Oregon Mine Campground

4.29

9 reviews

431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845

Quick Facts

4,347 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,347 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Oregon Mine 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

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

"User reviews offer mixed experiences, with highlights including the scenic and quiet environment, as well as its suitability for horse camping. However, some users were critical of the lack of non-horse-related activities and the tightly-spaced campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845

Oregon Mine Campground

431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845

Driving directionsFrom John Day, OR., travel approximately 18 miles west on US Highway 26 to the junction of Forest Service Road 21. Travel south on Forest Service Road 21 for approximately 12 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 2170. Travel west on Forest Service Road 2170 to Oregon Mine Forest Camp.

Access is via a combination of paved and unpaved Forest Service roads. Approximately 18 miles west on US Highway 26, followed by 12 miles south on Forest Service Road 21, then west on Forest Service Road 2170. Seasonal closures or adverse weather conditions may affect accessibility.

Nearby places

John Day: 18 miles (approx. 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

John Day, located 18 miles away, offers access to groceries, fuel, and other camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Oregon Mine Campground

Nature's moods shift dramatically at Oregon Mine, where mountain weather writes its own rules. Summer mornings often dawn crisp and clear, with gentle afternoons perfect for creek-side relaxation, though afternoon thundershowers can roll through without warning. As autumn paints the forest in gold and crimson, hunters arrive to find ideal conditions paired with shorter days and cooler nights. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, demanding warm gear and weather awareness from those brave enough to venture forth. Spring brings renewal and wildflowers, though muddy trails and unpredictable temperatures keep visitors on their toes. Pack layers and rain gear year-round – the mountains always have surprises in store.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer described with crisp mornings and a gurgling brook; pleasant but rustic.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

No specific fall notes; likely pleasant but not documented.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely good for creek flows and wildlife sightings, though not explicitly detailed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter noted for campfires and quiet, but weather is unpredictable and amenities are primitive.

Planning Tips

Current Alerts: The site is temporarily closed as stated in some official sources.

About Oregon Mine Campground

Tucked away beside the rushing waters of Murderer's Creek, Oregon Mine Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate, rustic retreat serves as the perfect basecamp for hunters tracking elk through ancient forests and equestrians exploring miles of backcountry trails. Horse lovers will appreciate the traditional buck and pole corral, while the melodic creek provides a natural soundtrack for those who come to fish its pools or simply watch eagles soar overhead. Here, where the forest meets the water, visitors discover a simpler way of camping that connects them directly with the untamed beauty of the Malheur wilderness.

Oregon Mine Campground offers primitive camping suitable for both hunters and horse campers.

Historical SignificanceThe names etched across this landscape tell stories of the Old West that still echo through the pines. Murderer's Creek earned its ominous moniker from frontier-era conflicts, while nearby Horse Creek pays homage to the magnificent wild herds that have roamed these hills for generations. Today, descendants of those same mustangs still thunder across the ridgelines, living symbols of the American West's enduring spirit. As part of the greater Malheur National Forest tapestry, Oregon Mine Campground sits at the intersection of natural history and human heritage, where indigenous peoples, miners, ranchers, and modern adventurers have all left their mark on this rugged corner of Oregon.

Weather and SeasonsNature's moods shift dramatically at Oregon Mine, where mountain weather writes its own rules. Summer mornings often dawn crisp and clear, with gentle afternoons perfect for creek-side relaxation, though afternoon thundershowers can roll through without warning. As autumn paints the forest in gold and crimson, hunters arrive to find ideal conditions paired with shorter days and cooler nights. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, demanding warm gear and weather awareness from those brave enough to venture forth. Spring brings renewal and wildflowers, though muddy trails and unpredictable temperatures keep visitors on their toes. Pack layers and rain gear year-round – the mountains always have surprises in store.

ElevationElevation data not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryMurderer's Creek carves a liquid lifeline through this enchanting landscape, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over smooth stones while providing both a scenic centerpiece and natural habitat for native trout. From camp, visitors can spot wild horses grazing on distant hillsides – a sight that never fails to inspire wonder. A short drive leads to the Cathedral-like Cedar Grove Botanical Area, where ancient trees create nature's own sanctuary, while the challenging Fields Peak trail rewards hikers with panoramic vistas that stretch across endless ridges of the Malheur wilderness. Whether you're photographing wildflowers in meadow clearings or watching raptors circle on mountain thermals, the natural drama unfolds in every direction.

Geological RegionOregon Mine Campground rests within the vast embrace of the Malheur National Forest, where volcanic origins have sculpted a landscape of rolling ridges, deep creek canyons, and hidden valleys. This geological wonderland showcases the powerful forces that shaped Eastern Oregon – ancient lava flows now clothed in ponderosa pine, creek beds that reveal colorful rock layers, and meadows perched atop prehistoric lake beds. The nearby Cedar Grove Botanical Area preserves a unique microclimate where rare plants thrive, while Murderer's Creek and its tributaries continue their patient work of carving ever-deeper channels through the bedrock. Here, where wild horses roam landscapes their ancestors have known for centuries, visitors witness the ongoing story of a land still being written by wind, water, and time.

Best Campsites

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Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 p.m.

Groups

No details provided about group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree campsites are available, spaced within a small area near the creek.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served. No reservation system in place.

AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features is provided.

Site SizeUser reviews indicate that the three campsites are 'well-sized' but 'a little tightly-spaced.

PrivacyNo explicit mention of campsite privacy, but a user noted the sites are 'a little tightly-spaced.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesThe three campsites are well-sized, but visitors seeking privacy may find them a little close together.

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Oregon Mine Campground include bird watching, hunting, fishing, day hiking, and horse camping. Visitors also have the opportunity to see wild horses.

HikingHiking options are available in the nearby Cedar Grove Botanical area and the Fields Peak Trail, providing opportunities for day hikes.

FishingFishing is available in nearby creeks, including Murderer's Creek and Horse Creek.

Wildlife viewingCampers may encounter beautiful wild horses that reside in the area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include cold weather, rapid weather changes, and potential for snowfall. Visitors should exercise caution near the creek and when encountering local wildlife, including wild horses.

Active AlertsThe site is temporarily closed as stated in some official sources.

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

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

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

Trash & RecyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in/pack it out' policy, meaning campers must take all trash, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food, with them.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Murderer's Creek and a smaller tributary known as Horse Creek.

Weather at Oregon Mine Campground

Reviews

4.3

9 reviews

Satisfactory

Oregon Mine Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews offer mixed experiences, with highlights including the scenic and quiet environment, as well as its suitability for horse camping. However, some users were critical of the lack of non-horse-related activities and the tightly-spaced campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the proximity to Murderer's Creek and its suitability for horse camping, with one reviewer noting the authenticity of the area’s depiction in pictures. Another user mentioned...

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the lack of activities for non-horse campers, tightly-spaced campsites, and the presence of horse poop and hay which might be unpleasant for those not camping with horses.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to prepare for changing weather conditions and to strictly adhere to the pack-in/pack-out policy. Horse campers should use certified weed-free hay and avoid pasturing horses in...

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visitors mentioned that Murderer's Creek resembles a 'gurgling brook' during this time. Winter and colder seasons were highlighted for campfires and the general quiet of the area.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Murderers Creek runs just behind the campground with a very short section called Horse Creek. Named for the wild mountain horses that live out there.' – Kevin Ballard 2. 'Possibly a great place...

Based on 9 reviews