Deerhorn Campground
02 reviewsMalheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District, 431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845
Quick Facts
Price
$4 - $8/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open during late sum...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$4 - $8/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open during late sum...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Deerhorn Campground
$4.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is $8.00 per unit per night and $4.00 for additional vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$8.00
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USFS
Provider(541) 575-3000SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
5 Google reviews
Most mentioned
water
"User reviews highlight the campground's small and scenic nature. It is appreciated primarily for its proximity to fishing and nature-watching opportunities."
Fees & Passes at Deerhorn Campground
$4 - $8/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: No stay limit is explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation: Reservation cancellations and deadlines are not specified.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Deerhorn Campground
Mother Nature keeps you on your toes in this dynamic mountain environment, where morning frost can give way to afternoon sunshine even in spring. Summer transforms the landscape into a warm, inviting playground perfect for river activities and forest exploration, while winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. Pack layers and be ready for anything – from crisp, star-filled nights that demand a warm sleeping bag to sun-drenched afternoons ideal for wading in the river. Late spring through early summer offers the sweet spot of comfortable temperatures and rushing snowmelt that brings the river to life.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: The campground is busiest during late summer and hunting season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open during late summer and hunting season. Specific dates are unclear.
- Current Alerts: The campground is listed as temporarily closed in some records; visitors should confirm availability before planning a visit.
About Deerhorn Campground
Nestled within the pristine Middle Fork John Day River State Scenic Waterway, this intimate campground serves as your gateway to authentic Oregon wilderness adventures. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, tracking wildlife through ancient forests, or simply soaking in the untouched beauty of the landscape, this hidden gem offers an escape from the crowds. The campground comes alive during late summer when wildflowers bloom and temperatures are perfect for exploration, while autumn brings dedicated hunters seeking the abundant game that calls these forests home.
Deerhorn Campground caters to campers seeking a primitive camping experience. Specific details about the types of camping accommodations are minimal, but the low overnight fee hints at a focus on basic tent or RV camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile the campground itself may not bear historical markers, you're camping in a landscape that has witnessed centuries of human connection with the land, from Native American peoples who first fished these waters to the pioneers and prospectors who followed the river's course through the wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps you on your toes in this dynamic mountain environment, where morning frost can give way to afternoon sunshine even in spring. Summer transforms the landscape into a warm, inviting playground perfect for river activities and forest exploration, while winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. Pack layers and be ready for anything – from crisp, star-filled nights that demand a warm sleeping bag to sun-drenched afternoons ideal for wading in the river. Late spring through early summer offers the sweet spot of comfortable temperatures and rushing snowmelt that brings the river to life.
ElevationTucked into the forested slopes of the Malheur National Forest, the campground sits at a mountain elevation that delivers cool, pine-scented air and respite from valley heat, though specific elevation details await your discovery upon arrival.
Natural Features and SceneryThe majestic Malheur National Forest embraces you with towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs that filter golden sunlight onto the forest floor. The star attraction remains the Middle Fork John Day River, where clear mountain water dances over smooth stones, creating perfect pools for native trout and refreshing swimming holes. Morning mist rises from the water, eagles soar overhead, and the surrounding wilderness stretches endlessly in every direction, offering scenic vistas and secret spots waiting to be discovered.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of the Middle Fork John Day River State Scenic Waterway, this campground occupies a special corner of the vast Malheur National Forest. This protected waterway carves through ancient volcanic landscapes and rugged canyon country, creating a geological wonderland where millions of years of Earth's history are written in stone cliffs and river-carved valleys.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campsite sizes are not explicitly described in the available data.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not detailed.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific site recommendations are provided.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
No stay limit is explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No guest limit per site is explicitly mentioned.
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout is not described in detail.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen during late summer and hunting season. Specific dates are unclear.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may require fees; no specific platforms or systems are detailed.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information about walk-up or first-come-first-served availability is stated.
Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellations and deadlines are not specified.
Activities you can enjoy
Deerhorn Campground is located within the Middle Fork John Day River State Scenic Waterway and offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, nature watching, exploring, and hunting. Activities are seasonal, with the campground being busier during late summer and hunting season.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the nearby river or stream, though specific details about fish types or regulations are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can engage in nature watching. Specific wildlife species or best viewing areas are not described.Winter Activities
Winter recreational activities are not specified.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotable water is not available; visitors should bring their own water. Weather can change rapidly, and there may be wildlife typical of forested areas.
Active alertsThe campground is listed as temporarily closed in some records; visitors should confirm availability before planning a visit.
Weather at Deerhorn Campground
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available at the Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District located at 431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR.
Good to know
Peak season datesThe campground is busiest during late summer and hunting season.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food wrappers. There are no on-site trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the Middle Fork John Day River, offering river and stream fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsNo complaints are explicitly mentioned.
HostHost availability and contact information are not mentioned.
Campground Map
Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District, 431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845
Driving directionsFrom Prairie City, OR., travel east on Highway 26 approximately 13 miles to the junction of Highway 26 and Highway 7. Turn onto Highway 7 for approximately 1/8th of a mile to the junction with County Road 20, turn onto County Road 20. On County Road 20 travel approximately 4 miles, the campground will be on your left. The turn for the campground is on a corner, the entrance is marked with a small green sign.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but users should note that the turn for the campground is on a corner and marked only with a small green sign, which may make it easy to miss.Nearby places
Prairie City (13 miles, approximately 15 minutes), John Day (null distance, approximately null minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be accessed in nearby Prairie City or John Day, though exact distances are unspecified.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Deerhorn Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's small and scenic nature. It is appreciated primarily for its proximity to fishing and nature-watching opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its natural beauty and access to recreational activities in the scenic waterway.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No substantial complaints are detailed in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to prepare for rapid weather changes and bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water and trash bags, as no potable water or trash services are available.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busier during late summer and hunting season. Winter conditions are more severe, with data indicating freezing weather in the colder months.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
Philomena Dutcher: 'Beautiful little campground.' (Review date: 2020-01-07)
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers or reviews for individual sites are detailed.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related reviews and policies are not mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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