11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground houses luxurious teepees alongside the John Day River, providing an upscale camping experience just minutes from Mount Vernon. These distinctive accommodations combine rustic charm with modern comfort, featuring spacious interiors on concrete foundations with provided sleeping mats. The campground's glamping options blend seamlessly with its natural setting, with the teepees positioned in a separate area from traditional campsites for enhanced privacy. Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin and Unity Lake State Recreation Site also offer premium glamping accommodations in the Mount Vernon region, with options including yurts and upgraded cabin facilities. Guests enjoy access to clean hot showers, picnic areas, and electric hookups while experiencing Eastern Oregon's natural beauty. One guest shared, "Big spaces to park in. Grounds are well kept. Showers are no charge clean and work great. Nice stream to fly fish in."
The John Day River creates a tranquil backdrop for safari tent and yurt experiences, with a nature trail meandering along its banks where visitors often spot wildlife or cool off during summer months. Canvas accommodations at these glamping resorts provide ideal basecamp locations for exploring nearby attractions including John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, just a 30-minute drive away. Painted Hills, another remarkable destination, sits within easy reach of these premium accommodations. Most glamping sites in the area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with some locations like Clyde Holliday offering special weekend packages during peak fall foliage season when the riverside landscape transforms with vibrant colors. A visitor noted, "The leaves and color were amazing! Cool air with the small creek made the experience exceptional! Was very quiet with a few diehard campers that late in the fall."
"We stayed at Clyde Holliday for one night on the way to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. "
"A large picnic table, fire ring, electric hookup, and wastewater drain complete each site. There are also two teepees."
from $26 - $34 / night
Check Availability"After a full day, driving, we were having trouble finding a place to stay near John Day, Oregon. All of the very few campgrounds available we’re already full."
"Stream running next to the sites. Close to town. It is next to the fairgrounds, but very quit when no events. Good place to spend the night while traveling through"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Clean, well maintained, cooking supplies provided, heated house with fridge. Outhouse was clean."
from $60 / night
Check Availability"It's gorgeous and the creek is just a few feet to go get water for animals and your fire pits and to put your feet in. Looking forward to coming back soon!"
"We chose Dixie because it was a little closer to civilization than Yellow Pine, Wetmore & Oregon campgrounds further east on Hwy 26."
"Saw several deer there when we arrived. It was very peaceful."
"The sites are nicely laid out and are a fair distance from each other. Although the campground is adjacent to a paved road, there was little traffic during our two night stay."
"You are surrounded by large pine trees."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"We were looking for a campground to stay at on our way from eastern Oregon to the John Day wilderness area."
from $7 - $11 / night
Check Availability"Bathroom was well attended and the spaces were nice and spread out"
"One vault toilet, nice padded tent spots, access to water, $5 a night. Nice little paved hike that is wheelchair accessible and let's you see some nice big trees. Very quiet on a Friday night in June."
"Touring through Oregon with my buddy on motorcycles, we had finished a great day of riding. Wanting to use his Oregon State Park benefits, we pulled into this spot."
"We camped right next to lake. We didn’t have any neighbors which was amazing, many spots available. Enjoyed a beautiful sunset while sitting around campfires."
from $26 - $98 / night
Check Availability"I swooped on one next to the river. The campground was beautiful and sites were good distances from each other. There are bathrooms and areas to top off your water."
"This is a typical roadside campground. It not only is a campground but a bathroom rest stop on Hwy 395, so there is a small amount of drive through traffic to the restrooms."
TravelerClean, well maintained, cooking supplies provided, heated house with fridge. Outhouse was clean. Recommended bring you own light, the lanterns did not provide a lot of light and your own blanket for the beds.
RangerThis really is an RV spot. Yes, you can tent camp here but it's expensive ($24 for Oregon residents, $34 for out of staters) and it's right next to the road. It's loud. Really loud. Wake you up when you're sleeping loud.
That said, it does have all amenities: good Verizon service, firewood for sale, hot showers, tables, fire pits with grills, etc. And it's close to town. So for that it could be the right fit for people needing all that.
For me, I'd skip it, especially if you're in a tent.
LegendWe stayed at Clyde Holliday for one night on the way to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The campground is conveniently located near the town of John Day and is adjacent to the John Day River. It had all the amenities we needed: electric hookups, water, T-mobile reception, hot showers, and a dump station. The hot showers were welcomed after our visit to wonderful (but dusty) Steens Mountain. We had the site just behind the information kiosk / pay booth, which was perfectly fine for a night, but as it was nearer the main road, I noticed the sound of traffic more than I might have had we gotten a river site. I liked the campground though, and would happily return in the future.
LegendGeneral: 31 site state park that does not take reservations. There was plenty of availability at 4 pm on a Friday in April.
Site Quality: Sites are all level with paved pads, ranging in length from 37 to 84 feet. Good separation between the sites and some have foliage providing some amount of privacy. A large picnic table, fire ring, electric hookup, and wastewater drain complete each site. There are also two teepees. Sites along the river are better; road noise would obviously be louder at the sites that back up to the road.
Bathhouse: Up to many Oregon State Park standards with hot water, soap, utility shelves, and paper towels. Clean. Showers are free ($2 for non-campers) but did not use so cannot comment on their quality.
Activities: Not too much to do but there is a nice nature trail about a half-mile long that meanders along the John Day River. It forks a couple of times and if you keep to the left each time, you will eventually end up at a fence at the boundary of private property, but it is easy enough to loop around and return to the campground.
Although this campground is close to the road and you will hear road noise, it was also peaceful and quiet during our stay.
LegendIn general, Oregon State Parks are great. This is another nice one with plenty of tent and RV sites available. Bathrooms and showers on-site. The park sits nestled in a picturesque treed area, near the Painted Hills. Great location if you are wanting to get to the Painted Hills area of central Oregon.
GuideWell maintained, clean, beautiful spot close to the river. Large campsites with clean table and fire pits. Nice showers. Very green and full of birds. Short river walk. It is close to the highway and can be loud at time. Right now, same rate for residents/non-residents ($26), it doesn't take reservations and will accommodate overflow. Not sure if that's permanent.
GuideBeautiful setting next to the John Day. Walking path next to the river is the feature. Bathrooms were tidy but dated. Heated bathrooms and shower area. Hot water. Yes
TravelerI drove in mid-afternoon and was able to find a spot so easy. the place was mostly filled by retired folks with their RV and generators going. really it was only one that was a loud Generator... and not too close to me. it had a nice walking path next to a creek that some children were playing in. this is a very well maintained site in terms of the landscaping and the bathrooms and showers. nice that the showers were not in the same room as the bathroom- which is more appealing that way instead of hearing people use the bathroom while getting clean. plus since it was a single room for the shower and could lock it was no worries of who would walk in- good feature for a family or couple.
The staff were very friendly as well.
I felt comfortable with leaving my tent set up and some basic items there when I went for dinner
GuideFabulous free hot showers!
Nice campground. Sites have paved parking, tables and fire pits. There is also a hiker biker camp area.
Dispersed camping options near Mount Vernon, Oregon offer free alternatives to established campgrounds within the Malheur National Forest. This high desert region sits at approximately 4,700 feet elevation, featuring dramatic temperature swings between day and night even during summer months. Most dispersed sites allow for 14-day stays and require campers to pack out all waste.
Fly fishing opportunities: The John Day River running alongside Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground provides accessible fishing spots. "The John Day River with a nice little nature path" offers easy water access according to camper Nancy M. The river contains numerous fishing holes suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Explore local history: Visit the abandoned lumber mill site at Bates State Park Campground to learn about Oregon's logging past. "There are very interesting signs telling about the logging history of the area as well as a playground and nature trails," reports Andrew T. The former mill town once housed 400 residents and retains historical markers throughout its 130+ acres.
Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities directly from campsites. One camper at Slide Creek Campground noted, "It's gorgeous and the creek is just a few feet to go get water for animals and your fire pits and to put your feet in." Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife spotting conditions when temperatures are cooler.
Spacious camping areas: Middle Fork campground offers generously sized sites far from neighboring campers. "The sites are very spacious and you are far from your neighbors," writes Judy T. This smaller USFS campground provides privacy not found at more developed sites.
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive campgrounds, many locations maintain exceptionally clean restrooms. At Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor, "the bathroom has automatic lights and electric outlets and is kept very clean," according to Dani K. Most state park facilities feature regular maintenance schedules throughout peak season.
Water features: Creeks, rivers, and lakes create natural attractions at nearly every camping location. At Unity Lake State Recreation Site Campground, campers enjoy direct lake access: "We camped right next to lake. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset while sitting around campfires," reports J.P., highlighting the natural swimming opportunities available during summer months.
Seasonal operation: Most primitive campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October. Wetmore Campground follows this pattern with limited access during shoulder seasons. "Super beautiful and well kept. We came in the summer and ran into no issues finding an open site," notes camper Mia, though availability changes dramatically during peak periods.
Limited amenities: Pack accordingly for basic facilities at most locations. "No hookups, nice day use area, nice short trails, and local history of the site," explains Cliff at Bates State Park, where services are minimal. Most primitive sites lack trash collection, requiring visitors to pack out all waste.
Road noise: Some campgrounds sit close to highways, creating potential noise issues. One camper at Clyde Holliday noted "Site #25 backed up to hwy 26; daytime passing vehicle noise could be loud. Night vehicle noise wasn't an issue." Request sites furthest from roadways when possible for quieter camping experiences.
Water play options: Children enjoy wading in shallow creek areas during summer months. At Clyde Holliday, Eric L. observed "a nice walking path next to a creek that some children were playing in." These natural water features provide cooling entertainment during hot afternoons when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Wildlife viewing: Morning walks often yield wildlife sightings for kids to enjoy. "We saw several deer there when we arrived," notes Kelly P. about Dixie Campground, making wildlife spotting a natural activity requiring no additional equipment.
Alternative glamping accommodations: For families seeking more comfort than tent camping near Mount Vernon, Oregon, consider the cabin at Deer Creek Guard Station. "Clean, well maintained, cooking supplies provided, heated house with fridge. Outhouse was clean," reports Brittney J., though she recommends "bring your own light, the lanterns did not provide a lot of light and your own blanket for the beds."
Site selection: When choosing RV spots, consider pad conditions and hookup availability. At Grant County RV Park, "Spaces were all level and gravel with full hook-ups (20/30/50 amp)," notes Lee D. Most sites accommodate smaller RVs, though larger rigs may find limited options.
Seasonal considerations: RVers report less crowded conditions during shoulder seasons. "We were able to fit into the sites in our 26ft class c," mentions Laura M. about Wetmore Campground, with most locations accommodating medium-sized vehicles without reservation during weekdays.
Utility information: Many campgrounds offer only partial hookups or none at all. At Unity Lake, Ron found "paved sites, room between neighbors, elec hookup and water for our RV, and there's a dump station, A full cell signal too." Document available utilities before arrival as services vary significantly between locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Mount Vernon, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Mount Vernon, OR is Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Mount Vernon, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 glamping camping locations near Mount Vernon, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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