Dixie Campground

Star4.71
31 reviews
431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Services are provide...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions
Dixie Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fee for a single campsite is $8 per night. An additional fee of $4 applies for extra vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
(541) 575-3000SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.71

Top-Rated

Based on 31 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshadesites

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious and private sites, and peaceful atmosphere. The lack of water and cell phone service are frequently mentioned but are often viewed as minor drawbacks by visitors seeking a primitive camping experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845

Dixie Campground

431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845

Driving directionsFrom Prairie City, OR, take US Rt. 26 east 8.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.2 miles to campground. Note: Turn left 0.1 miles after Site #1 for the rest of the campground.
Conveniently located off Highway 26, providing easy access for vehicles. The gravel aprons accommodate RVs and cars. Seasonal closures may reduce service availability outside of Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Nearby places
Prairie City (8 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Bates State Park (10 minutes further east), Austin Junction (short drive for supplies).
Nearby supplies
Austin Junction offers gas, groceries, and ice cream cones. Prairie City is nearby for additional supplies and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Dixie Campground

At this lofty elevation, Mother Nature keeps things interesting with her ever-changing moods. Summer days bring refreshing mountain air that provides sweet relief from valley heat, while evenings invite you to gather around the campfire as temperatures dip into sweater weather. When winter arrives, Dixie transforms into a snow-draped wonderland where only the most intrepid adventurers venture, as freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall create a pristine but challenging landscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: shaded, cool sites appreciated; mosquitoes noted at lower sites occasionally.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler off-peak conditions and fewer visitors likely pleasant; services may be reduced.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers noted; campground open but full services begin Memorial Day weekend.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Campground open outside peak but services may be unavailable; few winter reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Services are provided Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The campground is open outside of these dates but may lack services.

About Dixie Campground

Nestled within the sprawling Malheur National Forest, Dixie Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. At 5,200 feet, this primitive camping haven unfolds along a unique switchback layout, where each turn reveals secluded sites tucked beneath towering lodgepole pines and fragrant firs. The thoughtful design ensures remarkable privacy for each campsite, while keeping you conveniently close to Highway 26 for easy access to your mountain escape.
Dixie Campground focuses on primitive camping experiences with no RV-specific sites or facilities. It offers combined sites suitable for both tents and small camping vehicles.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Dixie Campground provides opportunities for picnicking and outdoor learning, including plant viewing. Its proximity to nearby trails and recreational areas makes it a great base for hiking, hunting, and berry picking.
HikingWhile there are no hiking trails directly within the campground, nearby trails such as the Sumpter Valley Interpretive Trail and Davis Creek Trail are accessible with a short drive. These trails provide options for exploring the Malheur National Forest.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is surrounded by forested areas filled with flowering shrubs and wildflowers, offering excellent opportunities for plant and wildlife viewing. Notable plants include Corn Lilies, fireweed, wild roses, and bog candle orchids.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes can be found in lower sites. Visitors must bring their own water as potable water is unavailable.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Dixie Campground

Reviews

4.7
31 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Dixie Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious and private sites, and peaceful atmosphere. The lack of water and cell phone service are frequently mentioned but are often viewed as minor drawbacks by visitors seeking a primitive camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

The vault toilets are consistently praised for their cleanliness, and the sites are described as large, private, and shaded. The campground's peaceful setting and proximity to Prairie City for...
Show more
Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water and trash facilities are the most common complaints. Bugs, such as mosquitoes in lower sites, are occasionally mentioned.
Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own water and plan to pack out all trash. For supplies, Prairie City is a reasonable drive. Nearby Bates State Park offers potable water and hiking trails.
Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the warmer months, campers appreciate the shaded and cool sites. Mosquitoes are mentioned as a minor nuisance in lower sites during the summer. Winter reviews are sparse, but the campground's...
Show more
Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice bathrooms, fire pit with grill cover, picnic table, and no dust. Well worth the $8 a night.' (Aspen Sod, 2017) 2. 'Right off hwy. Really nice campground. Spacious Private spots. Very clean...
Show more
Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews indicate that lower sites may have more mosquitoes, while sites near the entrance have fewer bugs. Vault toilets are consistently praised regardless of location.
Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, contributing to the campground's basic accessibility features.
Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not mentioned explicitly in the source materials.
Based on 31 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Dixie Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Oregon

Campgrounds
Malheur National Forest
Dixie Campground