Parish Cabin Campground

Star4.50
7 reviews
Forest Road 16, Seneca, OR
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$4 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Services provided Me...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website
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Parish Cabin Campground
$4.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use charges $8 per night for a single site and $4 per night for an additional vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes offer a...
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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

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USFS
Provider
(541) 575-3000SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 7 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwatersites

"User reviews highlight the campground's tranquility and natural setting. It is located in a remote area and is described as 'very quiet.' The sites are spacious, and the vault toilets are well-maintained. However, mosquitos can be an issue at dawn and dusk."

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Campground Map

Forest Road 16, Seneca, OR

Parish Cabin Campground

Forest Road 16, Seneca, OR

Driving directionsFrom the town of John Day, OR., travel south on US Highway 395 for approximately 12 miles to the junction with County Road 65. Travel east on County Road 65 for approximately 8 miles as the road changes to Forest Road 15. Continue on Forest Road 15 for approximately 4 miles to the junction with Forest Road 16. Turn west onto Forest Road 16 and travel approximately 1 mile. The campground will be on your right.
Road access quality is good with paved roads leading to County Road 65, then transitioning to gravel Forest Roads (15 and 16). Travel conditions may vary seasonally, particularly in winter due to snow or ice.
Nearby places
John Day: ~25 miles, Seneca: ~11 miles
Nearby supplies
John Day, ~25 miles away, offers groceries and fuel options. Seneca (~11 miles away) may have limited supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Parish Cabin Campground

At 5,000 feet, Parish Cabin experiences the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high mountains. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the young pines and temperatures that demand warm sleeping bags and crackling campfires. Summer brings golden days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though mountain weather keeps its wild card nature—afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, turning sunny skies to dramatic cloudscapes in minutes. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with wildflowers emerging from snowmelt and aspens painting the nearby valleys gold.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day through Sept 30; cooling creek, wildflowers and peak camping season noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into early fall; noted for hunting and changing weather; services available through Sept 30.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring/early-summer wildflowers are highlighted, but services start Memorial Day (late spring).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground services closed outside Memorial Day–Sept 30 window; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Services provided Memorial Day weekend through September 30.
  • Current Alerts: Currently, potable water is unavailable; visitors must pack in water. Weather conditions can change rapidly.

About Parish Cabin Campground

Nestled along the gentle waters of Bear Creek, Parish Cabin Campground offers a remarkable window into nature's resilience. This secluded retreat within the Malheur National Forest tells a story of rebirth, where young Lodgepole pines create natural privacy screens between generously spaced sites. The campground's spacious pull-through parking aprons welcome travelers of all kinds, from autumn hunters tracking elk through the regenerating forest to summer adventurers seeking solitude in the high country.
Parish Cabin Campground caters primarily to primitive camping, with options for tent and group camping. RVs are also accommodated, although the campground does not provide hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Parish Cabin Campground offers activities focused on outdoor recreation in a natural setting. Visitors can engage in fishing along Bear Creek, hunting, and hiking nearby. The area is particularly noted for its wildflower viewing during the spring and early summer.
HikingThe campground is a short drive from trailheads leading into the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, offering hiking opportunities in a diverse and scenic environment.
FishingFishing is available along Bear Creek, which flows adjacent to the campground. Specific details about the types of fish available are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe nearby Logan Valley is exceptional for viewing wildflowers in spring and early summer, suggesting good opportunities for wildlife observation as well.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors may encounter mosquitos at dawn and dusk, as noted in user reviews. Seasonal hazards include icy roads in winter and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Active AlertsCurrently, potable water is unavailable; visitors must pack in water. Weather conditions can change rapidly.

Weather at Parish Cabin Campground

Reviews

4.5
7 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Parish Cabin Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's tranquility and natural setting. It is located in a remote area and is described as 'very quiet.' The sites are spacious, and the vault toilets are well-maintained. However, mosquitos can be an issue at dawn and dusk.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the large, private campsites and the clean facilities. The proximity to Bear Creek and its cooling waters is a noted advantage during warmer months.
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes are a common nuisance, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring mosquito repellent and be prepared for 'pack it in, pack it out' policies. Visitors should also note the seasonal availability of potable water.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer are highlighted for their wildflower viewing opportunities, while the fall is noted for hunting. Some reviews caution about changing weather conditions during colder months.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Out in the middle of nowhere, so very quiet. Very busy on weekends. Clean vault bathrooms. Mosquitos at dawn and dusk.' - Debbie Hammerquist (2020-08-30) 2. 'Clean facilities, well-kept camp...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but no further accessibility-related reviews are available.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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