Best Tent Camping near Mikkalo, OR

Public lands surrounding Mikkalo, Oregon provide several tent camping options along the Deschutes and John Day Rivers. Hike-in tent sites at Lower Deschutes State Recreation Area offer primitive backcountry tent camping experiences with river access. Macks Canyon Recreation Site near Grass Valley provides established tent campsites with riverside views. Muleshoe Campground features both drive-in and walk-in tent sites along the John Day River, while Service Creek Campground offers basic tent-only camping with river access. Oak Springs Campground provides additional tent camping options with marked sites along BLM roads.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature minimal amenities, requiring campers to bring their own water and supplies. Vault toilets are available at most locations, though drinking water is rarely provided. Sites typically have fire rings and picnic tables, but seasonal fire restrictions are common in summer months due to dry conditions. Tent pads are generally unimproved, set on dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal grading. Access roads to many sites, particularly Macks Canyon, can be rough with washboard gravel sections requiring careful driving. Fees range from $5-12 per night, with most sites using self-registration systems and operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tent campers frequently choose these areas for fishing access and desert solitude. According to reviews, Muleshoe Campground offers "six long level spots on the John Day and a few walk-in tent spots" with vault toilets and self-registration. One visitor noted that Service Creek Campground provides "beautiful river views" despite highway proximity, with tent sites requiring a short walk from the parking area. The Lower Deschutes hike-in sites feature composting toilets and flat tent spots, though campers should be prepared for occasional train noise. Evening winds are common at Macks Canyon, typically lasting about an hour before subsiding. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations, allowing for a true disconnect from urban life.

Best Tent Sites Near Mikkalo, Oregon (7)

    1. Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Moro, OR
    31 miles
    Website

    "We stayed in the big open field next to it.

    I don’t think this is technically an “official” campsite but it has a lovely composting toilet that smells like fresh cedar."

    "Bike-packing Campground Review:

    The lower Deschutes River from Pelton Dam to the Columbia River, goes about 100 river miles along the water and was designated an Oregon Scenic Waterway in 1970."

    2. Macks Canyon Recreation Site

    4 Reviews
    Moro, OR
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    $8 - $35 / night

    "We went during weather transition from rain to clear. The result, high winds in the canyon. This only lasted the one night. Fantastic weather the rest of the time. A slight bit of small trash around."

    "We were so glad we kept driving down this road until the very end."

    3. Service Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mitchell, OR
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "We found several walk in tent spots, nothing for Van's, trailers. The river invited us down...beautiful swimming space. After cooling down and finding a spot under a tree, we decided to stay."

    4. Muleshoe Campground

    4 Reviews
    Kimberly, OR
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "A few walk in tents spots too. 2 vault toilets No trash so pack in/pack out $5/night, self registration. Great spot in center of John Day Fossil Beds national monument."

    "There are six campsites with space for vehicles and four walk-in sites."

    5. Oak Springs Campground

    1 Review
    Maupin, OR
    44 miles
    Website

    "Awesome spot on the river, clean spots, with fire rings and picnic tables. Spots are located all along the BLM road and are marked. Easy access to the river for fishing."

    6. Carbon Farm Yard

    1 Review
    Dufur, OR
    48 miles
    Website

    $55 / night

    "Carbon Farm is private camping on a farm a few miles outside of Dufur on the east side of Mt Hood National Forest."

    7. Fairview

    Be the first to review!
    Kimberly, OR
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 676-9187
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Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Mikkalo, OR

273 Reviews of 7 Mikkalo Campgrounds



Guide to Mikkalo

Tent camping near Mikkalo, Oregon offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Local Activities for Adventurous Campers

Unique Attractions Nearby

  • Discover the breathtaking views and rich history at the John Day Fossil Beds, easily accessible from Muleshoe Campground.
  • Visit the stunning Painted Hills, a short drive from Fairview, where vibrant colors create a striking landscape.
  • Take a scenic hike along the old railway line near the Macks Canyon Recreation Site for breathtaking views of the canyon and river.

Tent Camping Prices in the Area

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mikkalo, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mikkalo, OR is Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Mikkalo, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Mikkalo, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.