Drift Fence Campground

Star4.60
12 reviews
Drift Fence Campground, Ukiah, OR

Quick Facts

4,656 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website
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Drift Fence Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee is charged for camping at Drift Fence Campground.
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
Contact North Fork John Day Ranger District for details.
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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

10 Google reviews

"User reviews of Drift Fence Campground are mixed, with some appreciating its undeveloped and rustic charm, while others highlight significant issues. One reviewer stated, 'I love this campground. Undeveloped enough to not be busy. Developed enough (stinky pit toilets, picnic tables, and rustic fire rings) to be comfortable.' However, another warned, 'I would definitely not camp here, there are rabid squirrels that attack you in your sleep during hunting season.'"

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Campground Map

Drift Fence Campground, Ukiah, OR

Drift Fence Campground

Drift Fence Campground, Ukiah, OR

Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, OR, travel south on County Road 1475 (turns into Forest Service Road 52 after 5 miles). Go about 7 miles to Drift Fence Campground on the right.
The campground is situated along the paved Blue Mountain Scenic Byway, but the short access road is in poor condition.
Nearby places
Ukiah, OR (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and other supplies can be acquired in Ukiah, OR, which is approximately 7 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Drift Fence Campground

Four distinct seasons paint Drift Fence Campground in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the forest into a hushed wonderland, with December through February bringing freezing temperatures and steady snowfall that typically accumulates 3 to 5 inches weekly—perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of a snow-draped forest. As March arrives, spring begins its gentle awakening, coaxing wildflowers from the thawing ground and filling the air with birdsong through May. Summer months from June to August offer sun-drenched days ideal for exploring the surrounding wilderness, with warm temperatures that make evening campfires especially inviting. Come September, autumn begins its spectacular show, cooling temperatures accompanied by the rustling of changing leaves that continues through November's crisp, hunting-perfect days.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (late May–Nov): maintained access, fishing and wildlife viewing available.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is in peak season; good for wildlife viewing and scenic byway vistas.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Seasonal maintenance begins Memorial Day; early spring services are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Seasonally closed for maintenance; winter access only by snowmobile and unmaintained.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late May through November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is seasonally maintained from Memorial Day until mid-November. Winter access is available via snowmobiles after snow closure.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned aside from the seasonal closure by snow.

About Drift Fence Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Umatilla National Forest, Drift Fence Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate, six-site retreat preserves the rustic charm of a traditional hunting camp, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have gathered beneath towering pines. While the winding access road reflects the campground's off-the-beaten-path character, those who make the journey are rewarded with unparalleled tranquility. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for sharing stories under starlit skies. Two vault toilets serve the campground, though visitors should note this is a true back-to-basics experience—bring your own water and pack out all trash. The surrounding wilderness offers exceptional hunting grounds, pristine fishing at nearby Twin Ponds (home to an eagerly anticipated annual Fishing Derby), and endless opportunities to capture wildlife and wildflower photography. For those curious about the ancient forces that shaped this landscape, the nearby Ukiah-Granite Roadside Geology tour and Bridge Creek Wildlife Viewing Area provide fascinating day trip options.
Drift Fence Campground is a rustic and undeveloped site primarily used as a hunting camp. It features 6 campsites designed for campers seeking a primitive experience.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Drift Fence Campground is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hunters and wildlife photographers. Fishing is available at nearby stocked ponds such as Twin Ponds, known for hosting the annual Fishing Derby. Additional activities mentioned include wildlife and wildflower viewing, outdoor photography, and access to the Ukiah-Granite Roadside Geology tour. The nearby Bridge Creek Wildlife Viewing Area is another significant attraction, especially for elk viewing.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at nearby stocked ponds, including Twin Ponds, which hosts the annual Fishing Derby.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is noted for its opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk. The nearby Bridge Creek Wildlife Viewing Area is highlighted as a special attraction.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poor road conditions, lack of potable water, and wildlife interactions. A user review mentions 'rabid squirrels' during hunting season.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned aside from the seasonal closure by snow.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Drift Fence Campground

Reviews

4.6
12 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Drift Fence Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Drift Fence Campground are mixed, with some appreciating its undeveloped and rustic charm, while others highlight significant issues. One reviewer stated, 'I love this campground. Undeveloped enough to not be busy. Developed enough (stinky pit toilets, picnic tables, and rustic fire rings) to be comfortable.' However, another warned, 'I would definitely not camp here, there are rabid squirrels that attack you in your sleep during hunting season.'
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback emphasizes the campground's undeveloped nature, which keeps it less crowded, and its basic but sufficient amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings.
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative reviews focus on specific issues such as the poor condition of the access road and mentions of rabid squirrels during hunting season.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to prepare for a remote and rugged experience, including packing out all trash and ensuring they are self-sufficient due to the lack of potable water and other services.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not explicitly detail differences by season, but the campground is noted to be accessible by snowmobiles in winter when the road is closed.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'I love this campground. Undeveloped enough to not be busy. Developed enough (stinky pit toilets, picnic tables, and rustic fire rings) to be comfortable.' 2. 'I would definitely not camp here,...
Show more
Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specify individual campsite numbers or ratings.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility experiences at this campground.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly discuss pet policies or experiences related to pets.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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