Gold Dredge Campground

Star4.25
10 reviews

Quick Facts

3,097 ft

Price

$8 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website
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Gold Dredge Campground
$8.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site: $8/night (extra $5 fee per vehicle exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance). Group site (site 6): $25/night with no extra vehicle...
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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$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 10 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"Users generally speak positively about the peaceful setting and clean facilities. Attractions such as gold panning and fishing are highlighted, although road conditions are noted as challenging."

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Campground Map

Gold Dredge Campground

45.0019, -118.8180

Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, Oregon 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 Road 55. Drive 7.7 miles east along the N. Fork John Day River to Gold Dredge Campground.
The road appears unpaved and has been described as challenging. User reviews mention that cars will have a hard time of the road past Driftwood Campground. It is slow-going even for larger vehicles like a Durango due to potholes but is passable with caution.
Nearby places
Ukiah, Oregon (approximately 15 miles south on Hwy 395)
Nearby supplies
Information about supplies is not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Gold Dredge Campground

Thanks to its strategic low-elevation position, Gold Dredge Campground emerges from winter's grip while higher mountain camps remain buried in snow, making it a coveted early-season destination for eager campers. As spring arrives, the campground awakens with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt, creating perfect conditions for those first camping trips of the year. When winter returns, the landscape transforms into a snow-covered wonderland accessible only by snowmobile, offering a completely different but equally magical experience for those willing to make the journey.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season is late May–Nov; maintained then, but low late-summer water levels limit boating/swimming.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Maintained through mid-November; fewer crowds and scenic setting make fall attractive.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Low-elevation site emerges from winter early and is a coveted early-season destination.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Accessible only by snowmobile in winter; road access is blocked and campground not maintained then.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late May through November 15, with maintenance occurring only in this time frame.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round but only maintained seasonally from Memorial Day to mid-November. It is inaccessible due to snow during winter and then can be accessed only by snowmobiles.

About Gold Dredge Campground

Tucked away in a serene grove of towering Ponderosa pines, Gold Dredge Campground offers an intimate escape along the pristine waters of the North Fork John Day River. This tranquil retreat features seven thoughtfully spaced campsites where the gentle murmur of the river provides nature's soundtrack. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach—with vault toilets and no water or garbage services—this simplicity allows visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the wilderness. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into the crystal-clear waters, capture stunning photographs of the pine-framed riverscape, or simply float in the refreshing swimming holes. As summer progresses and water levels recede, the exposed riverbanks reveal new terrain to explore. Come autumn, the surrounding forests transform into prime territory for big game hunters seeking their next adventure.
Gold Dredge Campground offers single sites, a group site, and facilities suitable for both tent and RV camping. Primitive camping is also possible during the off-season.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Dredge Campground offers a variety of activities including photography, swimming, non-motorized boating, fishing, and hunting. The nearby Oriental Trailhead, located approximately 6 miles west, provides access to OHV and wilderness trails.
HikingThe Oriental Trailhead is about 6 miles west of the campground and provides access to both OHV and wilderness trails. Specific trail details, such as length and difficulty, are not provided.
FishingFishing is a key attraction at this campground. User reviews mention 'plenty of flour' gold in the area, suggesting gold panning opportunities in addition to traditional fishing.
SwimmingSwimming is listed as a recreational activity, though water levels in mid to late summer may impact usability.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is available, though water levels become low in mid to late summer, which may impede boat use.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive mineral claims around the campground make it illegal to remove gold or minerals from the area. Potholes on the road leading to the campground may present travel difficulties for some vehicles.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Gold Dredge Campground

Reviews

4.3
10 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Gold Dredge Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally speak positively about the peaceful setting and clean facilities. Attractions such as gold panning and fishing are highlighted, although road conditions are noted as challenging.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the clean vault toilet, scenic location along the river, and the presence of fire rings with grates. The area is described as a 'beautiful spot in Oregon.'
Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor road conditions with potholes that may challenge smaller vehicles. One user warned about active gold claims near the campground, advising that removing minerals without...
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Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing gold pans for panning opportunities, being cautious of road conditions, and packing out all garbage due to the lack of trash services.
Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the maintained season (Memorial Day to mid-November). Winter access is possible but limited to snowmobiles.
Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'An utterly beautiful spot in Oregon! Clean vault toilet, nice fire rings with grates, and on the best little turn on the North John Day River!' - Rachelle Erb. 2. 'CAUTION!!! There are active...
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Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 is specifically identified as the group site at $25/night. Other sites are single sites priced at $8/night.
Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited to the vault toilet, which is described as accessible.
Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not mentioned in the provided sources.
Based on 10 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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