Established Camping
Bates State Park
About
State Park
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Convenient, Quiet, and Exceptionally Clean
We were looking for a campground to stay at on our way from eastern Oregon to the John Day wilderness area. Bates State Park was a perfect overnight spot, just far enough off Hwy 26 to be quiet and exceptionally clean and well maintained. There are no hookups, and it will be a few years before…
Uncrowded
Used it as a stop over on a trip between Wallowa SP and Redmond, OR. No reservations, no problem, as there were only 3 other RVs when we arrived at about 5 pm.
Green grassy area, gravel roads and pads. No hookups, nice day use area, nice short trails, and local history of the site.
Hidden State Park
This is a Primitive Campground. No RV Hook Ups. Reservations Cannot be made.
Sites are spacious and pads are gravel. Perfect campground to spend the night in after taking in John Day and heading for Baker City, OR.
There is no playground, but a nice picnic area is available.
Location
Bates State Park is located in Oregon
Directions
Bates State Park was once the site of a thriving lumber mill and an adjacent company town set in a lush valley in the Blue Mountains. The mill closed in the mid-1970s. Families--and in some instances their houses--moved to nearby Prairie City and John Day. The mill buildings and town were dismantled; the land sat empty for more than 35 years. The memory of Bates lives on in many of its community members, and the site is now a state park, thanks in large part to their efforts. When you visit or stay at the park, look for the interpretive panels that describe Bates life in the early to mid 20th century and the steps taking place now to restore the land and waterways. You can explore Bates on the more than three miles of hiking trails. Viewpoints along the trails overlook the park, old mill pond and valley. The 131-acre park lies along the Middle Fork John Day River, Bridge Creek and Clear Creek. Check the Oregon Department Fish & Wildlife website for fishing regulations. Campground info 28 primitive sites for tents or self-contained RVs (first come, first served) Vault toilets Potable water Hiker/biker camp with six sites and electric plug-ins Universal access: 3 campsites are accessible to campers with disabilities.
Coordinates
44.59266808621033 N
118.50984774278096 W