Best Campgrounds near Mitchell, OR

Camping near Mitchell, Oregon, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Explore the Painted Hills: This iconic site is just a short drive away. Many campers rave about the breathtaking views, with one reviewer saying, "The Painted Hills are so beautiful. The hikes and trails are so well thought out and maintained."
• Visit John Day Fossil Beds: Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike, this area is known for its rich fossil history. A camper noted, "This is a great spot if you’re visiting the area. It’s easy to get to and plenty of room."
• Fishing and kayaking: Many campgrounds, like Bull Prairie Campground, offer great fishing spots. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is great for fishing or floating with non-motorized vehicles."

What campers like

• Seclusion and privacy: Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at places like Barnhouse Campground. A reviewer shared, "This campground is secluded from the main road, and only had one other camper while we were there."
• Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Ochoco Lake County Park, are well-maintained. One camper noted, "The bathrooms are clean. The showers are hot and the host was friendly and helpful."
• Affordable options: Campers love the budget-friendly spots like Mitchell City Park. A visitor mentioned, "For only $25 with electric and water, it's a steal, especially after boon-docking for a few days."

What you should know

• Road conditions: Some campgrounds, like BLM John Day River - Priest Hole, have rough access roads. One camper advised, "A high clearance vehicle is a must. We pulled a 28 ft Travel trailer down in early June."
• Limited amenities: Many sites, such as Painted Hills Dispersed, lack basic facilities. A camper pointed out, "There is one bathroom available, but we didn’t use it."
• Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings, especially at places like Bull Prairie Campground. One visitor shared, "We saw some deer, one of those baby deer in my pictures was running and fell and slid."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for spots like Ochoco Divide Group Site, which offer spacious areas. A reviewer mentioned, "The spaces are big enough to accommodate groups or multiple vehicles."
• Plan for activities: Make sure to have games and outdoor activities ready. One camper suggested, "We had three tents, a sun shelter and three hammocks set up with lots of space."
• Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand is essential, especially in remote areas. A visitor noted, "We packed camp dinners for both nights, but ended up at Tiger Town every night because the atmosphere was so good."

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Some campgrounds, like Walton Lake, have varying site sizes. One RVer mentioned, "Some of their sites, you can’t actually park at the site, cause they’re on a hill."
• Be prepared for noise: Campgrounds near roads, such as Service Creek Campground, can be noisy. A camper shared, "The highway was not far and the noise of the cars was loud."
• Bring extra supplies: Many sites lack amenities, so it's wise to stock up. A visitor advised, "Please pack out your trash and human and dog waste."

Camping near Mitchell, Oregon, provides a mix of adventure and tranquility, making it a great destination for all types of campers.