Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Mikkalo, OR
Lone Tree Campground at Cottonwood Canyon State Park features a fenced dog park approximately an acre in size with doggie waste bags readily available throughout the grounds. The campground accommodates pets at all 20 campsites, offering tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options for visitors traveling with animals. Campsites include fire rings, picnic tables with pergolas for shade, and sturdy wooden fences that serve as windbreaks—particularly valuable when canyon winds pick up. Pet owners particularly appreciate the clean facilities and open spaces for walking dogs along the John Day River. Dogs must remain leashed outside the designated off-leash area, and the park maintains strict rules about cleaning up after pets. The campground is first-come, first-served with a $10 nightly fee. Several sites include solar USB charging stations, and the park provides free bicycle loans for exploring the area with dogs.
Dog-friendly trails near the campground include the Pinnacles Trail and Lost Corral Trail, both moderate to difficult 8-mile roundtrip routes that follow the John Day River. The hiking paths provide excellent opportunities for exercising dogs, though owners should watch for rattlesnakes, as the park is located in rattlesnake habitat. The river offers swimming access where dogs can cool off during hot summer months, though temperatures in the canyon frequently reach 90-100 degrees with significant wind and blowing dust. No cell service is available at the campground, so visitors should research nearby veterinary services before arrival. The park is approximately 15 miles from Wasco, Oregon and within 30 miles of The Dalles, where emergency pet services can be found. Winter camping provides more comfortable temperatures for dogs and excellent stargazing opportunities without summer crowds.
