Fossil enthusiasts and dispersed camping fans will find six drive-in spots along Burnt Ranch Road, positioned just outside John Day Fossil Beds National Monument's southern boundary. The National Park Service manages this paid camping area, which accommodates RVs up to 30 feet with fire pits at each site. Road conditions remain generally good with some washboard sections.
Access requires careful navigation from Highway 26 - GPS systems often direct drivers incorrectly onto private property rather than continuing east to the proper Burnt Ranch Road turnoff. Four sites sit on the road's right side, with two additional spots located further down on the left. Some muddy ruts create uneven ground in places, though level areas remain available for setup near the Painted Hills Overlook.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingPainted Hills South Camp is located in Oregon
Coordinates
44.63644915 N
120.2957435 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/27/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/27/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Features
For Campers
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Painted Hills South Camp needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Bend, OR
- 3 hrs 19 min from Kennewick, WA
- 3 hrs 45 min from Portland, OR
- 3 hrs 46 min from Salem, OR
