Dispersed Camping in Wheeler County, Oregon
Showing 117 locations in Wheeler County.
Across From Cut Juniper Campsite
Remote boat-in and hike-in campsite located across from the Cut Juniper area along the John Day River.
Airstrip 4
A scenic backcountry site near a historic dirt airstrip along the river corridor.
Allen Creek Horse Camp Dispersed
Located in the Ochoco National Forest, this dispersed camping area along Allen Creek offers quiet, forested sites on native dirt roads. The corridor is situated near the Allen Creek Dam, providing a peaceful wilderness setting with standard 14-day stay limits. High clearance is generally not required in dry conditions, making it accessible to most rig types.
Allen Creek Horse Campground
A primitive equestrian-oriented campground nestled in the Ochoco National Forest. The site offers a quiet, wooded setting with space suitable for horse trailers and standard rigs.
Barnhouse Campground
Tucked away in the dense pine forest of the Ochoco National Forest, Barnhouse Campground provides a tranquil and shaded escape. This free developed campground features picnic tables, fire rings, a basic vault toilet, and trail access leading up towards Buck Point. It is a highly peaceful option far from major highway noise, accessible via a paved mountain road.
Basalt Beach
A rocky beach camping area surrounded by impressive volcanic basalt formations.
Bear Hollow Country Park
A scenic county park offering peaceful campsites tucked into the rolling landscape near Fossil.
Below Cut Juniper Campsite
Remote river-side camping spot located downriver from Cut Juniper on BLM land.
Below Island Campsite
Boat-in or hike-in campsite situated along the John Day River on Bureau of Land Management land.
Big Spring Campground
A peaceful campground nestled within an open ponderosa pine forest alongside a babbling creek. The sites vary in size to accommodate different group sizes, and local ranchers occasionally graze cattle nearby.
Black Rock Campsite
A scenic boat-in campsite nestled on the banks of the John Day River near the dramatic Black Rock geological formations.
Burnt Ranch Road Primitive Camping
Located along Burnt Ranch Road (Old Logging Road) just north of Mitchell and minutes from the Painted Hills unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, this BLM dispersed camping corridor offers scenic primitive camping next to a creek and outstanding valley views from the bluffs. Rigs up to 30 feet can find suitable pull-outs, though a deep dip/pothole at the main entrance requires caution for low-clearance vehicles and larger motorhomes. The area is entirely dry with no restrooms, water, or trash services, so pack out all waste.
Butte Creek Spring
A remote walk-in spring area located on Bureau of Land Management land near Fossil, Oregon.
Cherry Creek Campsite
Primitive wilderness camp adjacent to the confluence of Cherry Creek and the John Day River.
Cold Springs Cabin - Ochoco National Forest
A historic multi-room guard station constructed in 1934, offering a rustic forest retreat within the Ochoco National Forest. The cabin accommodates up to eight guests and features comfortable amenities including flush toilets, a kitchen with a propane stove, and a solar-powered refrigerator. The surrounding area features excellent wildlife viewing, hiking, and biking opportunities. Note that reservations are required for overnight stays.
Cottonwood Campground
A rustic developed campground nestled under shade trees next to Cottonwood Creek in the Ochoco National Forest. It offers peaceful, quiet camping sites with easy access to the surrounding forest.
Cottonwood Pit Campground
Located in a former gravel quarry within the Ochoco National Forest, this rustic campground offers spacious, level sites surrounded by ponderosa pines with a basic vault toilet and no trash service.
Cut Juniper Campsite
Wilderness boat-in or hike-in camping site on BLM land along the scenic John Day River corridor.
Davis Creek Forest Road
A dispersed camping corridor along Davis Creek within Umatilla National Forest, offering primitive roadside spots.
Deep Creek Campground
Deep Creek Campground offers a quiet, developed camping option tucked within the Ochoco National Forest. Shaded by ponderosa pines and situated near the creek, the area features standard campground amenities in a remote forest setting.
Devils Canyon Backcountry Camp
A primitive wilderness campsite tucked inside Devils Canyon, accessible only via river rafting or a demanding hike. Offers absolute quiet and a classic high-desert canyon environment.
Devils Canyon Backcountry Camps
A cluster of remote, vehicle-inaccessible backcountry campsites situated along the John Day River within the rugged Devils Canyon. These primitive sites are highly favored by wilderness boaters and intrepid hikers seeking complete solitude amidst deep canyon scenery.
Dixon/Henry Creek Road (Whe-31) Dispersed
This native-surface dirt road provides access to dispersed camping opportunities within the Umatilla National Forest. Suitable for most vehicle types, it offers a quiet forested retreat.
Fence Crew Camp
Basic wilderness campsite along the John Day River canyon, accessible primarily by boat or hiking.
Forest Road Spurs Dispersed
Quiet forest spurs offering dispersed camping clearings in the Ochoco National Forest. These native dirt roads offer access to private, pine-forested sites suitable for self-contained rigs.
Forest Spur - Ochoco National Forest
A quiet dispersed camping area located along a forest spur in the Ochoco National Forest. Tucked away in a wooded environment near Camp Watson Point, it provides standard national forest dispersed sites suitable for boondocking. The access is via a native material dirt road that experiences seasonal access limitations.
Forest Spur - Ochoco National Forest
This quiet dirt spur in the Ochoco National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities in a scenic wooded environment near Slide Mountain and Mount Pisgah.
Forest Spur - Ochoco National Forest
This dirt forest spur in the Ochoco National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities along its native material surface. It is generally accessible to most vehicles during dry conditions and provides a quiet, wooded retreat.
Forest Spur - Umatilla National Forest
This native material spur road provides dispersed camping opportunities within the Umatilla National Forest. It is suitable for most standard vehicle types and motorhomes looking for a quiet, wooded stay.
Forest Spur a1366be8
A secluded dirt spur road within the Umatilla National Forest, providing primitive dispersed camping options in a tranquil forest environment.
Forest Spur a484408a
A quiet dispersed camping corridor along a Forest Service spur road in the Umatilla National Forest, offering primitive camping opportunities.
Forest Spur Dispersed (Ochoco NF)
This Forest Service spur road within the Ochoco National Forest offers quiet dispersed camping opportunities along a native-material dirt surface.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
This peaceful Ochoco National Forest spur road offers dispersed camping along an improved dirt surface. Surrounded by quiet pine woods, the location provides easy access to nearby reservoirs and recreational trails.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
This forest spur in Ochoco National Forest offers peaceful roadside dispersed camping with simple dirt road access. It provides standard wilderness sites suitable for most rigs under dry conditions.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet dirt spur road within the Ochoco National Forest offering peaceful dispersed camping. The corridor winds through a serene pine forest, providing secluded, undeveloped camping options ideal for self-contained rigs seeking solitude.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A scenic Forest Service spur road offering secluded dispersed camping within the Ochoco National Forest. The native dirt and gravel road is easily accessible in dry conditions but subject to a brief autumn seasonal closure.
Forest Spur
This Forest Service spur road in Ochoco National Forest offers quiet dispersed camping opportunities along a graded dirt and gravel track. It is situated in a pine forest setting near Indian Trail Spring.
Forest Spur Road Dispersed
A network of dirt forest spurs off the main routes in Umatilla National Forest, offering standard dispersed camping opportunities near Collins Butte. These roads feature native material dirt surfaces suitable for most self-contained vehicles.
Fossil Motel & RV Park
A small, manicured grassy RV park and campground situated right in downtown Fossil. The facility features full and partial hookup sites, dedicated tent areas, and an array of amenities including a modern bathhouse, laundry room, and complimentary showers.
Henry Creek Dispersed Camping
Quiet dispersed camping options situated along Henry Creek Road and adjacent forest spurs within the Umatilla National Forest. The area features classic pine forest terrain with scattered pullouts suitable for self-contained rigs looking for a secluded mountain retreat.
Horse Lower Island
A remote island campsite along the John Day River ideal for boat-in campers.
Jeep Trail Camp
A rugged river-side campsite accessed via a rough jeep trail or watercraft.
John Day River - Chaparral Access
A state-managed river access point providing a boat ramp, parking, and primitive camping along the John Day River. Excellent launch or take-out spot for river floaters.
John Day River - Cherry Creek Wilderness Sites
A scenic group of remote river-access and hike-in wilderness campsites situated along the canyon of the John Day River near Cherry Creek.
John Day River - Clarno Rapids Wilderness Campsites
A series of pristine wilderness boat-in and hike-in campsites located along the scenic canyon of the John Day River near Clarno Rapids. These isolated riverbank spots offer deep canyon solitude and are primarily accessible via raft or kayak.
John Day River - Liberty Bottom Corridor
This scenic riverfront corridor along the John Day River features the vehicle-accessible Liberty Bottom area alongside multiple primitive hike-in and boat-in sites nestled along the canyon.
John Day River BLM Campsites (Black Rock)
This wild river corridor features designated boat-in and hike-in wilderness campsites managed by the BLM along the John Day River. Accessible primarily by watercraft, this zone offers pristine isolation amidst towering canyon walls and dramatic basalt formations. Visitors must secure river permits and strictly adhere to portable toilet and fire pan regulations to protect this fragile riparian habitat.
John Day River BLM Campsites (Miles 88-93)
A collection of wilderness river campsites located along the scenic John Day River canyon near Fossil, Oregon. These remote locations are managed by the BLM and are primarily accessible via river floats, backpacking, or extremely rugged overland trails.
John Day River Boat-In Camps (RM 121-126)
A scenic stretch of wilderness boat-in and hike-in campsites along the Wild and Scenic John Day River, spanning river miles 121 to 126. These remote sites are situated within rugged canyon terrain and are accessible strictly by river craft or arduous overland hiking. Strict conservation and waste pack-out regulations are enforced.
John Day River Camp J106.00R
Primitive river mile campsite J106.00R located along the John Day River. This is a remote, boat-in or hike-in site with no vehicle access.
John Day River Camp J106.30L
Primitive river mile campsite J106.30L located along the John Day River. This is a remote, boat-in or hike-in site with no vehicle access.
John Day River Camp J106.46L
Primitive river mile campsite J106.46L located along the John Day River. This is a remote, boat-in or hike-in site with no vehicle access.
John Day River Camp J129.60L
River-access wilderness site situated on the left bank of the John Day River at river mile 129.60.
John Day River Camp J130.00L
River-access wilderness site situated on the left bank of the John Day River at river mile 130.00.
John Day River Camp J130.05R
River-access wilderness site situated on the right bank of the John Day River at river mile 130.05.
John Day River Camp J86.25L
Located at John Day River mile 86.25 on the left bank, this designated river campsite offers a convenient landing spot for boaters with expansive canyon views.
John Day River Road BLM Dispersed
A scenic riparian corridor along the John Day River just north of Clarno, offering several shaded, grassy dispersed campsites. Accessible via a gravel road near the Clarno Grange, the area is popular for swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The terrain near the river has steep, eroding banks that require caution.
John Day River Site J99.58R
Site J99.58R is a remote BLM-managed walk-in or boat-in campsite situated along the scenic John Day River corridor.
John Day, Chaparral Access State Park
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John Day, Chaparral Recreation Association State Park
This riverside recreational area provides convenient water access and designated camping along the John Day River. It serves as an excellent launch point for float trips and scenic riverside stays.
John Day, Chaparral Recreation Association State Park
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Little Summit Campground
A primitive and peaceful campground tucked away in the pine forests of the Ochoco National Forest, offering standard first-come, first-served sites along Forest Road 500.
Lower Burnt Ranch Campground
A scenic primitive campground and boat launch nestled along the John Day River. The campground features a few lakeside spaces with canyon views. Access requires navigating a long gravel road followed by a steep, uneven, and rocky descent to the water.
Lower Clarno Rapids
Wilderness camping spot near the Lower Clarno Rapids, offering beautiful riverfront scenery for boaters and hikers.
Middle Basalt
A boat-in campsite nestled on a gravel bar amidst towering basalt cliffs.
Mitchell City Park
A convenient municipal park in the small town of Mitchell, offering four back-in RV spaces equipped with water and 20/30/50-amp electrical hookups, alongside a grassy lawn area for tent camping. Located steps from town services, including a local pub and general store, it features clean public restrooms across the street.
Muleshoe Recreation Site
A developed recreation site managed by the Bureau of Land Management, located directly along the scenic John Day River. It offers primitive camping with picnic tables, fire pits, and basic vault facilities.
Ochoco Forest Spur 87ef
A quiet dispersed camping corridor situated along dirt forest spurs in the Ochoco National Forest near Buck Point. The area features rustic native dirt roads winding through deep pine forests, offering isolated and peaceful camping opportunities.
Ochoco Forest Spur e3a5
A secluded dispersed camping option located along a quiet forest spur off the main route, offering plenty of privacy among the pines.
Ochoco Forest Spur Road
A scenic spur road corridor located within the Ochoco National Forest. It provides dispersed camping access in a quiet, wooded setting near several local trailheads and campgrounds.
Ochoco Forest Spurs
A network of quiet forest spurs in the Ochoco National Forest near Bear Mountain, offering secluded options for dispersed camping on native soil roads.
Ochoco National Forest - Black Mountain Spurs
Quiet dispersed camping options located along scenic forest spurs near Black Mountain in the Ochoco National Forest. The area features a pine forest setting with native dirt roads suitable for dry-weather access.
Ochoco National Forest - Forest Spur
This dispersed camping corridor along a quiet forest spur in the Ochoco National Forest offers peaceful wooded sites. The access road is a native dirt and gravel surface, suitable for most vehicles in dry weather.
Ochoco National Forest - Forest Spur
A dispersed camping corridor located along a quiet forest spur road within the Ochoco National Forest, featuring native dirt surfaces.
Ochoco National Forest Spur - ac72f9c8
Located further east, this improved native material spur road provides dispersed camping access in a serene pine forest environment. It is well-suited for standard vehicles and trailers looking for an overnight stay.
Ochoco National Forest Spur - f331ef8d
This Ochoco National Forest spur road offers quiet dispersed camping along a dirt road with native material surface. It is accessible for most vehicle types in dry conditions.
Ochoco National Forest Spur
A primitive dispersed camping corridor along a Forest Service spur road in the Ochoco National Forest with a native dirt surface.
Ochoco National Forest Spur Roads
Secluded dispersed camping options along native dirt spurs within the Ochoco National Forest near Indian Butte. The area is surrounded by ponderosa pine forest and offers peaceful, dry camping opportunities.
Ochoco National Forest Spurs
A quiet network of dirt forest spurs offering dispersed camping within the Ochoco National Forest near Peterson Point.
Old Western Route Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping corridors along Old Western Route and surrounding forest spurs in the Umatilla National Forest.
Open Bench Backcountry Camp
A flat, grassy bench campsite situated slightly above the river. Provides an excellent tent setup location for rafters or backpackers looking to avoid damp canyon bottoms.
Pat's Cabin Road Dispersed
A remote dispersed camping option on Bureau of Land Management land near the Pat's Cabin Trailhead, offering quiet surroundings and scenic views of the rugged canyonlands.
Paulina District, Ochoco National Forest
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Priest Hole BLM Recreation Site
A primitive developed BLM recreation site offering direct access to the John Day River. Campers can set up on wide gravel bars or flat dirt pads. Facilities are basic but include a well-maintained pit toilet. Access from the east via Twickenham Bridge Creek Cutoff Road is strongly recommended for larger vehicles, as the western approach is narrow and winding.
Priest Hole Dispersed River Campsites
A scenic corridor of dispersed, hike-in, and boat-in campsites along the John Day River. Managed by the BLM, these primitive locations are popular for rafting, fishing, and secluded wilderness camping along the canyon banks.
Red Wall Beach
A popular sandy beach camp set against striking red basalt canyon walls.
Robinson Creek Campground
A primitive BLM-managed campground offering quiet sites in a scenic canyon setting near the John Day River.
Service Creek Campground
A quiet developed campground situated along the scenic John Day River off State Route 207. Shaded by occasional ponderosa pines and junipers, it offers excellent access to the river for boating, fishing, and swimming. The facility operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis with self-pay registration on-site.
Shelton Wayside Park
A quiet, county-run park featuring shady, mature trees and a small creek. The site is a sister campground to nearby Bear Hollow and offers a serene, wooded environment with convenient amenities.
Site J103.15L
A secluded wilderness campsite on the left bank of the John Day River, ideal for boat-in campers seeking quiet canyon views.
Site J103.77R
Quiet boat-in campsite located on the right bank of the John Day River, surrounded by rugged canyon scenery.
Site J103.94R
Hike-in or boat-in wilderness campsite located along the John Day River corridor. Accessible primarily via river raft or kayak.
Site J104.68L
Riverside wilderness camp spot on the left bank of the river, offering a peaceful overnight stop for rafters and hikers near Clarno.
Site J119.40R
A designated wilderness boat-in campsite located at river mile 119.4 along the John Day River.
Site J148.85L
A remote boat-in or hike-in dispersed campsite along the wild and scenic John Day River. Access is typically via watercraft or rugged trails, offering ultimate seclusion and pristine canyon surroundings.
Site J153.15R Campsite
Designated river-access campsite at mile 153.15 on the right bank of the John Day River.
Site J154.30L Campsite
Designated river-access campsite at mile 154.30 on the left bank of the John Day River.
Site J88.15L
Designated river campsite situated at River Mile 88.15 on the left bank.
Site J88.43L
Designated river campsite located at River Mile 88.43 on the left bank.
Site J88.56L
Designated river campsite located at River Mile 88.56 on the left bank.
Site J89.97R
Designated river campsite located at River Mile 89.97 on the right bank.
Site J90.00L
Designated river campsite located at River Mile 90.00 on the left bank.
Site J90.84R
Designated river campsite located at River Mile 90.84 on the right bank.
Site J91.65R
Designated river campsite located at River Mile 91.65 on the right bank.
Site J92.06R
Designated river campsite located at River Mile 92.06 on the right bank.
Site J92.56R
Designated river campsite located at River Mile 92.56 on the right bank.
Site J92.82R
Designated river campsite located at River Mile 92.82 on the right bank.
Spanish Peak Road Dispersed
This scenic dispersed camping corridor runs along Spanish Peak Road within the Ochoco National Forest. The dirt road offers numerous opportunities for quiet, remote camping amid pine stands and rolling ridges.
Spray Riverfront City Park
A charming and spacious city park campground along the John Day River, offering grassy sites, shade trees, and convenient river access. It serves as an excellent base for boating and exploring the Wheeler County area.
Sugar Creek Campground and Day Use Area
A highly developed recreational site on the Ochoco National Forest, nestled within a young ponderosa pine forest. The campground straddles Sugar Creek and offers accessible campsites, hand-pumped drinking water, and a short nature trail.
Umatilla National Forest Spurs (Fossil)
This zone comprises several quiet forest service spurs nestled in the pine-covered hills of the Heppner Ranger District within Umatilla National Forest. Located south of Fossil, Oregon, these spurs offer secluded, dry dispersed camping options along native-material roads.
Upper Airstrip
A spacious backcountry flat near the upper end of the historic river airstrip.
Wheeler County RV Park
A quiet and well-maintained RV park situated at the Wheeler County Fairgrounds, offering grassy sites with partial to full hookups as well as dedicated tent camping areas. Its convenient location allows for an easy walk into historic downtown Fossil to explore the local courthouse, restaurants, and shops.
Wheeler Point Forest Roads
Scenic dispersed camping along forest spur roads near Wheeler Point in the Umatilla National Forest. The area features quiet dirt tracks winding through pine-dominated woodlands, offering peaceful spots suitable for a variety of rigs during dry weather.
Wildwood Campground
Wildwood Campground is a remote and quiet developed camping area within the Ochoco National Forest. Located along Forest Road 2210, it features basic amenities in a serene ponderosa pine setting near Carroll Glade Springs.
Windy Flat
A wide, grassy river terrace prone to afternoon gusts, suitable for boat-in groups.
Wolf Creek Industrial Campground
A remote developed forest campground situated in the Ochoco National Forest. Combined administratively with Wolf Creek Campground, this area provides a quiet setting with standard campsites shaded by tall pines.