Map showing campground location near Mitchell, Oregon

Camper submitted image from Painted Hills Overlook

Painted Hills Overlook

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Overnight parking at this overlook pullout in the Painted Hills unit of John Day Fossil Beds comes with no fee and no reservations. Signage prohibits tent camping, but no posted rules address self-contained vehicle camping, so van and RV travelers have used the area without issue. Cell coverage runs at one bar on AT&T. No amenities are on-site, and some access points restrict large vehicles. Campers who want more established facilities can find Painted Hills South Camp about 1.7 miles away. The location works best for self-sufficient overnight travelers staging an early morning hike into the painted hills formations.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

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Map & DirectionsPainted Hills Overlook is located in Oregon near Mitchell

Overnight Parking

Coordinates

44.6501407419018 N
120.26721183793727 W

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Overnight parking includes places that allow free one-night stays. Always confirm with local managers at commercial establishments. Please respect any posted overnight regulations.

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Painted Hills Overlook

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1 Review

Amanda K.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2025

Painted Hills Overlook

We drove up to the painted hills overlook at night for sunset and there were only a couple other cars. There was a sign saying no camping (tent with a line through) but no signs regarding overnight parking. We were going to go on a short sunrise hike at painted hills so we decided to spend the night in the van there. It was lovely and we had no problems. As it says so camping, we are unsure if that includes overnight parking. We would definitely avoid anything but self contained camping. I assume it isn’t allowed to set up camp outside of your vehicle or make food. There are no amenities. Some spots say “RV/large vehicles advised not to proceed past this point”. There was maximum 1 bar AT&T service.

Month of VisitJuly