Starr Campground

Star4.57
9 reviews
Starr Campground, US Highway 395, John Day, OR

Quick Facts

5,177 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open during the spri...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website
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Starr Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site fee is $6 per night. Additional vehicles are charged $3 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on...
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Standard Site Fee$6.00
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

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"User reviews highlight Starr Campground's convenience, tranquility, and rustic charm. The proximity to Highway 395 is both a convenience and a source of potential noise, although most reviewers found the area quiet at night. Vault toilet cleanliness varies by unit."

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Campground Map

Starr Campground, US Highway 395, John Day, OR

Starr Campground

Starr Campground, US Highway 395, John Day, OR

Driving directionsFrom the town of John Day, OR, travel south on US Highway 395 approximately 16 miles. The campground will be on the right.
Easily accessible from US Highway 395. The road to the campground is paved and straightforward.
Nearby places
John Day (16 miles, approximately 16 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in John Day, approximately 16 miles away, offering groceries, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Starr Campground

Mother Nature paints each season with dramatic flair at Starr Campground. Summer arrives with warm, dry days perfect for hiking and stargazing under crystal-clear skies. Spring awakens the forest floor with wildflowers while fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of golden hues. Though winter can blanket the area in snow and bring temperatures well below freezing, the warmer months from late spring through early fall offer ideal camping conditions. Pack layers and prepare for cool mountain evenings even in summer, as temperatures can shift dramatically once the sun dips below the pines.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm, dry days ideal for hiking and stargazing; reviewers praise summer stays.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Logan Valley 'bursts into spectacular' seasonal display; fall recommended by reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring 'awakens the forest floor' and is listed as a recommended season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is open spring–fall; winter closures are indicated.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely spring, summer, and fall based on popularity mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open during the spring, summer, and fall months. Temporarily closed as per status.
  • Current Alerts: Temporarily closed status mentioned.

About Starr Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Malheur National Forest, Starr Campground offers two distinct camping experiences that cater to every outdoor enthusiast's dream. The upper level, easily accessible from the highway, sits beneath a canopy of towering ponderosa pines where sunlight filters through ancient branches. For those seeking deeper solitude, the lower level beckons adventurers into the forest's embrace, where the only sounds are rustling pine needles and distant wildlife. Whether you're tracking elk at dawn, exploring hidden trails, or simply breathing in the pure mountain air, this peaceful haven serves as your gateway to Oregon's untamed wilderness.
Starr Campground accommodates both RV camping and tent camping, with sites spread across two clusters offering varying degrees of privacy and proximity to Highway 395.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Starr Campground provides various recreational activities, particularly suited for nature enthusiasts. "Outdoor Science and Learning: Viewing Wildlife, Viewing Plants" and hiking are officially recognized activities. Some reviews expand this list to include winter activities like skiing and sledding.
HikingNumerous trailheads leading into the beautiful Strawberry Mountain Wilderness are located within a seven-mile radius of the campground. "Just a few more miles down the road is beautiful Logan Valley," which is popular for scenic viewing, wildflowers, and wildlife.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is described as prime for wildlife viewing, including wild horses in the Murderers Creek area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVault toilets may occasionally have cleanliness issues. Wildlife may be present due to its forested setting.
Active AlertsTemporarily closed status mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Starr Campground

Reviews

4.6
9 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Starr Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Starr Campground's convenience, tranquility, and rustic charm. The proximity to Highway 395 is both a convenience and a source of potential noise, although most reviewers found the area quiet at night. Vault toilet cleanliness varies by unit.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

"Quiet and very few people" during stays; proximity to Strawberry Mountain Wilderness; "nicely kept" campground.
Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Vault toilets' cleanliness is inconsistent. "The moment I opened the door, I was assaulted by a massive swarm of flies or something," one reviewer noted. Also, potable water is unavailable, and trash...
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Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and plan to "pack it in, pack it out" due to the lack of trash cans. The lower sites offer more privacy and are ideal for light sleepers.
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring, summer, and fall are recommended seasons for their scenic beauty and accessibility to nearby areas such as Logan Valley.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet and very few people for our two-day stay." "No trash cans, pack it in, pack it out." "Lower sites are more private and quieter regarding highway noise."
Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has two clusters of sites: the first near the highway and close together, and the second further back and more spread out. "Some of the sites are large enough for RV trailers and some...
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Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

"Fire rings and handicapped accessible toilets and sites," as noted in one user review.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information or reviews about pet-related policies or amenities provided.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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