Billy Fields Campground

4.43

16 reviews

Billy Fields Campground, Malheur National Forest, Oregon

Quick Facts

4,029 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Temporarily closed.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,029 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Temporarily closed.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Billy Fields Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(541) 575-3000SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 16 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleansites

"User reviews for Billy Fields Campground highlight its rustic charm, cleanliness, and proximity to natural attractions. Positive remarks focus on cleanliness, isolation, and free camping opportunities, while negative comments discuss yellow jackets, cow manure, and flies at the campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Billy Fields Campground, Malheur National Forest, Oregon

Billy Fields Campground

Billy Fields Campground, Malheur National Forest, Oregon

Driving directionsFrom the town of John Day, OR., follow US Highway 26 west approximately 18 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 21 (Fields Creek Road). Follow Forest Service Road 21 approximately 6 miles, Billy Fields Campground will be on the right.

The road is well-paved and easy to access, transitioning from beautiful farmland to tall pines. "Road is well-paved, easy to get to."

Nearby places

John Day, OR (approximately 24 miles / 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

John Day, OR (approximately 24 miles away) offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Billy Fields Campground

Mother Nature keeps visitors on their toes at Billy Fields, where mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm in the blink of an eye. Pack layers and expect the unexpected – winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures that regularly dip below freezing, while summer brings warm, golden days that peak around a comfortable 85°F. Spring and fall paint the campground in dramatic contrasts, with crisp mornings giving way to pleasant afternoons. Seasoned campers know to come prepared for any scenario, as the mountains write their own weather rules.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Users noted 100°F heat and using creek to cool off; also reports of yellow jackets and flies in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

No specific fall reviews; mountain weather variable so likely pleasant but unpredictable.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers 'burst into a painter's palette' across meadows—prime season for scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Site listed 'temporarily closed' and 'winter transforms' area; no winter facilities mentioned.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Temporarily closed.
Current Alerts: Temporarily closed.

About Billy Fields Campground

Nestled in the heart of Oregon's backcountry, Billy Fields Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. Here, beneath towering pines, rustic wooden picnic tables and sturdy metal fire rings set the stage for memorable evenings under starlit skies. Wild horses roam freely through nearby meadows, offering lucky visitors glimpses of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Just three miles from the scenic Fields Peak Trail, this hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for hunters tracking seasonal game and anglers casting lines in pristine mountain waters. Equestrian enthusiasts will find a welcoming home here too, with a well-maintained 6-horse tie-stall complete with manger, making it an ideal stopover for backcountry horse camping adventures.

Billy Fields Campground accommodates tent camping, group camping, and horse camping, providing rustic facilities without modern amenities. It does not support RV camping, cabin lodging, or glamping.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps visitors on their toes at Billy Fields, where mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm in the blink of an eye. Pack layers and expect the unexpected – winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures that regularly dip below freezing, while summer brings warm, golden days that peak around a comfortable 85°F. Spring and fall paint the campground in dramatic contrasts, with crisp mornings giving way to pleasant afternoons. Seasoned campers know to come prepared for any scenario, as the mountains write their own weather rules.

Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of diverse ecosystems unfolds across Billy Fields Campground, where stately pines frame sweeping grass meadows dotted with resilient scrub brush. When spring arrives, these fields burst into a painter's palette of wildflowers, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged mountain backdrop. The melodic babble of Fields Creek provides nature's soundtrack as it winds along the campground's edge, its cool waters reflecting the surrounding peaks while offering a refreshing respite on warm afternoons. This dynamic landscape shifts with each season, from snow-dusted winter wonderland to vibrant summer sanctuary.

Geological RegionCarved into the dramatic landscape of Malheur National Forest, Billy Fields Campground sits cradled within the ancient Aldrich Mountains. These rugged peaks tell a geological story millions of years in the making, their unique formations creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. The diverse terrain encompasses everything from dense pine forests that whisper with mountain breezes to open grasslands that stretch toward distant ridgelines. Weathered rock outcroppings and sculpted peaks bear witness to the powerful forces that shaped this corner of Oregon, while the varied ecosystems – from forest floor to scrubland expanse – showcase nature's remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in this mountain environment.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 p.m.

Stay Limit

No stay limits explicitly noted.

Guests Allowed Per Site

"Approximately 6-8 campsites with room for your car and tent."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutApproximately 6-8 campsites are distributed within a rustic loop.

Walk-in AvailabilityFree camping available on a first-come, first-served basis." "Got up early and as we were packing up the tent yellow jackets and big black flies were fierce.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not elaborated upon in any provided sources.

Site SizeUser reviews mention decent space for tents, with each campsite featuring space for vehicles and tents.

PrivacySites are described as quiet and isolated by user reviews, but privacy levels are not explicitly detailed.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider sites near the creek for a tranquil experience. "Pretty little creek along the campground edge so you heard running water all night.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Billy Fields Campground offers recreational activities primarily centered around horse camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor exploration. The nearby Fields Peak Trail within 3 miles is a notable attraction for hikers seeking day-use trails. "The scenery is unique and interesting due to varied terrain... breathtaking 360-degree views," one user wrote about hiking in the Aldrich Mountains area. Wildlife viewing is also mentioned as part of the experience, with horses, cows, and small fish in the creek providing entertainment.

HikingFields Peak Trail is located within 3 miles of Billy Fields Campground, offering opportunities for day hikes with varied terrain, including pine trees, grass fields, and scrambles to peaks with panoramic views. Reviews praise the hiking scenery as "unique and interesting due to varied terrain and geological formations."

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include observing wild horses and cows near the campground. User reviews also mention small fish in the creek as part of the natural surroundings.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSnakes, mountain wildlife, yellow jackets, and large black flies reported. "Beware of snakes, and maybe mountain puddy's." "Yellow jackets and big black flies were fierce."

Active AlertsTemporarily closed.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyMetal fire rings provided; campfire rules not explicitly noted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesMalheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District at 431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845 (Phone: (541) 575-3000)

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not provided, as campers are instructed to pack out all trash they bring in, including cigarette butts, cans, and bottles.

Water FeaturesFields Creek runs along the backside of the campground. "Ice-cold running water is nice to clean up and cool off from the 100-degree heat."

Camp Host"Rangers stop by frequently and give help when needed."

Weather at Billy Fields Campground

Reviews

4.4

16 reviews

Recommended

Billy Fields Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Billy Fields Campground highlight its rustic charm, cleanliness, and proximity to natural attractions. Positive remarks focus on cleanliness, isolation, and free camping opportunities, while negative comments discuss yellow jackets, cow manure, and flies at the campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the cleanliness of the campground, its convenience for day hikers, and isolation that provides opportunities for quiet camping. One reviewer described the area as "clean and most...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention issues with yellow jackets and flies, particularly for late arrivals. Cow manure was noted as a nuisance, while others warned of snakes and described the creek as obscured by wild...

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Packing insect repellent is recommended by users who experienced issues with flies and yellow jackets. Campers are advised to arrive early to secure better campsite locations.

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide detailed seasonal feedback, but one user commented on the heat during summer and the need for cold creek water to cool off.

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Aldrich Mountains are a top hiking and backpacking destination in Oregon because the scenery is unique and interesting due to the varied terrain and geological formations," one user shared....

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews indicate site-specific issues such as cow manure and insects at certain campsites. The two campsites near restrooms are noted as convenient, although late arrivals may need to settle for less...

Based on 16 reviews