1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Mount Vernon, Oregon provide secluded forest experiences in the Malheur National Forest region. Established options include the primitive Billy Fields Forest Camp, which features a stream running alongside its sites and a vault toilet, and Oregon Mine Campground, a free horse camp offering access to hiking trails and potential wildlife sightings, including wild horses. Strawberry Campground, located south of Prairie City, offers additional tent camping options with picnic tables and toilets.
Road conditions can present challenges for tent campers, particularly at higher elevations or after rainfall. The final miles to Strawberry Campground involve forest roads that become progressively rougher, with one camper reporting, "The ruts and holes in the road began to increase. When I was about 2 miles away from Strawberry Campground, I turned around." Most tent sites in the area lack potable water, so campers should bring sufficient supplies or equipment to filter water from nearby creeks. Vault toilets are available at some locations, including Billy Fields and Strawberry, but facilities are minimal and follow pack-in, pack-out principles.
The surrounding Malheur National Forest provides tent campers with excellent access to hiking trails and wilderness areas. Sites along streams offer pleasant background sounds that enhance the camping experience. A camper noted, "There is nice hiking in the area in this simple campsite in the middle of nowhere. There are toilets but no water, there's a creek so boil or treat the water there." Wildlife observations are common, including deer, snakes, and at Oregon Mine Campground, wild horses that occasionally graze near the tent sites. Mosquitoes can be problematic at streamside locations like Billy Fields, especially during warmer months. Most tent campsites feature natural shade from ponderosa pines and other forest trees, providing relief during hot summer days.
"There is nice hiking in the area in this simple campsite in the middle of nowhere."
"Nice sites with lots of separation and easy access to a trailhead. Multiple vault toilets available as well as water taps that I don’t think are potable but good enough to rinse dishes."
"Off the beaten path, but we'll worth it! Dropped 20 degrees from the hot valley floor. Around 8 spots, first come, but a few other spots on the way up, for dispersed."
"little pond with camp sites surrounding. no portable water but next to the John day river, and clear to filter. bathrooms were really clean, sites were tidy. really nice spot"
"This is a “primitive campground” but the natural surroundings are more than worth the sacrifice of a few creature comforts."
"It is pretty rustic with no water but does have 1 pit toilet that was clean but not stocked. It is a first come, first serve and is free. I was the only person in the campground which was so nice. "
"Easy turn around. creek is clear and very cold. There are picnic tables."
TravelerWe have camped here many times over the years. Last year they were closed for renovation. Love the heated bathrooms, especially in the off season. Nice trails along the river. Fall color is excellent. Just a few miles from town, groceries, restaurants. Services.
TravelerA variety of site sizes/deapthes that all seemed to be easy to get into. Road noise near the highway could be annoying for light sleepers. Nice hiking path to a wayside to the west along the river.
TravelerSite #27 great view of lake. Cost $8 with senior pass. Hiked around lake great trail with awesome views. Saw 8 otters playing and swimming in lake and a couple of grouse on the trail. Only negative is gravel road in, just go slow.
TravelerThis is a decent affordable campground with two pit toilets and only costs $8 per night. No fresh water.
There are larches/tamaracks here but unfortunately they hadn’t changed to their fall colors yet when I was there.
TravelerUnfortunately, the water here smelled like death. The camp host was super nice and pleasant and came to warn me before I filled my fresh water tank. She even offered me free firewood because of the bad water. She said that someone is testing it daily and it somehow passes. I had rinsed my hands in preparation to fill, and I could not get the smell off for hours, so I don’t know how it passed! In light of the water situation, I decided to stay at a cheaper dry camp further down the highway.
GuideThis is right next to Big bend camp just a quarter mile down the road. They’re basically the same- pit toilet, 4 large sites, few trees, right next to the river. So quiet and spaces are far apart. No one here all week until the weekend, then it filled up. $5 a night, BLM property
GuideSeveral spots are very secluded and quite nice. Little water and no garbage but a great place to camp.
ScoutThis is a beautiful RV park. Clean quiet and after traveling worth every penny
ScoutRoads are great. Only a mile of unpaved but well graded forest road to camp. Two pit potties in good condition. It isn't the easiest to maneuver with a large trailer into spots but has two entrances so easy in, easy out of camp. We were in camp spot #1 and was the most private but does back up to the forest road. More traffic closer to the weekend and hunting season starting in a few days. For six bucks, would stop and stay again. Enjoyed it.
Tent camping near Mount Vernon, Oregon offers access to the rugged wilderness of the Ochoco and Malheur National Forests at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. The area experiences significant temperature variations with summer days reaching the 90s and nights dropping to the 40s, even during peak season. Most campgrounds open May through October, with several free or low-cost options available throughout the region.
Hiking extensive trail systems: Strawberry Campground provides access to multiple hiking trails including a route to Strawberry Lake featuring "stunning views and a waterfall further if you want," according to camper Ash C. The site sits at the trailhead for exploring the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness.
Wildlife observation: Cottonwood Campground in Ochoco National Forest offers quiet solitude for wildlife watching. "I was the only person in the campground which was so nice," reports Ashley B., who enjoyed the undisturbed natural setting. The area hosts deer, elk, and numerous bird species.
Creek exploration: The clear, cold streams throughout the region provide refreshing spots during summer heat. At Welch Creek Campground, camper Oregon C. notes, "creek is clear and very cold," making it perfect for cooling off during hot afternoons or practicing catch-and-release fishing in designated areas.
Remote quietness: Looney Spring Campground attracts visitors seeking seclusion. Allison W. describes it as "a local favorite" where "almost everyone else there was local to the region and it was a lucky thing for me, because they were quite friendly and generous with their knowledge."
Wild horse encounters: Oregon Mine Campground offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Patty R. recounts, "We not only saw Wild Horses, we woke up to them grazing in our camp ground!" This free horse camp provides a base for exploring nearby wilderness areas.
Temperature relief: During summer months, the higher elevation campgrounds offer escape from valley heat. At Strawberry Campground, Chris B. observed they "Dropped 20 degrees from the hot valley floor," adding it was "Off the beaten path, but we'll worth it!" The pine forest provides natural shade throughout the day.
Vehicle requirements: Many campgrounds require navigating rough forest roads. At Strawberry Campground, Andrew S. advises, "If you can get up the sketchy and rough road, it's a beautiful site." Most access roads become progressively difficult after leaving main highways.
Water planning: Most campgrounds lack potable water sources. Joel M. notes Strawberry Campground has "a beautiful creek running through the campsite" that can be filtered, but no drinking water is provided. Carry 1-2 gallons per person per day or bring reliable filtration systems.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be extreme in this region. Heather B. reports being "thankful for our extra layers and warmer sleeping bags we packed just in case" when camping at Strawberry in late May. Pack layers regardless of season as mountain weather changes rapidly.
Bring entertainment: When camping at less crowded sites, plan activities for children. Heather B. shares, "I had my 9 year old nephew with me for this trip and was thankful I brought our bikes and games" since "there weren't other kiddos for him to play with."
Safety considerations: Several campgrounds have natural hazards requiring supervision. Heather warns about Strawberry Campground: "There's a steep drop off next to some sites that goes right into the creek. Keep an eye on kiddos or pick a site farther away from the creek if you're worried about that."
Wildlife awareness: Trout Farm Campground near Prairie City offers "beautiful, clean" surroundings according to Kate W., but like most area campgrounds requires wildlife precautions. Store food in vehicles or hang from trees at night to prevent attracting animals to your tent site.
Road condition research: Most tent camping options near Mount Vernon have limited RV access. Several campers recommend scouting roads first if possible. Andrew S. confirms Strawberry Campground has "nice sites with lots of separation" but notes "sketchy and rough road" access.
Size limitations: Small trailers under 18 feet fare better at most campgrounds. Joel M. described navigating "a nine or ten mile dirt road, a bit of a challenge to navigate the last mile" to reach Strawberry Campground, suggesting high-clearance vehicles are essential for many area campgrounds.
Boondocking preparation: With no hookups available, RVers need self-contained systems. Patty R. from Oregon Mine Campground advises, "no water, no garbage service, and no cell service. For us...no problem! We do carry an InReach Emergency communication device that we can always get an emergency message out."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Vernon, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Vernon, OR is Oregon Mine Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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