Moro, Oregon sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in Sherman County, offering dry, high desert conditions with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F. The John Day River carves through canyons in this region, creating dramatic landscapes with limited tree cover. Wind conditions can be significant throughout the area, with gusts regularly reaching 25-30 mph, particularly in canyon locations.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: The John Day River corridor features multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. At Cottonwood Canyon State Park, "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," notes Julie P.
Boating and river access: Many campsites provide direct access to waterways for various activities. At Macks Canyon Recreation Site, "The view of the river was amazing and we watched lots of fishing boats and rafting boats go by. There is also a railroad track across the river and it was fun to watch the trains go by," shares Sarah S.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's diverse habitats support numerous wildlife species. "We saw big horn sheep on one of the ridges," mentioned one visitor at Cottonwood Canyon. The canyon landscapes create perfect conditions for bird watching, with osprey sightings reported at various water-adjacent camping areas.
What campers like
Natural features: The landscapes around Moro provide distinctive natural elements that campers appreciate. At Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground, "There was a small kayak/canoe rental place that is run by the super friendly camp host. There are also archaeological sites with artifacts and pictographs within walking distance of the campground," notes Ashley B.
Quiet camping environments: Many sites offer peaceful settings despite their accessibility. At Pebble Ford Campground, "Small… we're talkin' 3-4 sites… but each site is HUGE! Refreshing to see, and how cool to get here and take over all three with a party. Near some nice trails and gorgeous mountain views," Bjorn S. explains.
Water recreation access: River proximity is a major draw for glamping in Moro, Oregon area. Visitor Karinne C. shares about Viento State Park: "It was well maintained, clean restrooms and was right near a creek. It was about .5 miles away from the Columbia but it wasn't really safe to travel by foot since it crossed the freeway."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The high desert climate means significant temperature fluctuations and potential for strong winds. At Tucker Park Campground, "The only negative is that it can get super windy. At one point we were frantically trying to get our awning down from the Cricket and things were flying everywhere. The wind lasted about an hour and then things calmed down again," warns Sarah S.
Limited facilities: Many glamping options near Moro have basic amenities. "This means no electric sites, no running water, no flush toilets. Its also a rattlesnake habitat in Eastern Oregon's high desert biome," explains Shawn M. about Cottonwood Canyon State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites require advance booking, especially during peak months. "This campground was a last minute overnight stop on a long road trip. It was very close to the interstate and also very close to a railroad, which is not good if you tent camping," notes Sarah H. about one site.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Finding safe water access points is important for family outings. At Frog Lake, "warm water, not deep at all" makes it ideal for children, while Connor J. adds there are "millions of tadpoles in the water and twice as many baby frogs on the north side of the lake by the swamp."
Campsite selection: Choose sites that accommodate family needs and provide sufficient space. "The campground itself is very open with really no privacy between sites but that is to be expected in this sort of landscape," notes Sarah S. about one location.
Wildlife awareness: Teaching children about local wildlife adds educational value. Jose C. says, "I have been here a few times there is always campsites available and it's a great place to camp I love catching fish all the time and it's super fun for kids and once you go you will find out why it's named frog lake."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: When glamping near Moro with larger vehicles, assess road conditions carefully. James W. warns about Macks Canyon Recreation Site: "I go off-road a lot. I have never experienced a washboard road as bad as this was for 6-7 miles. I thought the doors were going to blow off the truck. Not an exaggeration."
Hookup availability: Full-service options exist but are limited in the region. "The rv spots have power, water and sewer," mentions Russ H. about Maupin City Park, providing options for luxury glamping experiences near Moro.
Space limitations: Many sites have size restrictions that impact larger rigs. "The first part of the campground is where the hook ups, large RV's, small trailers and tent campers are located. The spaces are very close together with very few trees separating spaces," notes one reviewer about facility layouts.
