How much does camping cost at Muleshoe Campground?

Camping fees at Muleshoe Campground range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Muleshoe Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Muleshoe Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Muleshoe Campground?

Muleshoe Campground is open Open year-round; annual seasonal fire closure June 1 to October 15 (no campfires during closure).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Muleshoe Campground?

Muleshoe Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Muleshoe Campground?

Fire policies at Muleshoe Campground: Annual fire closure June 1 to October 15 (no campfires during closure).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Muleshoe Campground have?

Muleshoe Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Muleshoe Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Muleshoe Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Muleshoe Campground?

Muleshoe Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Muleshoe Campground?

Popular activities at Muleshoe Campground include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Muleshoe Campground

3 reviews

Muleshoe Campground

Top 22% in ORWinter

Quick Facts

Price

$5/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$5/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Muleshoe Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reported $5 fee for river-access primitive campsites. First-come, first-served; no potable water, no hookups, and no trash service.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Muleshoe Campground

44.8070, -119.9677

Weather at Muleshoe Campground

Best Time to Camp at Muleshoe Campground

While Muleshoe welcomes campers year-round, each season paints a different portrait of this high-desert landscape. Winter nights can dip to around 30°F, perfect for stargazing by the campfire, while summer days warm to a pleasant 85°F—ideal for river exploration and canyon hikes. Do note that fire restrictions close the campground from June 1 to October 15 annually, so plan your visit accordingly to experience this hidden gem at its best.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers river activity and views; fewer seasonal notes but likely pleasant conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; annual seasonal fire closure June 1 to October 15 (no campfires during closure).

About Muleshoe Campground

Tucked along the wild John Day River, Muleshoe Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where dramatic canyon walls and ancient geology set the stage for your adventure. This primitive, no-frills riverside retreat features just the essentials—vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings—inviting you to disconnect and immerse yourself in one of Oregon's most striking landscapes.

Primitive campground with six drive-in, graveled pull-in sites that overlook the John Day River and are reported as suitable for RVs up to 50 feet; two walk-in (tent) sites are located uphill from the river.

Historical Significance

No specific historical or cultural significance mentioned in available sources.

Weather and SeasonsWhile Muleshoe welcomes campers year-round, each season paints a different portrait of this high-desert landscape. Winter nights can dip to around 30°F, perfect for stargazing by the campfire, while summer days warm to a pleasant 85°F—ideal for river exploration and canyon hikes. Do note that fire restrictions close the campground from June 1 to October 15 annually, so plan your visit accordingly to experience this hidden gem at its best.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be awed by the river-carved canyon that surrounds you, where millions of years of geological history are written in spectacular layered rock formations rising from the John Day River below. A magnificent solitary ponderosa pine stands sentinel near the campsites, while across the river, a grove of its cousins frames views of the open, sun-drenched terrain. The exposed geology and sparse vegetation create an almost otherworldly landscape that photographers and nature lovers will find irresistible.

Geological RegionJohn Day River canyon — ancient river canyon exposing layered 'layer cake' geology with carved cliffs and scattered ponderosa pine

Scenic ViewsDirect overlooks of the John Day River and canyon walls; notable solitary ponderosa pine visible from the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Very limited amenities: two wheelchair-accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided. There is no potable water, no utility hookups, and no garbage service; an unimproved boat launch gives river access.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Primary recreational use is river-based and scenic: boating on the John Day River via an unimproved launch and sightseeing/exploration of the surrounding river canyon and nearby fossil/painted-hills attractions.

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell phone coverage reported. River access can be rocky and slippery; insects (ants, flies, mosquitoes) are common. No potable water or garbage service available. Seasonal fire-closure (June 1–Oct 15) restricts campfires during that period.

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Muleshoe Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors generally praise the scenic river views, low-cost primitive camping, and basic facilities (vault toilets), while noting limited services and rugged access.

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic John Day River and canyon views; inexpensive primitive camping; spacious pull-in sites suitable for large RVs; clean vault/pit toilets; wheelchair-accessible vault toilets; unimproved river...

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Insects are frequently mentioned (ants, flies, mosquitos) as part of the outdoor experience. Boat launch and river entry can be awkward — reviewers call the launch "a little sketch" and warn that...

Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most sites near the river are pull-in RV sites; reviewers note there is room for roughly six camper trailers and a usable turnaround. There are one or two tent sites up the hill and a couple of "walk...

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and pack out trash; expect primitive conditions and bring insect repellent; sites are first-come, first-served; RVs up to about 50 ft reported to fit; exercise caution at the...

Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No clear seasonal patterns are reported in these reviews; one reviewer calls out ants, flies and mosquitos but does not specify a season.

Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

Clean pit toilets; fantastic for primitive camping. | Boat launch is a little sketch. Room for 6 camper trailers. | Pretty scenery at a small bend in the river.

Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault (pit) toilets are available and positioned so most sites have reasonable access to them. However, river entry is described as challenging due to large, slippery rocks — not ideal for people...

Based on 3 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

River-floaters and big-rig campers do well here: pull-in sites reportedly fit rigs up to 50 feet, the unimproved boat launch puts you on the John Day, and fall or spring visits dodge both the summer fire closure and the worst insect pressure.

Skip if

No potable water, no trash service, no cell signal, and campfires banned June through mid-October. Tent campers also get the short end, the hillside spots are rocky, and the better real estate is claimed by trailers.

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