Oriental Campground

Star5.00
6 reviews
, Near Forest Road 5506, North Fork John Day River
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,317 ft

Price

$8 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Late May to November...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens North Fork John Day Ranger District site

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Oriental Campground
$8.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site costs $8/night with an additional $5 fee per vehicle exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance. Group site 8 costs $25/night with no...
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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

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 6 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestrooms

"User reviews for Oriental Campground are generally positive, with campers appreciating the serene environment, wildlife encounters, and opportunities for stargazing. Clean restrooms were also noted as a highlight."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

, Near Forest Road 5506, North Fork John Day River

Oriental Campground

, Near Forest Road 5506, North Fork John Day River

Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, OR, travel west 1 mile to the Hwy 395 junction. Turn left (south) on Hwy 395, travel south about 15 miles and turn left (east) onto Forest Service Road 55. Drive 13 miles east along the North Fork John Day River to Oriental Campground. The last few miles are very rough and may not be appropriate for trailers.
Large vehicles, trailers, and low clearance vehicles are not recommended due to poor access road and limited turnaround capability.
Nearby places
Ukiah, OR (16 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are available in Ukiah, OR.

Best Time to Camp at Oriental Campground

Oriental Campground awakens each year as winter's grip loosens, typically welcoming visitors from late May through November. As one of the first areas in the region to shed its snowy blanket, spring arrives early here, painting the landscape with wildflowers and filling the air with the sound of rushing snowmelt. Winter transforms the area into a snow-locked wonderland, making the campground inaccessible but preserving its pristine beauty for the seasons ahead.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open and popular in summer, but mid‑late summer low water can limit boating/swimming.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through November; fall access, scenery and wildlife viewing remain strong late season.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens late May; described as one of the first areas to shed snow, making spring attractive early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; not applicable for winter camping/sports.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late May to November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Late May to November.
  • Current Alerts: Campground accessible only via snowmobiles in winter due to snow-blocked roads.

About Oriental Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Umatilla National Forest, Oriental Campground offers an intimate escape with just eight thoughtfully spaced sites along the pristine North Fork John Day River. This hidden gem beckons adventurers with its crystal-clear swimming holes, prime fishing spots, and direct access to wilderness trails. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling a canoe through gentle currents, or setting out on horseback to explore the backcountry, Oriental provides the perfect basecamp for your outdoor pursuits. Come fall, hunters prize this location for its strategic access to big game territory, while summer visitors revel in the refreshing river and endless trail networks.
Oriental Campground offers a rustic camping experience with options suitable for both tent and group camping. There are no provisions for RVs or modern amenities.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Unspecified maximum stay limit.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Oriental Campground offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, hiking, OHV trail riding, horseback riding, and big game hunting. The campground also has excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing. Water activities may be limited in mid to late summer due to low water levels.
HikingThe site provides access to the River Trail #3043, an OHV trail that is part of a 100-mile trail network. Additionally, campers can access the North Fork John Day Wilderness and trails such as the North Fork John Day River Trail #3022, Big Creek Trail #3151, and Corral Creek Trail #3009.
FishingFishing is available along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River, but detailed information about the types of fish or fishing conditions is not provided.
SwimmingSwimming is available, although water levels may be low during mid to late summer, which could impact the experience.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted; however, water levels in mid to late summer may restrict boating activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted as a key activity, with deer often seen around campsites. One camper mentioned, 'The deer are quite interested in all the things I did and ran around my tent at night.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater levels in late summer may impede boating. Road access is challenging for larger vehicles.
Active AlertsCampground accessible only via snowmobiles in winter due to snow-blocked roads.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Oriental Campground

Reviews

5.0
6 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Oriental Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Oriental Campground are generally positive, with campers appreciating the serene environment, wildlife encounters, and opportunities for stargazing. Clean restrooms were also noted as a highlight.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the cleanliness of the restrooms, the scenic beauty, and the opportunity to observe wildlife. One camper expressed, 'Loved it here, great place to stay and watch the stars, see wild...
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Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints were noted in the user reviews provided.
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own potable water and be prepared for a rugged experience. The road is rough and unsuitable for large vehicles or trailers.
Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most accessible between late May and mid-November. Campers should note that water levels may be low in mid to late summer, affecting boating and swimming activities.
Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Loved it here, great place to stay and watch the stars, see wild life and a great place to hike.' 2. 'Also very clean restrooms.' 3. 'The deer are quite interested in all the things I did and ran...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 8 is identified as a group site, priced at $25/night, and is a preferred option for larger groups.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Two accessible vault toilets are available; however, no detailed feedback from users with disabilities was provided.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information provided about pet policies or pet-related user experiences.
Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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