Tent campsites near Seneca, Oregon provide access to the rugged Strawberry Mountain ecosystem at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80°F during daytime hours while dropping into the 40s overnight. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through October due to winter snow conditions that make forest roads impassable.
What to do
Hiking to Strawberry Lake: From Strawberry Campground, access the trail to Strawberry Lake for day hiking options. "From the campground, you can take the trails to the lake, which was a fun hike. The vault toilets were clean and the Ranger came around every day to check in," reports Heather B.
Wildlife viewing: Observe native wildlife including deer and wild horses. At Oregon Mine Campground, visitors often spot free-ranging horses. "We woke up to them grazing in our camp ground! We also got to watch a modern Cattle Drive!" notes Patty R.
Creek fishing: Many sites provide stream access for trout fishing opportunities. "Little pond with camp sites surrounding. No portable water but next to the John Day River, and clear to filter," explains Kate W. about the fishing access at Trout Farm.
What campers like
Temperature relief: Campgrounds at higher elevations provide escape from summer heat. "Dropped 20 degrees from the hot valley floor. Around 8 spots, first come, but a few other spots on the way up, for dispersed," writes Chris B. about camping at Strawberry Campground.
Natural soundscapes: Creeks provide ambient background noise at many campsites. "There was a stream next to sites. It seemed clean and quiet though, the sound of stream was nice," explains Stephanie F. about her experience at Billy Fields Forest Camp.
Solitude and seclusion: Most campgrounds remain uncrowded even during peak season. "This was a great little campground for getting away from the Memorial Day crowds. Over the weekend we stayed, there were only 2 or 3 other campers as well," notes Heather B. about her Strawberry Campground experience.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. "The road was slick. The ruts and holes in the road began to increase. When I was about 2 miles away from Strawberry Campground, I turned around. I just didn't trust my Mazda 3 to make it without bottoming out," warns Mary G.
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have no cellular coverage. Patty R. advises about Oregon Mine Campground: "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."
Water sources: Most sites require bringing your own water or treating natural sources. "No portable water but next to the John Day River, and clear to filter. Bathrooms were really clean, sites were tidy," notes Kate W. about Trout Farm campground.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can observe deer and other wildlife from safe distances. "We even got a visit from a few deer every night around dinner time. They kept their distance but still came within 20 feet to check us out," shares Heather B. from her Strawberry Campground experience.
Pack extra activities: Some sites offer limited natural entertainment for children. "I had my 9 year old nephew with me for this trip and was thankful I brought our bikes and games. Since the campground wasn't busy, there weren't other kiddos for him to play with," recommends Heather B.
Creek safety: Some campsites feature steep drop-offs near water. "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," cautions Heather B. about Strawberry Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Last portions of forest roads may challenge larger vehicles. "It's accessed from a nine or ten mile dirt road, a bit of a challenge to navigate the last mile," notes Joel M. about reaching Strawberry Campground with an RV.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly and affects road conditions. "We got caught in rain, sleet, snow, and graupel all in one day but that's hardly the campground's fault. If you can get up the sketchy and rough road, it's a beautiful site," advises Andrew S. about Strawberry Campground.
Insect protection: Some campgrounds have significant mosquito populations during certain seasons. "There was too mosquitoes for me, probably because there is a stream next to sites," reports Stephanie F. about Billy Fields Forest Camp.