Teri A.

Lake Oswego, OR

Joined August 2020

Nice Lake but camping can be noisy

sites here are pretty small and tightly packed. Only a couple of sites (3&4) are big enough for a small trailer or RV…max 16'.  Several very large groups made this a noisy stay. Good for kids. Some nice hiking trails nearby.

Secluded and peaceful

This is a FCFS, primitive campground with nice spacious sites and some with river views. There are 4 equestrian sites.  There was a camp host during our stay but he was only there one of the 3 nights we stayed.  The North Fork John Day trail departs from the campground and it is possible to make a loop using the Crane Creek trail if the river crossing is possible.

Nice roomy sites with partial hook ups

After dry camping for 3 days, we needed a hook up site but prefer campgrounds to RV parks.  This campground fit the bill with a water and elec hook up.  We made reservations about 2 weeks in advance.  

The campground is on Lake Phillips but you can’t see the lake from most sites.  The water level was pretty low when we visited.  The camp host was nice enough to deliver ice to our site since the concession area was closed due to Covid.  We spent our days hiking on some great trails nearby and our friends kayaked on the lake and visited the historic town of Sumpter.  Some sites are pretty exposed and hot if it’s sunny.

Hot, dusty, dry and windy

This campground in along the John Day River with access to the river from the campground but no water views.  Most sites have a pergola over the picnic table for shade and a sturdy wooden fence, I assume for wind protection.  The sites are nicely spaced but the wind, blowing dust and heat made it pretty uncomfortable to be outside. The river here is broad and shallow so not deep enough for watercraft.  The water was pretty warm.  There are several hiking trails along the river.