Dispersed camping near Mitchell, Oregon offers proximity to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument while providing budget-friendly overnight options. Most sites sit at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet in high desert terrain with juniper and pine scattered throughout the landscape. Temperatures often fluctuate 30-40 degrees between day and night, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season.
What to do
River access fishing spots: The John Day River offers multiple fishing access points near Muleshoe Campground, where anglers can catch smallmouth bass and steelhead depending on season. "We were right on the John Deere River and had a beautiful view, both upstream and downstream," notes camper Pamela M.
Swimming holes: During summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, river swimming provides essential relief. At Priest Hole Recreation Area, "The river is gorgeous and perfect for swimming. The views through the canyon are incredible at sunset and the temp dropped significantly for comfortable sleeping," according to Isabelle K.
National Monument exploration: Located within 15-30 minutes of most dispersed sites, the three units of John Day Fossil Beds offer unique geological formations. "Great location! Really nice spots and some campfire rings as well," reports Alex C. about camping at Burnt Ranch Road, noting its convenience to the Painted Hills unit.
Stargazing opportunities: The high desert's minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "We had the whole place to ourselves for one night. Fantastic star gazing and nice quiet spot after the day traffic along the main road visiting the park have left," writes Thomas B. about his experience at Bridge Creek.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Most dispersed sites near Mitchell are free or low-cost. At Service Creek Campground, sites cost just $5 per night. MeLinda W. describes her experience: "So quiet and magical as the evening wore on. Next to the hwy, but really no traffic after it was dark."
Uncrowded weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, weekday visits offer the best experience. "We had the entire place to ourselves for one night," notes one visitor at Muleshoe Campground, while Ashley B. at Cottonwood Campground shares, "I was the only person in the campground which was so nice."
Pine forest settings: While much of the area features desert terrain, some campgrounds offer welcome tree cover. Kelsea B. found "The sites are visually stunning with all the Pondarosa's (we're not used to big trees)" at Ochoco Forest Camp, providing contrast to the open high desert sites.
River views: Many sites offer direct views of the John Day River. Ashley L. says of Muleshoe Recreation Area: "Honestly the site was so picturesque. It was amazing... It was so beautiful with a short walk down to the river."
What you should know
Extreme temperature fluctuations: Summer daytime temperatures regularly reach 90-100°F before dropping into the 50s at night. Isabelle K. notes at Priest Hole: "If we had checked the forecast, we probably wouldn't have camped here. However when we arrived at 6 pm and it was 100 degrees, we were far enough off the beaten path that we decided to sweat it out."
Limited shade at most sites: Many sites lack substantial tree cover. "Watch out for the bees, they were thick!" warns Amanda B. about Walton Sno-Park, a common issue in exposed areas during warmer months.
Varying road conditions: Access roads range from paved to rough dirt, with some becoming challenging after rainfall. Chase mentions about Burnt Ranch Road: "Lots of space and very easily accessible but make sure to fuel up before you go it's a bit of a drive."
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Most sites have minimal or no facilities. At Cottonwood Campground, Ashley B. observed: "There is no trash so it's pack in pack out. Which I will say a lot of people were not doing so I walked around and picked up a huge bag of garbage especially out of the fire pits."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with established facilities: For families with young children, campgrounds with vault toilets provide added convenience. "BLM improved this area recently," notes Mark W. about Priest Hole, adding, "Nice sites with table and fire ring."
Consider swimming access: Sites along the John Day River offer natural water play areas for children. Michael F. describes Priest Hole Recreation Area: "Once you get to the bottom of the canyon, the road will pass by a vaulted toilet. You continue down the road and a bunch of campsites pop up that line the river. Great space for big groups, dog friendly."
Bring entertainment options: With minimal structured activities, children may need additional diversions. As Brendon C. notes about Service Creek Campground: "We had three dads and three 10 year old boys and the river provided plenty of entertainment. A few trees gave hammock options and our metal detector allowed the boys to find a lot of old junk just under the surface dirt of the campsite."
Plan for weather extremes: Mornings and evenings can be cold even in summer, while midday heat requires shade and hydration plans. One camper at Priest Hole notes: "We just lucked out that it was open! They will start charging a fee in the future according to the poster."
Tips from RVers
Limited pull-through options: Most dispersed sites require backing in. "The road to the river sites is NARROW, and we had trouble backing in with a 22' trailer while not hitting the guard rail, but the pull through sites are a lot farther from the river," warns Mark W. about recent changes at Priest Hole.
Scout access roads first: Some forest service roads become narrower and rougher as they progress. "Dirt forest roads not too bad but we have a pretty low bar," notes Ariel & John W. about boondocking near Mill Creek Wilderness in Ochoco National Forest. "Boondocking near the Big Summit Prairie was a lot more difficult. Roads narrow and rough with hardly any place to pull off."
Look for established fire rings: Many dispersed tent camping areas near Mitchell, Oregon provide established fire rings despite minimal other amenities. "Great spot just outside the Painted Hills National Monument park. Easy to miss as there are no signs and it is an abrupt turn off," warns Chris T.
