Drift Fence Campground
03 reviewsDrift Fence Campground, Ukiah, OR
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
The campground is se...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
The campground is se...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
ProviderContact North Fork John Day Ranger District for details.
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 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.'"
Fees & Passes at Drift Fence Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Stay limits are not specified.
Cancellation: There are no reservations required, so cancellation policies are not applicable.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Umatilla National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceDrift Fence Campground stands as a living testament to the region's deep-rooted hunting heritage, where traditions passed down through generations continue to thrive. This humble camp has served as a gathering place for hunters who understand that the pursuit is as much about camaraderie around the campfire as it is about the harvest. The surrounding landscape tells even older stories—the nearby Ukiah-Granite Roadside Geology tour reveals millions of years of Earth's history written in stone, offering visitors a chance to read the ancient chronicles of volcanic upheavals and tectonic shifts that created these magnificent mountains.
Weather and SeasonsFour 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.
ElevationNestled at an elevation that places it perfectly within the montane forest zone, Drift Fence Campground offers the refreshing mountain air and cooler temperatures that make it an ideal escape from summer heat. While specific elevation data awaits confirmation, visitors can expect the invigorating atmosphere typical of Umatilla National Forest's mid-elevation camping areas.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where nature takes center stage at Drift Fence Campground, surrounded by a dense canopy of evergreen forest that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. This pristine wilderness sanctuary bursts with life—majestic elk move silently through morning mist, while delicate wildflowers carpet meadow edges in spring and summer. The forest itself becomes an outdoor classroom where curious visitors can discover the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and their mountain habitat. Whether you're an amateur botanist documenting native flora, a photographer waiting for that perfect wildlife moment, or simply someone who finds peace in nature's cathedral, this rustic haven delivers experiences that linger long after you've returned home.
Geological RegionDrift Fence Campground sits within the magnificent Umatilla National Forest, along the renowned Blue Mountain Scenic Byway—a route that showcases some of Oregon's most breathtaking mountain vistas. The campground serves as your basecamp for exploring a geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion have sculpted a landscape of stunning diversity. Nearby Twin Ponds, regularly stocked with fish, provides not just excellent angling but also a glimpse into how glacial activity shaped these mountain basins. The surrounding terrain offers a living geology textbook, from exposed rock formations that tell stories of prehistoric seas to volcanic basalt flows that speak of the region's fiery past. For wildlife enthusiasts, the area's varied elevations and habitats create perfect viewing opportunities, making every hike a potential encounter with the forest's wild inhabitants.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the available materials for this campground.
Sites SizeThe site features 6 campsites, but no dimensions or size details are provided for these sites.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details about the level of privacy at campsites are provided in the materials.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest the campground is undeveloped enough to avoid crowds but still comfortable for camping. One review warns against camping during hunting season due to wildlife concerns.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unspecified.
Check-out
Unspecified.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number of allowed guests per site is unspecified.
Groups
No group sites are specified in the materials.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features six individual sites with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is seasonally maintained from Memorial Day until mid-November. Winter access is available via snowmobiles after snow closure.
Reservation PlatformsCamping is walk-up only and reservable platforms are not applicable.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll six sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyThere are no reservations required, so cancellation policies are not applicable.
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.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at nearby stocked ponds, including Twin Ponds, which hosts the annual Fishing Derby.Wildlife viewing
The 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
During winter, access to the campground is limited to snowmobiles when the road becomes inaccessible due to snow.Water Sports
No information on water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are available, implying that fires are permitted, but specific fire policies are not detailed.
- Quiet hours are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather at Drift Fence Campground
38
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
North Fork John Day Ranger District (contact for winter access). Other emergency services such as hospitals and police stations are likely located in nearby Ukiah.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May through November.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service at this site, and campers are instructed to pack out all trash and dispose of it at home.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near several stocked ponds, including Twin Ponds, which host fishing activities like an annual Fishing Derby.
Common complaintsReviews mention poor road conditions and wildlife nuisances ('rabid squirrels').
HostNo information about campground hosts is available.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Drift Fence Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 3 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 3 reviewsCommon 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 3 reviewsPro 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 3 reviewsSeasonal 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 3 reviewsCamper 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,...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specify individual campsite numbers or ratings.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility experiences at this campground.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly discuss pet policies or experiences related to pets.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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