Are you planning a tent camping trip to Ukiah? We've got you covered. The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Ukiah. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Ukiah, Oregon's most popular destinations.
This is a peaceful campground set in an open Ponderosa pine stand along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River. Gold Dredge features 7 campsties and 1 accessible vault toilet. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. Attractions in this area include photography, swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing. Water levels are low in mid to late summer, which can impede use of boats. The campground provides good access for big game hunting. In addition, the Oriental Trailhead is about 6 miles west, providing access to both OHV and wilderness trails.
Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and frogs chirping and croaking and wake up to Blue Gill and Rainbow Trout jumping at the bit. This campground is set on the shore of Penland Lake, which also abuts private land and land owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Penland is popular on summer weekends and offers access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There are seven campsites and two vault toilets on the National Forest portion of the campground, with more campsites located on the adjacent ODFW property. There is also a boat ramp, fishing dock, and benches located on the dam. Picnic tables are available for Day Use on the lakefront as well. There is no potable water or garbage service; please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home.
The Umapine Campground is located west of Vey Meadows between Squaw and Umapine Creeks in a ponderosa pine forest. It offers 3 group sites (including one pull through site) and 5 single sites. The rustic campground is a central staging area for the Winom-Frazier OHV trail areawhich gives off-road riders access to more than 140 miles of challenging trails.
Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.
It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.
There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.
Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents. To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.
Welch Creek Campground has long been a favorite gathering spot for family reunion camp-outs and group hunting trips. The campground's open area and easy parking access make it ideal for such events. It features 6 campsties an accessible vault toilet, and 4 stall recreational stock corral. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. Local attractions include hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, sight-seeing, photography and a trailhead for the Desolation OHV trail system. Olive Lake, where there is fishing, boating, and swimming is about 13 miles to the east along Forest Road 10.
Big Creek Campground is small and increasingly popular with OHV recreationists, located just off the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway. It also provides access into the North Fork John Day Wilderness and there is ample parking for truck and stock trailers at the trailhead. It is set in a riparian area, so surrounding areas can be quite wet well into June. It features 3 campsites and an accessible vault toilet. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home. Trail access: This campground contains a trailhead into the North Fork John Day Wilderness that accesses Big Creek Trail #3151 to the south. There is nearby access to Tower Mountain Trail #3156 to the north of Forest Road 52 that also accesses the North Fork John Day Wilderness where Wilderness regulations apply. There are three OHV trails that connect into the campground: Tower Loop Trail #3040, Meadow Creek Trail #3193, and Christensen Trail #3185. Attractions at this campground are wilderness hiking, hunting, fishing, and OHV trail access. If you like to drive, you can pick up the Ukiah-Granite Roadside Geology tour brochure at the Ranger District and take a day trip to Granite. Huckleberries abound nearby in mid August.
This fairly secluded campground is near the end of Forest Road 5506 along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River. It features 8 campsites and 2 accessible toilets. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. Large vehicles, trailers, and low clearance vehicles are not recommended due to poor access road and limited turnaround capability. This campground offers fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating, hiking, OHV riding, horseback riding, sight-seeing, and photography. Water levels are low in mid to late summer, which can impede use of boats. The campground also provides good access for big game hunting. Near Oriental Creek is the start of the River Trail #3043 , an OHV trail accessing the southern end of 100 miles of trail. Three miles down the closed portion of Road 5506 is entry to the North Fork John Day Wilderness with access to the North Fork John Day River Trail #3022 , Big Creek Trail #3151 and Corral Creek Trail #3009.
Hilltop Hideaway is a 1930's era cabin that allows guests to relax in the outdoors and step back in time to the bygone gold mining days. Hilltop Hideaway is part of the Fremont Powerhouse complex, a hub for mining built in the early 1900s. It is one of four cabins located at the site near the town of Granite, and provides great flexibility for larger groups. The surrounding valleys once teemed with mining activity, primarily gold. The Fremont Powerhouse was built as an economical power source for mining. Two dams were constructed at Olive Lake and the water was piped through an 8-mile wood and steel pipeline to the powerhouse to generate electricity. Homes were constructed to shelter workers who monitored the pipeline. Today, these same homes are available for the public to enjoy. Hilltop Hideaway is the cabin farthest uphill from the Fremont Powerhouse. Winter access may require skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles. Click here for a virtual tour of the area.
Guests can hike on trails into the North Fork John Day Wilderness or go mountain biking on forest roads. A drive along the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway is a treat, as are other activities like huckleberry and mushroom picking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photographing the vast landscape. Nearby Olive Lake offers boating, fishing and swimming.
The cabin sits at an elevation of about 5,000 feet, on a hillside overlooking the expansive Umatilla National Forest near the North Fork John Day Wilderness. A grassy lawn in front leads to the other three cabins in the area. The forest lies in the Blue Mountains and is home to Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Birds in the area include the black-backed woodpecker, American kestrel and the Boreal owl. Black bear, cougar, wolves, elk and deer are among the native land mammals. Click here to learn about bear safety.
The cabin is located less than 6 miles from Granite, Oregon, a ghost town that once bustled with prospectors and pioneers. The town provides groceries and fuel.
$55 / night
Drift Fence Campground is situated along the paved Blue Mountain Scenic Byway and is traditionally a hunting camp. This is a small, rustic site and the short access road is in poor condiiton. The campground features 6 campsties and 2 vault toilets. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack all garbage out and dispose of it at home. The surrounding area offers hunting, wildlife and wildflower viewing opportunities, and photography. Fishing is available at several nearby stocked ponds including Twin Ponds where the annual Fishing Derby is held. If you like to drive, you can pick up the Ukiah-Granite Roadside Geology tour brochure at the Ranger District and take a day trip to Granite. The Bridge Creek Wildlife Viewing Area (elk) is just a few miles down the road.
The Blue Mountain North/Grande Ronde River Basin Area is situated north of the Anthony Lakes Highway (Forest Road 73) to the Mount Emily area. It includes all of the developed recreation sites and trails in the northern Blue Mountains and those found in the Grande Ronde River Basin west of La Grande, Oregon. This area is mainly administered by the La Grande Ranger District although some of the area north of the Anthony Lakes Highway is administered by the Whitman Ranger District. Popular recreation areas include the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing, Mt. Emily, Spring Creek Recreation Area, Ladd Canyon, and Beaver Creek. Local communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are LaGrande, Island City, Elgin, Imbler, Cove, Richland, and Baker City . These communities are within one hour of this area.
Guide
Very nicely maintained campground with full hookups. Clean showers. Level spots.
The only drawback is the close vicinity to Hwy. 84 which made it quite noisy.
Traveler
Beautiful forested campsite with clean flush toilets next to a creek.
Scout
A little more money for the view, patio, grill and fireplace, but well worth it! Not too hot even at 95! Cool nights and plenty of sky.
Guide
There are a few spots and spurs off NF-6510 that would make for good boondocking. Might be hard to get level, but other than that it’s pretty nice. The spot on the map has a stone fire ring. There are a few spots before and after that would be suitable to setup camp as well.
I got to the spot marked on the map in my extended Transit, but I’m sure road conditions may change with the seasons, storms; etc. Depending on your comfort, you may only want to head this way with high-clearance vehicle.
Traveler
The sites are nice and most are lake front. There were a few other campers but none near our site. The road up is steep and bumpy gravel but we managed in our two wheel drive van. Would definitely stop by again.
GuideI camped here during the summer season of 2023. When I pulled into the campground it was just me and the camp hosts. They gave me the pick of what site I wanted. 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. I choose this campground due to driving the 395 as my choice of route to explore. I would 100% recommend this campsite again.
ScoutAndy at the front desk was very helpful checking me in. She and her associate assisted with me finding the best spot with some shade and facing the mountains. Yes, there are a lot of units here. And, it’s still a great spot for camping. They are all 50 amp and include a converter, if you don’t have 50amp. Leveled and spacious for vehicles.
Guide
This place had such good reviews but it was pretty trashed. Broken glass, trash in the fire pits, trash in the campsites, the pit toilet was shockingly clean. Quiet place to camp, not full but plenty of other campers. Wouldn’t seek this camp spot out. Reservoir pretty small and marshy.
Guide
Sites are far apart but some lack privacy. I saw Lots of elk and turkeys(?) and a rattlesnake. Outside of the lack of privacy there are some people who it appears that they live there(I a have no issues with that) my issue is the drive up and down the road multiple multiple time a day at high rates of speed leaving dust flying. When I was out walking I walked past one of their campsites on accident I didn’t get close and they started firing a gun in the air. I slept in my car that night and left the next morning. Also trash is an issue as well as people using the bathroom right on the ground and leaving used baby wipes everywhere. So watch out for human waste if you use a tent.
Guide
I came around 3pm on a Wednesday and there were ample spaces available. The sites feel private and the campground is very clean. The pit toilets are also clean. Some road noise. $5 per night if you have one of the veteran, disabled or senior passes. No water and no trash.
GuideMany options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV. Tons of great hiking around.
Legend
Large well kept park. Casino, pool and restaurants.
Traveler
What a beautiful site for camping. Saw several deer there when we arrived. It was very peaceful.
GuideSpent the night here on a road trip from Utah to Arizona. Although there’s not a ton of spots, it’s lovely and was a quiet solitude away from the road but not too far. Saw a ton of wildlife too (bring your bear spray). Service was good too and road wasn’t bad at all
ScoutSuper quiet spot that has beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges. If you are passing through, this would be a great place stop off for the night. No services here, so bring your own water.
GuideFree camping on a lake not too far from the freeway. Good roads to the campsite. There are pull through and back in sites that would accommodate good-sized rigs, although some of the sites aren't terribly level. Surprisingly, there weren't any bugs. T-Mobile was good. Able to stream. As you come into the campground, there are campsites to the right and left with easy turn arounds.
Scout
Had a great time here. There are small things I'd change that would make it a 5 star park, but they are small.
The pools that are fed by the springs are great, especially after a long day on the road.
The staff was great and helpful, and a full-time RV family shared their wisdom with this first-time RV-er.
Hookups are well labeled, and RV sites are all 90-foot pull through, which, again, for this first time RV-er was clutch!
The views are great, the nature walk is nice, and the weather was a nice 70ish!
Cons, for me, are that there is no off leash dog area, this is due to the abundant wildlife, but i just wish there was somewhere to let them run and stretch their legs. Additionally, there is no area for the kids to play, there is a horseshoe area, but otherwisr, no play equipment. But otherwise, a great stop, and really, a better stop for a more mature crowd.
Lastly, no wood fires at the camp sites (at least on the rv side) so bring a propane pit for marshmallows!
GuideFacilities are clean.. more showers than toilets.. each space has grass and a pad to park on.. no gravel roads..beautiful views of the valleyso
GuideVisiting in April on a Sunday to do day use has defined my idea of heavenly. The snow-covered peaks, the clean air, the sounds of the spring birds, and the silence are magical. The hot tubs are small, but it really doesn't matter if no one is there. They are pool noodle friendly when it's not high occupancy. The Verizon signal is strong. Day use is open until 5:00 p.m. and next door there's a lodge that has even more hot springs that I'm going to have to visit sometime. The setting is pretty incredible with views all around of lovely Eastern Oregon mountains and valley. Spring green is abundant and it is an enchanting time. Very cute tent campsites, as well as a variety of lodging. This place is wonderful.
ScoutWe just needed a quick tent soot on a monday night on the way to moab. better than expected. bit muddy. some shells. but lots of space. drove in to about 45.35967, -118.30846
ScoutStayed one night on my way to Seattle. I drove up the road some and found it pretty passable in my van, although most of the sites were too muddy and I was worried about getting stuck. Camped in the first spots behind the Spring Creek Info sign and had good phone service (verizon) and a uneventful night. But area had a ton of broken glass, nails and shotgun shells and a decent amount of litter. Don't know how rowdy it gets in the warmer months but it might be wise to skip this place or camp further up the road at the campground then, especially if you're a solo female.
LegendI've driven by for years and recently had the opportunity to stop in between a couple of long travel days. Site was level and surrounded by beautiful trees. We had a nice walk through the campground. It was not crowded, being a weekday in October.
I was amazed at the freeway noise. Very loud. Didn't really have trouble sleeping, but certainly not quitly peaceful, unfortunately.
Great heritage site!
Guide
Beautiful and peaceful stay. We were able to snag a first come first serve campsite just before the 4th. Cons: Most sites are simple turnouts, more suitable for tents. No ATV use so our mobility was limited. There are a few sites to back a camper off the road. Pro: nice boat dock and access for swimming.
Traveler
We were looking for a campground to stay at on our way from eastern Oregon to the John Day wilderness area. Bates State Park was a perfect overnight spot, just far enough off Hwy 26 to be quiet and exceptionally clean and well maintained. There are no hookups, and it will be a few years before vegetation matures to offer more privacy between spaces, but the park was uncrowded and felt private nonetheless. There are very interesting signs telling about the logging history of the area as well as a playground and nature trails.
Traveler
I'm inexperienced at maneuvering my travel trailer, but plenty of sites were very spacious and easy to back into. Gorgeous tall trees, sites are spread out, very peaceful. As a woman traveling alone, the occasional road noise is comforting. The 'interpretive trail' across the road is a bummer. If you don't need much, this campground is awesome and affordable.
TravelerAs a traveling family we enjoyed this park. Easy and simple access to all hookups. Mostly quiet (except for simi trucks parking for the night on the road near park running their equipment all night.) Staff was professional and kind. Not close to stores for any extras. Casino is nice.
TravelerOlive Lake is a beautiful and quiet place to camp. There is a boat ramp and dock that are in good repair there. There are lakeside campsites. Some are reservable and others are first come first serve. There has been some thinning of the trees in the campground and the cleanup process has not been completed, yet it is still a great place to stay. There is a trail that goes around the lake that they say is only 2 miles long. It was a wonderful hike but according to our sports watches and GPS was almost 3 miles. So be prepared.
Ukiah, Oregon, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its stunning landscapes and well-maintained sites, campers can enjoy a peaceful retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ukiah, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ukiah, OR is Gold Dredge with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ukiah, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Ukiah, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
