Map showing campground location near Mitchell, Oregon

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Service Creek Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Fishing, swimming, and floating the John Day River are the main draws at Service Creek Campground, a small BLM site where the river bends alongside Highway 207 near Spray, Oregon. Six walk-in sites sit on a flat strip of ground between the water and the road, close enough to both that campers will notice each. The sites include fire pits, picnic tables, and a vault toilet, and access to an unimproved boat launch, essentially a rocky beach, makes this a workable put-in or take-out point for river trips. BLM John Day Wild and Scenic River lies just north along the same corridor.

Highway noise is a consistent theme in reviews. Traffic quiets down after dark, but during the day the road is close enough that it competes with the sound of the river. The water runs slow here, making it swimmable, though the edges are muddy rather than sandy. Several trees provide shade and a few hammock options. Cell service is limited. Trash in the fire pits has been noted by more than one visitor, so conditions can vary depending on how recently the site has been serviced.

At around $5 a night, Service Creek works well as a one-night stop on a longer route through eastern Oregon, particularly for those visiting the Painted Hills or the John Day Fossil Beds. As Brendon C. put it, it's "maybe not worth a long drive if you're just looking for riverside camping," but as a convenient base for the region's geology and river access, it earns its place on the map. Campers who want more seclusion can look at Muleshoe Campground nearby for comparison.

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Map & DirectionsService Creek Campground is located in Oregon near Mitchell

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.79325852 N
120.00127467 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 54 min from Bend, OR
2 hrs 24 min from Kennewick, WA
2 hrs 57 min from Walla Walla, WA
3 hrs 2 min from Yakima, WA

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Service Creek Campground

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5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the scenic riverside location and affordable $5 rate as highlights. A common theme was highway noise and lack of privacy, though many appreciated the proximity to Painted Hills attractions.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

MeLinda W.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

On first look, ugh, but...

Large parking lot on the John Day, not exactly on it. It was SO hot but we had to head east to beat the smoke. We found several walk in tent spots, nothing for Van's, trailers. The river invited us down...beautiful swimming space. After cooling down and finding a spot under a tree, we decided to stay. So quiet and magical as the evening wore on. Next to the hwy, but really no traffic after it was dark. We decided that it wouldn't be a destination spot, but we would stay again for a couple days. Beautiful desert scenery...my phone is usually off when we camp so sorry no pics.

Corinna B.

Legend

Reviewed May. 30, 2018

Nice Spot to Stop on the Way to Somewhere Else

On the way to/from John Day and the Painted Hills, this is a decent spot to stop for a night if you are heading somewhere else. Only $5 a night, you basically pull off the road a few feet to the parking lot and walk-in from there. The sites are on a flat area between the river and the road. No real privacy, but the views of the river and hills are amazing, and it's only $5 a night. The river is slow moving here and thus technically swimmable, but a bit sludgy/swampy on the edges (no real beach).

Pros: Cheap. Easy to access. Great views on the river.

Cons: No privacy. Lots of trash when we were there. Right on the road/traffic.

Facilities: Vault toilet, picnic tables and fire pits.

Month of VisitJuly

(11) View All

Brian C.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2017

Basic Campsite Between Highway and Beautiful River

A handful of sites on the John Day River. Georgous location, though close to freeway. Spartan vault-toilet facilities. Fire pits had quite a bit of trash. Near scenic painted hills.

Month of VisitJuly

(11) View All

Shawna M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2016

Beautiful River view, noisy highway

We camped along the river on a rocky edge. It was beautiful, serene, great for fishing. The highway was not far and the noise of the cars was loud.....but the view was great.

(9) View All

Brendon C.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 16, 2015

Tiny and far away

Service Creek Campground is a tiny little spot off the side of the road at a bend in the John Day River, and your tent will not be far from either the river or the highway. Just six river-side campsites with firepits and picnic tables and a reasonably new vault toilet.

Basically car camping. You've got to haul your stuff maybe 100 yards to the most distant sites, but you can always see your car. And you can always hear the highway, though you tell yourself it's the gentle sound of the river. Beautiful hills to look at and the fossil beds and painted hills are an easy drive from here. Probably a fine place to camp if you came for those things. Maybe not worth a long drive if you're just looking for riverside camping.

We had three dads and three 10 year old boys and the river provided plenty of entertainment. A few trees gave hammock options and our metal detector allowed the boys to find a lot of old junk just under the surface dirt of the campsite. Looks like there's an unimproved boat launch too (read: rocky beach).

(5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Service Creek Campground located in Oregon?

Service Creek Campground is situated along the John Day River in Oregon. This small campground sits at a bend in the river, offering riverside camping spots. The campground is located directly off the highway, making it easily accessible for travelers passing through the area. It serves as a convenient stopping point for those exploring the John Day region of central Oregon.

How close is Service Creek Campground to the Painted Hills in Oregon?

Service Creek Campground is conveniently located near the scenic Painted Hills, making it a practical base camp for visitors exploring this natural wonder. The campground sits along a route commonly used when traveling to or from the Painted Hills area. Many campers use Service Creek as an overnight stop on their Painted Hills journey. The proximity allows for easy day trips to explore the colorful geological formations that make the Painted Hills famous.

What amenities are available at Service Creek Campground?

Service Creek Campground offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. The campground features six riverside campsites, each equipped with fire pits and picnic tables. A vault toilet is available for campers. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a fee of $5 per night. There are no RV hookups or designated spots for larger vehicles - it's primarily designed for tent camping with walk-in sites. The John Day River provides opportunities for swimming and fishing during your stay.

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