BLM John Day River - Priest Hole
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Beautiful Location, Need the Right Vehicle to Access!

This is a beautiful location with the Painted Hills and John Day River as a backdrop. However, it’s first come first served dispersed camping and gets busy on the weekends during the summer. Arrive early to claim a spot!

NOTE: You need to have an AWD vehicle, preferably a truck with spares. The road is gravel that gets rutty and difficult the further you go. We got a flat (apparently along with 20 other people) when we went. It’s an unforgiving spot to get stranded with no cell service so be prepared.

Also, it’s totally primitive so you’ll need to haul out all your garbage including any “waste”.