Middle Fork is located near Prairie City in the Malheur National Forest. The terrain consists of forested areas with nearby rivers and streams. Campers can explore the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, both offering unique natural attractions.

This small campground along the Scenic Middle Fork of the John Day River set back amongst beautiful ponderosa pine trees is a great spot for fishing and viewing spawning steelhead in the fall. The campground is a good starting point for hunters, hikers and those wishing to see beautiful scenery, wildlife and wildflowers. The campground sets just off of the county road allowing for easy access to all variety of vehicles and bicycles.

Middle Fork

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Prairie City, OR is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Prairie City. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Prairie City, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Prairie City

The Best Camping Near Prairie City, Oregon

We have spent 3 nights total at this USFS campground. It is a small campground along the middle fork of the John Day River. There are 2 vault toilets to service this small campground. There is no water or garbage so bring your own water and pack out your garbage. The sites are very spacious and you are far from your neighbors. The road is close but there was little traffic. When we were there in May, there were wildflowers everywhere. We were the only ones there. You are surrounded by large pine trees. Along the access road, there has been reclamation of the John Day changing it from a dredged out mess to a meandering river with newly planted pine trees and tree trunks to enable the salmon to return. 

Quiet campground along John Day River

We stopped here after a long drive from Stanley, ID enroute to Reno.  Found the campground on The Dyrt app.  Only 3 campers were at the site.  Very quiet.  Our dog swam in the river.  The toilet was clean &amp; didn’t smell.  Very shaded sites.

Quiet & Clean Campground on the river

This is a very nice Forest Service campground along the Middle Fork of the John Day River. 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.

  

The river is a little difficult to access because of shrubs and small trees, but this is actually good news because so much of the Middle Fork has been damaged by mining and cattle. Continuing west on the road brings you to several very interesting locations with information boards that describe the reclamation efforts of the Warm Spring Tribe on 2,000 acres of land through which the river runs.

Photos of Middle Fork

Real photos from real campers