FR 1010000 — Desolation Butte in OR -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Oregon

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FR 1010000 — Desolation Butte in OR

Umatilla NF, North Fork John Day Ranger District
4,113 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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A 29.9-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Grant County, OR. The road is open seasonally, July 1 to February 29.

Umatilla National Forest, North Fork John Day Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.

All 29.9 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly gravel, with 8 miles of dirt. Winds through 10 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Kelsay Creek runs 0.4 mi off. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, John Day, is 35 mi off.

September normals 43–74°F, 0.7″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Olive Lake Campground in ORCampground14.9miSunshine Guard Station in ORCampground18.8miBlack Butte Camp in ORBackcountry Campsite19.6miFR 1310000 — Quebec Hill in ORForest Road Road20.1miCarter Rest Area in ORRest Area21.1mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Umatilla National Forest, North Fork John Day Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?