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Dispersed Camping

Priest Hole Recreation Area

Priest Hole Recreation Area is located near the John Day River in Oregon, offering a landscape of open spaces and riverbanks. Temperatures can range from highs in the 80s during summer to lows in the 30s in winter. Nearby attractions include the Painted Hills, part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, providing opportunities for exploration and photography.

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Location

Priest Hole Recreation Area is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.7393375 N
120.271257 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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 Priest Hole Recreation Area needs a permit.

Drive Time


Reviews

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5.0

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2 Reviews

Reviewed May. 28, 2024

We have gone here the past 3 years!

Mostly gravel road, high clearance is not necessary but there are some pretty big holes in the road, made it in a Toyota Corolla just fine but have gone in larger vehicles and tends to be a little less risky.

Not a ton of camping spots near the water but plenty of open spaces elsewhere. Pretty spaced out if you choose the right spot.

  • Review photo of Priest Hole Recreation Area by madorie  M., May 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Priest Hole Recreation Area by madorie  M., May 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Priest Hole Recreation Area by madorie  M., May 28, 2024
Reviewed May. 16, 2024

Great camping right on the John Day River

Getting to camp you drive into a “canyon”, switch backs most of the way down. The road is bumpy but does not require 4WD or high clearance. Once you get to the bottom of the canyon, the road will pass by a vaulted toilet. You continue down the road and a bunch of campsites pop up that line the river. Great space for big groups, dog friendly, all around great hang!

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Priest Hole Recreation Area by Michael F., May 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Priest Hole Recreation Area by Michael F., May 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Priest Hole Recreation Area by Michael F., May 16, 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Priest Hole Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Priest Hole Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Priest Hole Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Priest Hole Recreation Area does not have wifi.