Driftwood Campground

Star4.62
15 reviews
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Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,009 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website
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Driftwood Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site fees are $8/night, with an additional $5 charge per vehicle exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance. Fees are charged through...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
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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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 15 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanlocation

"User reviews highlight Driftwood Campground as a peaceful and scenic location. Campers appreciate the riverside sites and the opportunity to unplug due to the absence of cell service. Comments frequently mention the cleanliness and quietness of the campground."

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Campground Map

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Driftwood Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, travel west 1 mile to the Hwy 395 junction. Turn left (south) on Hwy 395 and go about 15 miles, and then turn left (east) onto Forest Service Road 55. Drive 5.2 miles east along the North Fork John Day River to Driftwood campground.
The location is accessible by a dirt/gravel road, which might not be suitable for all vehicles. The campground can only be reached by snowmobiles during winter when snow blocks the road.
Nearby places
Ukiah (approximately 16 miles and 22 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely located in Ukiah, approximately 16 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Driftwood Campground

The campground transforms with each passing season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, creating a pristine wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here during the coldest months. But it's during late spring and early fall when Driftwood truly shines – these golden windows bring crystal-clear skies and perfect temperatures that invite exploration. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons ideal for river activities, while evenings offer that perfect campfire weather that makes memories last a lifetime.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming, boating and fishing on the river; positive summer accessibility and reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall scenery and lower crowds noted; campground 'transforms' seasonally with attractive autumn views.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open begins late May; early spring access limited and conditions variable (snow/melt).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Generally closed when snow blocks access; operational late May–mid-November.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No peak season dates explicitly provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is operational from late May through mid-November unless snow closes access.
  • Current Alerts: .

About Driftwood Campground

Tucked away along the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River, Driftwood Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This intimate, semi-primitive campground features just six thoughtfully spaced campsites, providing a peaceful retreat far from the crowds. While you'll need to pack out what you pack in (no trash service is provided), the reward is an unspoiled riverside experience complete with a convenient rafting put-in site and accessible facilities. Here, the rhythm of the river sets the pace for days filled with adventure and nights under star-studded skies.
Driftwood Campground is a small, semi-primitive site with 6 campsites that accommodate a range of camping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specific check-in time noted.
Check-out
No specific check-out time noted.
Stay Limit
No stay limit explicitly mentioned.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Driftwood Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, non-motorized boating, fishing, and hunting. The location is also near trails for OHV and wilderness exploration.
FishingFishing is available in the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River. However, specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.
SwimmingSwimming is mentioned as an attraction, although details about designated areas or safety measures are not specified.
BoatingThe campground includes a put-in site for non-motorized boating. However, water levels in mid-to-late summer may hinder boating activities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe lack of potable water and garbage disposal services may be challenging for some campers. Dirt/gravel access roads may present difficulties for certain vehicles, and water levels in the river drop in mid to late summer, affecting boating use.
Active Alerts.
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.

Weather at Driftwood Campground

Reviews

4.6
15 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Driftwood Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Driftwood Campground as a peaceful and scenic location. Campers appreciate the riverside sites and the opportunity to unplug due to the absence of cell service. Comments frequently mention the cleanliness and quietness of the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's cleanliness, riverside location, and peaceful atmosphere. For example, one reviewer noted, "Very clean and quiet, great sites right on the river." Another stated,...
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Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers mentioned challenges due to the semi-primitive nature of the campground, such as the dirt/gravel road access and lack of cell service. One user highlighted that the road is "not really...
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Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend being prepared for the lack of potable water, garbage services, and cell phone reception. Bringing all necessary supplies, including water and trash bags, is essential.
Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as beautiful and accessible during various seasons. One user mentioned camping in the winter, experiencing snow in the mornings followed by sunny weather. Another user...
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Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is an amazing, beautiful place if you're looking to get away and very literally unplug." - Cher Walker. "Very clean and quiet, great sites right on the river." - Jenna Fallis. "The campground...
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites or areas within the campground are not identified in the user reviews.
Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

One accessible vault toilet is noted, but no user reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences at the campground.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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