgrounds near Mikkalo, Oregon range from developed RV parks with electric hookups to tent camping and cabin options along the John Day River, including sites at Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Sherman County RV Park, and Port of Arlington RV Park & Marina. Most campgrounds in this region offer standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, with some providing additional features like showers, electric hookups, and water access.
Summer temperatures in this high desert region can reach extreme levels, making spring and fall preferable camping seasons. A camper wrote, "I don't recommend coming here during the summer due to heat. This is more of a winter camping destination." Wind is a significant factor throughout the area, particularly in canyon locations where gusts can be strong enough to impact tent camping. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though some limit services during winter months. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, with some areas prohibiting open flames entirely between June and September. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds having limited or no connectivity.
The John Day River provides recreation opportunities at several campgrounds in the area, with fishing, swimming, and floating activities available for visitors. Hiking and biking trails follow the river corridors and provide access to scenic canyon landscapes characteristic of this part of Oregon. According to one visitor, "There are several trails within the campground as well as trailheads around the perimeter." Campgrounds in the area generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance, though lack of shade is frequently mentioned as a drawback during warmer months. Many campgrounds provide wind breaks and shade structures to compensate for the naturally sparse tree cover. Several campgrounds offer reservable sites, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with weekends and holidays typically seeing higher occupancy rates.
"I wasn't sure what to expect at this high desert park, but situated deep in a canyon on a once working cattle ranch, this park is poised to become one of Oregon's top state parks."
"Its also a rattlesnake habitat in Eastern Oregon's high desert biome, within 30 miles or so of The Dalles, a city marking the change in the Columbia River Gorge from high desert to wooded mountainsides"
from $15 - $92 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at the Arlington RV Park and Marina in Arlington, Oregon in September 2021. This is a nice, small park that is directly beside the Columbia River on the Gorge."
"It was a very well maintained campground and all the surrounding campers were so nice (: was a really fun week outdoors by the lake!"
"This is a nice little park, it’s a little misleading when you pull in as there is an Indian reservation next to it that looks like a bunch of homeless camps, so be careful where you park your rig."
"It was during the major fires in Oregon so most of the time it was socked in by thick/heavy smoke. Like brown fog. Not at all the fault of Peach Beach. "
"peaceful. close to several wineries and farm stands. especially recommend gunnels fruit and waving tree winery - both within walking distance of campground. other must sees are maryhill museum and stonehenge"
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability"It's the perfect spot if you are traveling across Oregon and need a nice place to stop before continuing to another state, or eastern Oregon. The campground is relatively small."
"Found this place on the map while searching for a place to camp at the Washington/Oregon border."
from $15 - $119 / night
Check Availability"We pulled in around 9:00 PM and there were maybe 5 others there set up."
"Peaceful and quiet, easy on and off the highway, perfect little overnight stop while driving back to Portland. Didn’t hear highway noise, even though we were that close to the interstate."
"The surrounding landscapes are ‘stunning’ and the peace and quiet, absolute. While old, the restrooms and showers were very well maintained and absolutely immaculate."
"After 10 hours driving, I just wanted a quiet place to sleep. This was exactly that. I paid $35 for a pull through and a 30amp hookup for my teardrop."
"The pull-through sites run along the water’s edge, offering water views but smaller pads and tragically, blocking my view. There’s no shade but the breeze kept things cool enough."
"The edge of the pull-through RV spots follows the river and most spots have easy access to the 10-foot rock access to the water. We visited during the last weekend of July and it was HOT!"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Just a brief stop overnight en route to the Oregon Coast."
"This is along the river bordering WA & OR. There are some nice parks, museums, etc. to explore in the immediate area. The campsite itself is just ok...a little too urban for our tastes."
from $12 - $68 / night
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GuideVery nice free camping for 7 days. There's vault toilets and trash dumpsters. Looks like it was a paid campground years ago. Easy access to river and gorgeous views. A few "longggg" term campers but still nice.
TravelerGreat for a few days but it is very hot in the gorge in july. Great signal. Gas station that closes at 10pm and i think bar across the street. More social of a spot than the woods. There is some sand at few vans got stuck in at one spot near the no camping sign at end.
ScoutBe ready for trains! They move thru here all day and night..beyond that the area is pretty cool. Right on the river...free, ACoE maintained and tiny. Maybe 8 spots. Several cool things to see and do within a few miles. Research Maryhill Stonehenge and Museum.
GuideI see a lot of people say about the trains. They do go by quite frequently, but they don’t bother me so for a place to stop and stay for a week I’ve I’ve only been here two days so far met some very nice people. It’s almost like sitting here with an ocean breeze. I’m 15 feet from the river.
RangerNice site . Can walk, fish along Deschutes River in camp and some nice trails around. Train and highway noise was constant. When talking on phone with reservation guy he made it sound like there were no none hookup sites for trailers to parkbut only for tents, but after exploring there were some sites further back in CG and away from hwy and train noise. So if ya don't need power check those out! CG was well maintained .
LegendCamped right next to the river with other travelling campers, visible to wide area and fwy, so safe feeling. Gravel, close to fwy access.
ScoutIts a beautiful spot thats not overpriced. They charge an extra 10 dollars to stay closer to the water but its not necessary. You can stay here monthly in the winter for $810.
LegendMaryhill State Park is a waterfront park right on the Columbia River about 90 minutes south of Yakama WA. We stopped for one night on a road trip from Atlanta, to Glacier NP, Crater Lake NP and beyond. The location is at the top end of the Columbia River Gouge. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks just north of the park. It’s noisy with up to 24 trains a day! Mostly level sites, some water & electric. There is a dump station. Boat launch, swimming in the Columbia River, disk golf, showers/bathrooms. No internet, but AT&T reception was good. Just a mile from the park is a full-scale replica of Stonehenge built as a monument to local soldiers killed in World War I.
TravelerPulled the RV 10 feet from the Colombia River with a great view of Mt. Hood. There is an outhouse, but we don't need it. Very thin area to camp, but hardly anyone here on a Friday night (mid June). Train tracks right behind us, which is great if you are a train enthusiast. We will have to see if any trains come through in the middle of the night. So far this evening two freight trains and one passenger train (it's 8:30 pm)
FYI. The trains come through about 2 every hour...all night long.
Camping near Mikkalo, Oregon centers primarily around the Columbia River Basin and John Day River corridor, with elevations ranging from 200-1,500 feet in the surrounding high desert terrain. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-100°F during day and drop to 50-60°F at night, creating significant daily temperature swings. Most campgrounds feature wide-open landscapes with minimal natural shade and consistent winds, especially in areas directly along river corridors.
Hiking along canyon trails: The John Day River corridor offers several hiking trails with distinctive high desert terrain. At Lone Tree Campground — Cottonwood Canyon State Park, visitors can explore multiple trail options. "There are some really great hikes you can do nearby. We did the Pinnacles Trail and Lost Corral Trail. Both of these hikes were 'moderate/difficult.' They were both a little over 8 miles roundtrip. The scenery is gorgeous on both hikes- you follow along the river," reports Julie P.
Bird watching and wildlife viewing: The open terrain provides excellent opportunities for spotting native wildlife. "We saw some interesting birds and lizards around the campsite. The stargazing is really nice," notes Irene L. who camped at Cottonwood Canyon. Bird species commonly seen include eagles, hawks, waterfowl, and songbirds native to high desert ecosystems.
Water sports on Columbia River: Several parks provide direct water access for swimming and boating. At Roosevelt Park, visitors enjoy riverside activities despite the wind. "This is a great campground for kite surfers and for the same reason non-kiters may find the location too windy," explains Ferit F. The park's location along the Columbia River creates consistent wind conditions ideal for wind-powered water sports.
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location means minimal light pollution at many campgrounds. Sherman County RV Park receives particular praise for its night skies. Emma R. notes, "Amazing little place with the nicest people. Clean and comfortable restrooms/showers. Beautiful night sky. 10/10 recommend. Adorable tiny town. Maybe our favorite campground of our whole trip."
Riverside camping spots: Direct access to water is a highlight for campers throughout the region. At Lepage Park Campground, campers can secure waterfront sites. "The pull-through sites run along the water's edge, offering water views but smaller pads. There's no shade but the breeze kept things cool enough," describes Jackie W., who visited with her dog and found the park well-maintained with hookups including 50 amp and water.
Clean facilities despite remote location: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. At Threemile Canyon Park, Connie H. observed, "This spot was great for an overnight stay! Gravel lot and some small pull outs with plenty of space for multiple rigs. There was a vault toilet available for use, which was pretty clean. This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so be prepared to take your trash with you!"
Train noise affects many campgrounds: Railroad tracks follow the Columbia River, impacting several camping areas. Zackary O. warns about Sundale Park Primitive Campground, "If you're a light sleeper you may not like this spot due to a train track right beside it. Great for overnighting on a long road trip though."
Wind conditions require preparation: The Columbia River Gorge creates consistent wind patterns that affect camping comfort. At Peach Beach RV Park, Angela S. observed, "The park is in the dryer part of the Gorge but this park surrounded by lush fruit orchards made it feel like an oasis." Tent campers should bring extra stakes and secure equipment, especially during afternoon hours when winds typically increase.
Limited natural shade: Most campgrounds feature open terrain with minimal tree cover. Tim T. describes Sherman County RV Park as having "surrounding landscapes are 'stunning' and the peace and quiet, absolute," but notes its simple, rustic nature typical of high desert camping where shade structures or awnings are essential during summer months.
Look for swimming areas with safety features: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access. "There is a roped off swimming area and plenty of space for grass games and a nice play structure for kids," says Jill T. about Lepage Park Campground. The swimming area allows families with children to enjoy water activities with added safety measures.
Consider shoulder seasons for comfort: May-June or September-October typically offer more moderate temperatures. Thomas K. found Roosevelt Park ideal for family camping: "It was a very well maintained campground and all the surrounding campers were so nice. Was a really fun week outdoors by the lake!" Spring and fall visits avoid extreme summer heat that can be challenging for children.
Pack additional water supplies: Limited potable water sources exist at some sites. Shawn M. at Cottonwood Canyon State Park notes, "This means no electric sites, no running water, no flush toilets," highlighting the need for families to bring additional water containers, especially during hot weather when children may require more frequent hydration.
Use pull-through sites when available: Several campgrounds offer pull-through options for easier access. At Deschutes River State Recreation Area, Emma A. advises, "We stayed in loop T with our van. Only $10 per site plus $8 for the reservation online. They allow vehicles up to 24 ft in this primitive loop and in my opinion is the prettiest, most natural looking and furthest from the highway."
Check site leveling requirements: The terrain at some campgrounds requires additional stabilization. At Port of Arlington RV Park, Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure notes, "The sites are FHU and are level but a bit tight. We did get our fifth wheel in with careful maneuvering. Be forewarned that it is very windy here on the gorge and we would advise getting your leveling jacks down without using Legos so as to have extra firm footing."
Consider boondocking options for flexibility: Some locations offer dry camping alternatives. At Port of Arlington RV Park & Marina, JulieJay M. reports, "$10 to dry camp. Not sure of the price for an Rv slot. Beautiful river view. Some tent pads, level area for my van to park and sleep. Great breezes today." These options provide more economical alternatives for self-contained RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mikkalo, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mikkalo, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Mikkalo, OR and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mikkalo, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mikkalo, OR is Lone Tree Campground — Cottonwood Canyon State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mikkalo, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Mikkalo, OR.
What parks are near Mikkalo, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Mikkalo, OR that allow camping, notably John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla and Cheatham Lock and Dam.
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