Wickiup Campground

4.80

18 reviews

431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845

Featured in:Fishing Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

4,311 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,311 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Wickiup Campground

$6.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use fee is $6/night for single sites and $3/night for an additional vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a...

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

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 18 reviews

15 Google reviews

"The campground is consistently praised for its peaceful and scenic setting along Canyon Creek. However, some reviews clarify incorrect information about the facilities, including the lack of flush toilets and potable water."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845

Wickiup Campground

431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845

Driving directionsFrom John Day, OR travel south on US Highway 395 approximately 10 miles to the junction with County Road 65. Follow County Road 65 approximately 7 miles; the campground will be on the right.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal weather conditions may affect accessibility, so visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

Nearby places

John Day, OR - 10 miles (~15 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

John Day, OR, which is 10 miles (~15 minutes drive) away, offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Wickiup Campground

Mother Nature keeps visitors on their toes at Wickiup, where mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm in the span of an afternoon. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and daylight hours growing precious. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs to more comfortable levels, though savvy campers still pack layers for those cool mountain mornings and unexpected afternoon showers. Recent weather patterns have favored dry, clear days punctuated by the occasional rain shower or, in shoulder seasons, a surprise dusting of snow that reminds everyone they're truly in the high country.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Popular in summer for shaded spots and proximity to Canyon Creek; many positive reviews in warm months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Mountain forest setting suggests good fall color and weather, though specifics aren't provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers active creek flows and wildlife viewing, though specifics are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round and used as a snowmobiling start; expect snow and variable mountain weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.

About Wickiup Campground

Tucked away along Forest Road 15, Wickiup Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where Canyon Creek's gentle murmur provides the soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. This intimate, primitive campground invites adventurers to unwind beneath a canopy of shade, cast a line into the creek's promising waters, or spread out a picnic while breathing in the crisp forest air. Whether you're setting up base camp for a day of hiking through rugged terrain, scanning the landscape for glimpses of native wildlife, or arriving with hunting gear in the fall, Wickiup delivers the simple pleasures of outdoor living without the crowds.

Wickiup Campground is a primitive campground offering a rustic camping experience with limited amenities. It primarily caters to tent and potentially RV campers.

Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Wickiup tells a dramatic story of nature's power and resilience. In 2015, the Canyon Creek Complex wildfire swept through this region, fundamentally transforming the forest that had stood for generations. Today, visitors witness nature's remarkable recovery process firsthand, as new growth emerges from the ashes and the ecosystem rebuilds itself in fascinating ways. This living laboratory offers a unique perspective on forest regeneration and the cyclical nature of wilderness areas.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps visitors on their toes at Wickiup, where mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm in the span of an afternoon. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and daylight hours growing precious. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs to more comfortable levels, though savvy campers still pack layers for those cool mountain mornings and unexpected afternoon showers. Recent weather patterns have favored dry, clear days punctuated by the occasional rain shower or, in shoulder seasons, a surprise dusting of snow that reminds everyone they're truly in the high country.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await confirmation, Wickiup's mountain setting places campers firmly in the high country, where the air feels thinner and the stars shine brighter.

Natural Features and SceneryCanyon Creek serves as Wickiup's liquid lifeline, its waters dancing over rocks and creating peaceful pools perfect for quiet contemplation or hopeful anglers. Towering trees provide welcome shade and frame views of the surrounding mountainous terrain, where ridgelines sketch dramatic silhouettes against the sky. The 2015 wildfire has added a unique dimension to the scenery, creating a patchwork landscape where burned snags stand as monuments among vibrant new growth, offering photographers and nature lovers a compelling study in contrasts and renewal.

Geological RegionWickiup Campground claims its place within the vast expanse of Malheur National Forest, where Canyon Creek has carved its course through ancient mountainous terrain over countless millennia. This rugged landscape showcases the geological forces that shaped Oregon's backcountry, from volcanic origins to erosive sculpting by water and weather. The 2015 Canyon Creek Complex fire added the latest chapter to this ever-evolving geological story, demonstrating how fire serves as another architect of the forest, clearing old growth and preparing the soil for the next generation of wilderness.

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated

Groups

Information about group camping sites and their specific capacities is not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutPrimitive campground with no specific layout details provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available; no specific platform mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable but information on walk-up availability is not explicitly provided.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policies provided in the data.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeExact dimensions of the campsites are not provided.

PrivacySpecific details about the level of privacy between sites are not provided in the information.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesNo specific site recommendations provided.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Wickiup Campground provides activities such as picnicking, stream fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting in warmer months. During winter, it also serves as a starting point for snowmobiling.

HikingHiking opportunities are available around the campground, although specific trail details are not provided.

FishingStream fishing is available in Canyon Creek, which runs next to the campground. No specific types of fish or bait recommendations are mentioned.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is one of the highlighted activities at the campground during the warmer months.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rapidly changing weather conditions and wildlife risks.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned.

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

Fire PolicyNo specific campfire policies mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesMalheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District (address: 431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR, phone: (541) 575-3000). The closest hospital, police station, and other emergency services are likely in John Day, OR.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are required to pack out all trash, as stated in the guidelines: 'Pack it in/Pack it out. Anything you bring with you into the forest, including all trash, must be taken home.'

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Canyon Creek.

Camp HostNo host information provided.

Weather at Wickiup Campground

Reviews

4.8

18 reviews

Top-Rated

Wickiup Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is consistently praised for its peaceful and scenic setting along Canyon Creek. However, some reviews clarify incorrect information about the facilities, including the lack of flush toilets and potable water.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight the beauty and tranquility of the campground, with mentions of its setting by Canyon Creek and the surrounding natural environment.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water and flush toilets as well as the occasional spread of misinformation about the site's amenities.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water and be prepared for primitive camping conditions. One user noted the campground is an ideal spot for a 'beautiful primitive get-away.'

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular during the summer for its shaded spots and proximity to Canyon Creek, with winter drawing snowmobile enthusiasts. However, visitors are advised to prepare for rapidly...

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a really nice small campground that I have been to dozens of times.' 2. 'I stayed here for almost two weeks. It was so beautiful and peaceful that I had a hard time leaving.' 3. 'Be...

Based on 18 reviews