How much does camping cost at North Fork John Day Campground?

Camping fees at North Fork John Day Campground are $8 - $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is North Fork John Day Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

North Fork John Day Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at North Fork John Day Campground before I book?

Yes! North Fork John Day Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit North Fork John Day Campground?

North Fork John Day Campground is open May 15 to October 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at North Fork John Day Campground?

North Fork John Day Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does North Fork John Day Campground have?

North Fork John Day Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at North Fork John Day Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at North Fork John Day Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at North Fork John Day Campground?

North Fork John Day Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at North Fork John Day Campground?

Popular activities at North Fork John Day Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

Q: Can I have a campfire at North Fork John Day Campground?

Fire policies at North Fork John Day Campground: Dogs must be on a leash at all times. While recreational stock is accommodated at this campground, stock must stay in the northern part of the campground from sites 10-16. No discharging firearms, including bow/arrows, or possession of fireworks allowed. Check-out time is 12:00pm. Check-in time is 2:00pm. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be bear aware; keep all food out of reach or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from the area after eating. Don't M. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.04

23 reviews

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

Top 8% in ORFall

Featured in:Group Camping Oregon

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

Book on Umatilla National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Umatilla National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

$8.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group - Single Site: $25.00; Standard - Single Site: $8.00; Tent - Single Site: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Group Site Fee$25.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

(541) 427-3231r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@usda.gov

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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

Nearby places

Granite (9 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes), Sumpter (22 miles, approximately 35-45 minutes), Olive Lake (21 miles, approximately 30-40 minutes).

Weather at North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

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

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, crisp temperatures, and the best combination of scenery and solitude — leaves and lodgepole pines take on golden hues and wildlife activity (elk/deer) increases with rutting seasons. Expect daytime highs around 45–60°F and chilly nights 25–35°F in September and early October, perfect for hiking the nearby byways, scenic drives, and late-season fishing as river levels drop and salmon/steelhead runs become more apparent. Crowds thin after Labor Day, so you get prime Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in OR

Fall noted as best season: clear skies, elk rut, salmon spawning and peak scenic/solitude combo.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 15 to October 15. Walk-up availability begins June 21.

About North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

North Fork John Day Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Umatilla National Forest near Ukiah, Oregon. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors hike nearby trails, fish the North Fork John Day River, bike forest roads, and watch for elk and deer during fall rutting season.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, crisp temperatures, and the best combination of scenery and solitude — leaves and lodgepole pines take on golden hues and wildlife activity (elk/deer) increases with rutting seasons. Expect daytime highs around 45–60°F and chilly nights 25–35°F in September and early October, perfect for hiking the nearby byways, scenic drives, and late-season fishing as river levels drop and salmon/steelhead runs become more apparent. Crowds thin after Labor Day, so you get prime Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5203 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pines shade over half the sites, their trunks filtering light onto the forest floor. The North Fork John Day River runs alongside camp, clear enough to watch salmon and steelhead move through during spawning runs. Deer and elk graze the meadows at dusk. Coyotes call in the mornings. Black bears, mountain lions, and wolves live in the surrounding Blue Mountains and Elkhorn Range, though sightings are uncommon. The elevation keeps temperatures cool even in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping or occupying a single location longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.

Groups

The group site accommodates multiple parties. Specific capacity limits are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThree accessible vault toilets are available. The campground offers large trailhead parking and an unloading ramp, facilitating access for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites include standard tent/RV and tent-only sites, with some user reviews noting close proximity between certain sites (e.g., sites 5 and 6). The group site is larger and accommodates multiple parties.

PrivacyOver half the campsites are in shaded areas of lodgepole pine forest, offering moderate privacy. Some sites, such as 15 and 16, are noted as being more private and suitable for families.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 10-16 are designated for stock use. Sites 5 and 6 are close together, which may be awkward for strangers but suitable for groups sharing space.

Best CampsitesSites 15 and 16 get mentioned repeatedly in reviews for privacy and proximity to both the river and trailheads. Families prefer them. Sites 5 and 6 sit too close together.

Need help booking North Fork John Day Campground (Or)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Trailhead for North Fork John Day River Trail #3022, 25-mile route with rimrock canyon views.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent elk, deer, coyotes; bears, wolves, cougars noted; rutting and salmon runs draw viewers.

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking and forest road riding cited, but no dedicated trail details.

Boating2.0/5

Boating not supported at site; nearby Olive Lake has limited motorized boating.

Water Sports2.0/5

River present but boating/kayaking not supported at campground; limited nearby boating.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Rimrock canyons, river, spawning fish and wildlife make strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The facility has three accessible vault toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDogs must be on a leash at all times. While recreational stock is accommodated at this campground, stock must stay in the northern part of the campground from sites 10-16. No discharging firearms, including bow/arrows, or possession of fireworks allowed. Check-out time is 12:00pm. Check-in time is 2:00pm. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be bear aware; keep all food out of reach or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from the area after eating. Don't M

Trash & RecyclingTrash service is not available. Visitors must pack out all trash.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

23 reviews

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 23 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 23 reviews.

Site 5Mentioned
Site 5 and 6 are noted for being very close to each other.
Site 14Mentioned
Site 14 has received mixed reviews about its occupants.

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...

Based on 23 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...

Based on 23 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 23 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...

Based on 23 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 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 23 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 23 reviews

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North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

$8.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group - Single Site: $25.00; Standard - Single Site: $8.00; Tent - Single Site: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Group Site Fee$25.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(541) 427-3231r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@usda.gov

Go if

You want seasonal forest camping near hiking and fishing with a chance to see elk during fall.

Skip if

You need well-maintained facilities or detailed campground maps for navigation.

Nearby Campgrounds

47500 Anthony Lakes Hwy, North Powder, OR, 97867, USA

Peavy Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest near North Powder, operated by Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. The rustic rental offers gas heat, vault toilets, and picnic tables, with direct access to hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing along the North Fork John Day. Fall brings peak aspen color and excellent fishing, though guests should pack lanterns and sleeping pads to supplement the dim lighting and futon mattresses.

North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

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

Planning Tips

About North Fork John Day Campground (Or)

Best Campsites

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Amenities available

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Common Concerns

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