The best campgrounds near Fossil, Oregon with fishing

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for camping near Fossil, Oregon with a fishing experience, you're in luck. We have over 600 options for you to choose from, each offering their own unique outdoor getaway. With campsites like WindWoodRivers (423 reviews), Milk A Sheep Camp (202 reviews), and Zigzag Mountain Farm (210 reviews), you can trust that these top-rated spots will provide an unforgettable camping experience. Our campsites offer popular amenities such as trash disposal, campfires, and potable water, while popular activities like biking, paddling, and wind sports will keep you entertained throughout your stay. Prices start as low as $23 per night, with an average price of $45 per night. So pack your fishing gear and get ready for an adventure in the great outdoors!

98% (713)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for camping near Fossil, Oregon with a fishing experience, you're in luck. We have over 600 options for you to choose from, each offering their own unique outdoor getaway. With campsites like WindWoodRivers (423 reviews), Milk A Sheep Camp (202 reviews), and Zigzag Mountain Farm (210 reviews), you can trust that these top-rated spots will provide an unforgettable camping experience. Our campsites offer popular amenities such as trash disposal, campfires, and potable water, while popular activities like biking, paddling, and wind sports will keep you entertained throughout your stay. Prices start as low as $23 per night, with an average price of $45 per night. So pack your fishing gear and get ready for an adventure in the great outdoors!

98% (713)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Antelope Basecamp

99%

(145)

26mi from Fossil · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Antelope, OR

We are located in the heart of Antelope, a rural (near) Ghost town that is rich in history and culture. This particular property is currently being cleaned up and revitalized. We would like to open it up to dry camping, some cabins, and RV Spaces with partial hookups at this time as we are already seeing a huge influx of cyclists and motorcycles in the area and they have no place to camp. There is a bathhouse onsite as part of the Pavilion structure. Please do not park on grass, unless you are an RV Space with partial hookups that has made arrangements with park host. Thank you for visiting and having patience while we continue to fix up the property.

2. Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

97%

(110)

29mi from Fossil · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mitchell, OR

This 320 acre plot of land on which you can hike anywhere has been in our family since 1993. Large, graveled spot for tents or two vehicles with excellent view for miles and miles and night star gazing. Primitive outhouse. Juniper forest with sage brush... basically high desert vegetation. We only allow one reservation per night. You can arrange vehicles or tents to not be in view or block any view from house way above. 320 acres to hike and roam. Mitchell is 10 miles away with well stocked grocery and feed store, restaurants, small brewery, and tire shop. We give directions fairly quickly. Road is wide, but steep at top. 4 wheel drive is recommended. Very close to the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National monument, Ochoco National Forest is seven miles. John Day River for swimming, rafting about 20 minutes. If you can book, it means you can drive on up with out contacting us. As you drive in if at night, you will see a light on the outhouse.

3. Haystack Ranch

94%

(142)

25mi from Fossil · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Spray, OR

My family has owned the ranch since 1977. We bought it from my parents a few years ago to keep it in the family. We love living here, and although it is just the two of us working it, we are slowly getting it to what we want it to be. The house we live in is over 100 years old and used to be a stage coach stop back in the late 1800's to early 1900's, You can still see some of the old stage coach roads on the property, and we are trying to preserve those the best we can. Also in the early 1900's this ranch used to be the place to go on the fourth of July. People from all over would bring their prize horses to compete in a horse race for the name of the fastest horses around While others would bring picnic baskets to set back on the knoll in one of our fields to watch. Learn more about this land:We are a 500 Acre working ranch located in Beautiful East Central Oregon, We are Between The stunning Painted Hills, and Umatilla National Forest. Just a few miles away from the Gorgeous John Day River, where Rafting, Tubing, Fishing, Swimming is always a welcome retreat. A few miles above us is Bull Prairie Lake and the wonderful Umatilla National Forest where hiking, sight seeing and wildlife viewing is always available.

4. Justesen Ranches

96%

(195)

49mi from Fossil · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tygh Valley, OR

Justesen Ranches is family owned working cattle, wheat and recreation ranch. Our properties are located in the Columbia River Plateau in North Central Oregon. Enjoy wide open spaces, reservoirs for wildlife watching and clear night skies for star gazing. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out camping area. The property is located in Tygh Valley and is only a few minutes from the general store and the stunning White River Falls State Park. The Deschutes River whitewater rafting hub of Maupin is just a 10 minute drive away. The lodge two hours from Portland and 30 min from The Dalles.

5. Deschutes Riverview Campground

100%

(7)

44mi from Fossil · 1 site · RV · Maupin, OR

Our McLucas family has been operating The Oasis, which has consisted of, at various times, a cafe, historic cabins, a campground, a fishing guide service, a shuttle business and t-shirt shop over the past 65 years. In 2019 we sold the cafe and cabins to a new family to carry on, but we kept the parcel of land overlooking the Deschutes River where we have operated a campground for many years.Oasis Riverview Campground has operated during the months of July and August, primarily, giving RV's and tent campers a place to land during the busy months here in Maupin when the fishing and whitewater rafting are at their peak and the campsites along the river (managed by the BLM) were not adequate to host all visitors to the area.We are transitioning from a tent camping site to a site only for self-contained RV's or groups willing to have their own toilets brought in.

6. Milk A Sheep Camp at Tin Willows

100%

(320)

40mi from Fossil · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Lexington, OR

Didn't know you could milk a sheep? Or thought only cows made cheese? Come find out how it's done on this seasonal working ranch here in Eastern Oregon. Lambs are born in the spring and their moms are milked all summer long. I raise my sheep on fresh grass and sunshine. Come see for yourself here on the ranch. Pitch a tent on the pasture and literally count the sheep around you before falling asleep or climb the hill and see for miles in every direction. We may be close to the road, but it doesn't feel like it. We can accommodate campers, RVs, trucks, tents, and vans. 4 sites to chose from. Each site has access to a toilet, potable water, shower, picnic tables, trash disposal, and we allow campfires (outside of burn bans), and pets. We also sell fresh eggs, firewood, and lamb sausage. Our guests love staying with us: "There’s fireside fun in fresh country air, rolling hills around the farm to walk along to enjoy the wide expansive view, and sights and sounds of animals around camp to make for a relaxing day. There’s kittens, dairy sheep, gigantic but friendly herd dogs, and a variety of chickens and ducks. The host was kind and friendly. Try the sheep’s milk cheese - what a treat!"

7. Horseshoe House

100%

(2)

27mi from Fossil · 1 site · Tent, RV · Grass Valley, OR

The Horseshoe House A Family-Friendly Ranch Stay in Grass Valley, Oregon This isn’t just a place to stay — it’s an experience for our guests, and a way of life for us. The Horseshoe House sits on 10 acres of working ranch land outside Grass Valley, Oregon — surrounded by rolling wheat fields, wide-open skies, and the kind of quiet only the high desert can offer. At 2,500 feet elevation, it’s peaceful, simple, and full of old Oregon character. Our connection to this area runs deep. My great-grandfather settled in this part of Oregon after coming from Tennessee in the early 1900s. Like many who came west, he raised sheep — and we’re proud to carry on that legacy today. Guests are welcome to meet the animals — sheep, pigs, and chickens — and maybe even give a few a pat or a scratch. Want a closer look at ranch life? Just let us know and we’ll happily schedule a farm tour ahead of time. We’re close to the Deschutes, John Day, and Columbia Rivers, with nearby fossil beds, ghost towns, and the storied town of Antelope, featured in Netflix’s Wild Wild Country. Bring your family. Bring your boots (this is Oregon, after all). Come experience the rhythm of country life — real, relaxed, and unforgettable.

from

$38

/ night

Camper favorites near Fossil

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Justesen Ranches

96%

(195)

49mi from Fossil · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tygh Valley, OR

Justesen Ranches is family owned working cattle, wheat and recreation ranch. Our properties are located in the Columbia River Plateau in North Central Oregon. Enjoy wide open spaces, reservoirs for wildlife watching and clear night skies for star gazing. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out camping area. The property is located in Tygh Valley and is only a few minutes from the general store and the stunning White River Falls State Park. The Deschutes River whitewater rafting hub of Maupin is just a 10 minute drive away. The lodge two hours from Portland and 30 min from The Dalles.

Deschutes Riverview Campground

100%

(7)

44mi from Fossil · 1 site · RV · Maupin, OR

Our McLucas family has been operating The Oasis, which has consisted of, at various times, a cafe, historic cabins, a campground, a fishing guide service, a shuttle business and t-shirt shop over the past 65 years. In 2019 we sold the cafe and cabins to a new family to carry on, but we kept the parcel of land overlooking the Deschutes River where we have operated a campground for many years.Oasis Riverview Campground has operated during the months of July and August, primarily, giving RV's and tent campers a place to land during the busy months here in Maupin when the fishing and whitewater rafting are at their peak and the campsites along the river (managed by the BLM) were not adequate to host all visitors to the area.We are transitioning from a tent camping site to a site only for self-contained RV's or groups willing to have their own toilets brought in.

Milk A Sheep Camp at Tin Willows

100%

(320)

40mi from Fossil · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Lexington, OR

Didn't know you could milk a sheep? Or thought only cows made cheese? Come find out how it's done on this seasonal working ranch here in Eastern Oregon. Lambs are born in the spring and their moms are milked all summer long. I raise my sheep on fresh grass and sunshine. Come see for yourself here on the ranch. Pitch a tent on the pasture and literally count the sheep around you before falling asleep or climb the hill and see for miles in every direction. We may be close to the road, but it doesn't feel like it. We can accommodate campers, RVs, trucks, tents, and vans. 4 sites to chose from. Each site has access to a toilet, potable water, shower, picnic tables, trash disposal, and we allow campfires (outside of burn bans), and pets. We also sell fresh eggs, firewood, and lamb sausage. Our guests love staying with us: "There’s fireside fun in fresh country air, rolling hills around the farm to walk along to enjoy the wide expansive view, and sights and sounds of animals around camp to make for a relaxing day. There’s kittens, dairy sheep, gigantic but friendly herd dogs, and a variety of chickens and ducks. The host was kind and friendly. Try the sheep’s milk cheese - what a treat!"

Horseshoe House

100%

(2)

27mi from Fossil · 1 site · Tent, RV · Grass Valley, OR

The Horseshoe House A Family-Friendly Ranch Stay in Grass Valley, Oregon This isn’t just a place to stay — it’s an experience for our guests, and a way of life for us. The Horseshoe House sits on 10 acres of working ranch land outside Grass Valley, Oregon — surrounded by rolling wheat fields, wide-open skies, and the kind of quiet only the high desert can offer. At 2,500 feet elevation, it’s peaceful, simple, and full of old Oregon character. Our connection to this area runs deep. My great-grandfather settled in this part of Oregon after coming from Tennessee in the early 1900s. Like many who came west, he raised sheep — and we’re proud to carry on that legacy today. Guests are welcome to meet the animals — sheep, pigs, and chickens — and maybe even give a few a pat or a scratch. Want a closer look at ranch life? Just let us know and we’ll happily schedule a farm tour ahead of time. We’re close to the Deschutes, John Day, and Columbia Rivers, with nearby fossil beds, ghost towns, and the storied town of Antelope, featured in Netflix’s Wild Wild Country. Bring your family. Bring your boots (this is Oregon, after all). Come experience the rhythm of country life — real, relaxed, and unforgettable.

from

$38

/ night

Public campgrounds near Fossil

Fairview Campground

25mi from Fossil · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Umatilla National Forest

Bull Prairie Lake Campground

27mi from Fossil · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Umatilla National Forest

Ochoco Divide Campground

35mi from Fossil · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Ochoco National Forest

88%

(5)

Lone Tree Campground

35mi from Fossil · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Wildwood Campground

36mi from Fossil · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Bingham Springs Campground

37mi from Fossil · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Whistler Campground

37mi from Fossil · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Barnhouse Campground

39mi from Fossil · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Walton Lake Campground

40mi from Fossil · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Scotts Campground

40mi from Fossil · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Wildcat Campground and Day Use Area

43mi from Fossil · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Ochoco Forest Campground

43mi from Fossil · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Stories from the community

Shane

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Haystack Ranch

The host was great, the space was great, the scenery was great and the area was great. Will definitely be staying here again.

Great spot! House in view, along with neighboring friendly goats and very clean compost toilet

E

Ellie

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

Great views! Lots of room to explore, caught it right before the snow came in late October! Thank you Bonnie!

J

John

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Haystack Ranch

This was an amazing property. Big area, lots of trees. Space for an RV, but not at all the locations, mainly just one but an RV can honestly park anywhere it wants, just might not have a picnic table readily available but the hosts will get you one. There's a cool outhouse and hand wash station. The best part is its only 30 minutes from John Day Fossil Painted Hills. There's a cool bar and pizza food truck about 3 miles away and the town of Spray has the basic necessities. The hosts let you use their water hose that's at the edge of their house property on the fence next to the road so you can top off your RV when you get there and refill canisters if you run out. Overall great site, low frills, primitive location.

Enjoy the company of Lora, the daytime guard dog, and sheep if you camp in the pasture!

Keith

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Milk A Sheep Camp at Tin Willows

I had a very nice stay here. Host was very cool and nice. Really enjoyed the company of the dogs. It was cloudy the night I stayed, but I bet the view of the stars would be amazing here. Recommended.

J

Jess

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Haystack Ranch

Super beautiful and private! Picnic tables were a fun surprise. The outhouse was clever and clean!

Couple of cool little trails with views. Cactus Ridge literally has tiny cacti on the ground. Watch your dogs' paws!

Leila

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

Loved this private spot perched high with views of the desert hills. It helped to have a more rugged vehicle to handle the steep rough road. Sunrise was gorgeous and the stargazing at night was incredible. We saw shooting stars across the Milky Way! We could occasionally see and hear the tenants at the house further up the hill (only when they were outside on the deck), but they were far enough away that it never felt intrusive. Otherwise, camp was super quiet and it felt like we had the WHOLE place to ourselves. Loved the trails on the property. The only bummer was that there were a lot of pokies that kept getting stuck in our dogs' paws which kept us from exploring more. So if you bring dogs, you may want to put booties on them. Loved the proximity to Painted Hills. This site is a total high desert gem and we will definitely be back!

S

Shaun

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Antelope Basecamp

Fantastic little spot for anyone travelling but perfect for motorcycle travelling. Hosts/owners great to communicate with and the facilities are clean and modern. Highly recommend!

Rebecca

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

Campsite was beautiful, clean bathroom. The stars were unreal. I was the only one there and it was amazing

K

Karl

September 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

Quiet, beautiful! Light trucks (SUV’s) with small trailers can easily negotiate the road in We did not meet Bonnie.

J

Jill

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

Great private site with a beautiful view and amazing spot for stargazing in the dark sky. The trees provided nice shade in the heat. The charcoal grill was very little but worked well for two people. The bathroom and site were clean and well maintained.

S

Samantha

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Haystack Ranch

Beautiful part of the state with wide open grass lands and interesting geological sites. The camp was quiet and comfortable. We had trees for shade and were an easy walk from the nicely maintained outhouse. A pump handwashing station was a nice touch. Plenty of camp site options with level ground for camper vans (or tents/RV's). Be prepared for lots of prickly bur buttercup, black medic, chickweed, and thistle.

Dale

September 2025

25 ft Class A

1 night at Antelope Basecamp

Very cool place in a unique location. The hosts were great!!

K

KATHERINE

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

Beautiful location! We loved the sunset and stars, it was quiet and beautiful. My husband was worried about the steepness of the mile-long loose gravel road, but our SUV made it up fine. We brought one of those large blue water jugs and only needed about half of it for the four of us, and it was an easy drive to visit the Painted Hills the following morning. Would love to go back.

Ben

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Horseshoe House

The Horseshoe House was great. Eric and his partner were really friendly and gave me a tour around their farm where I get to meet all their critters. I mainly booked at the site because I was looking for a remote location to stargaze, and while the weather didn't totally agree with me on my trip, I was still able to take some great photos. I would definitely book again.

John

August 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp

We camped in our RV with water and 30 amp electric hook ups on a level spot under some trees for a couple of nights here. We watched deer and wild turkeys roam around the tiny town of Antelope. Brandi quickly responded to our messages before our stay and invited us to go to church with her Sunday afternoon which was wonderful. We're looking forward to staying here again during our travels especially next spring.

Sam

August 2025

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

Amazing location with a breathtaking view. Wish we could have stayed longer!

Mary

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Haystack Ranch

As noted the site is a bit hard to find from the south but google maps does get you to the correct spot. Just look for the secluded picnic table. Our host was fantastic and offered us some fresh picked produce. This is a beautiful area and I will stop again.

L

Lea

August 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

The quiet and solitude not to mention views of neighboring landscapes are not to be missed. But... try to miss the access road if it's a rare sustained downpour which is what we faced and made it to camp ok in 4WD with some consternation. Mainly we hoped the heavy rain didn't wash out the exit road. As soon as it dried next morning though all was good. Just saying. FYI since we didn't have levelers for our popup truck camper there's a really nice level spot just at the entrance to the picnic/BBQ flat landing spot.Super chill place for quiet,stars,views and a nice hike up the hill.

Nicole

August 2025

24 ft travel trailer

1 night at Antelope Basecamp

We enjoyed camping here in Antelope. It was very quiet with beautiful views. The town has an interesting history for those who are inclined to read about it. We will stay here again on our next road trip from California to Washington.

E

Erika

August 2025

Tent

With kids

6 nights at Antelope Basecamp

We loved staying in this sweet oasis that Brandie is working so hard at creating. Great location for exploring eastern Oregon.