North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

Star4.09
22 reviews
401 W. Main St., Ukiah, OR, 97880

Quick Facts

5,203 ft

Price

$8 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
North Fork John Day Campground (Or)
$8.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees range from $8 per night for standard and tent-only campsites to $25 per night for group sites. Additional fees may apply for...
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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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Provider
(541) 427-3231r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 22 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacylocationhikingfriendly

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty of the location, its historical significance, and the variety of recreational opportunities. However, maintenance issues, lack of potable water, and site proximity are recurring themes."

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Campground Map

401 W. Main St., Ukiah, OR, 97880

North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

401 W. Main St., Ukiah, OR, 97880

Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, OR head southeast on Forest Service Road 52 for approximately 40 miles to the North Fork John Day Campground and trailhead. Parking for the trailhead is in the north end of the campground. The site is adjacent to the Wild & Scenic North Fork John Day River and the Blue Mountain National Scenic Byway.
The campground is accessible via Forest Service Road 52 which is unpaved. Seasonal closures or challenging navigation are possible due to its remoteness. Some user reviews highlight difficulty in locating the site due to insufficient mapping resources.
Nearby places
Granite (9 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes), Sumpter (22 miles, approximately 35-45 minutes), Olive Lake (21 miles, approximately 30-40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies, fuel, and groceries are available in Ukiah, approximately 40 miles away. Additional amenities may be found in Granite or Sumpter.

Best Time to Camp at North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

The campground's mountain setting creates a dynamic seasonal tapestry that rewards visitors year-round. Spring arrives with warming temperatures and wildflower blooms, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under crisp, clear skies. Both seasons offer the most comfortable camping conditions with minimal precipitation. Winter transforms the area into a snow-laden wonderland, where temperatures regularly dip below freezing and moderate snowfall blankets the forest floor, creating opportunities for those seeking solitude and winter beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer with river/trail access but mixed summer reviews note maintenance and overcrowding issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is prime for salmon spawning and autumn scenery; reviewers highlight this season positively.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring opening (May 15) brings warming temps and wildflowers, but early spring access limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; reservations run May 15–Oct 15.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 15 to October 15. Walk-up availability begins June 21.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts specifically mentioned.

About North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

Where the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River winds through Oregon's rugged landscape, North Fork John Day Campground offers a genuine backcountry experience at the crossroads of two legendary scenic byways. This 20-site haven welcomes tent campers and RV adventurers alike, with thoughtfully designed facilities including a spacious group campsite, modern accessible vault toilets, and dedicated stock handling areas for equestrian explorers. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line for native trout, traverse historic trails on foot or horseback, capture stunning wilderness photography, or pursue seasonal hunting opportunities. True to its remote character, the campground operates without running water or garbage service, inviting visitors to embrace a pack-it-in, pack-it-out ethos that preserves this pristine environment.
The campground supports a variety of camping experiences, including tent and RV camping, as well as a designated group site. It caters to both individual and family campers with options for stock animals.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Camping or occupying a single location longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The North Fork John Day Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, making it a versatile destination. Key activities include hiking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and seasonal berry and mushroom picking. The North Fork John Day River Trail #3022 provides a 25-mile hiking route through the wilderness. The area is known for its rich history, with remnants of the gold rush visible along the trail.
HikingThe campground serves as the trailhead for the North Fork John Day River Trail #3022, a 25-mile hike offering views of rimrock canyons, forests, and historic mining relics. The trail connects to a broader network of 133 miles of trails, including three National Recreation Trails: Elkhorn Crest, Winom Creek, and North Fork John Day.
FishingFishing is permitted in the North Fork John Day River, with opportunities to catch chinook salmon and steelhead. Special state fishing regulations apply. Spawning salmon can be observed in spring and fall.
BikingMountain biking is listed as an activity in the area, though no specific trails are highlighted for biking.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including coyotes, deer, elk, wolves, bears, cougars, and small animal species. Seasonal salmon spawning is a highlight in spring and fall.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsVisitors can pick up the Ukiah-Granite Roadside Geology auto tour brochure to explore regional geological features. The area also features remnants of gold mining history protected by law.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife such as bears and cougars, as well as challenging terrain and remote access. Lack of potable water requires preparation.
Active AlertsNo active alerts specifically mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

Reviews

4.1
22 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
North Fork John Day Campground (Or) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty of the location, its historical significance, and the variety of recreational opportunities. However, maintenance issues, lack of potable water, and site proximity are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the beautiful location, the well-maintained trails, and the opportunity to engage in activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Sites like 15 and 16 are...
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Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water and garbage service, poor maintenance of picnic tables and vault toilets, and unclear or inadequate directions to the campground. One user...
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Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should bring their own water and be prepared to pack out trash. Sites 15 and 16 are recommended for families seeking privacy. ATVs are not allowed despite no explicit mention in the rules.
Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are mixed, with positive comments about the river and trails offset by complaints about maintenance and overcrowding. Fall is noted as a prime season for observing spawning salmon and...
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Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Nice campsites too.' 'The North Fork John Day Wilderness...is prime backpacking country.' 'The out houses have needed to be pumped for 2 years now.'
Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 and 6 are noted for being very close to each other. Site 14 has received mixed reviews about its occupants. Sites 15 and 16 are recommended for families. 'We stayed in the two tent sites (15...
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Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are available, but no further user reviews elaborate on accessibility features.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. No specific issues or highlights regarding pet policies are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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