97% (243) • 23 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Fossil
Antelope Basecamp
1. Antelope Basecamp
99%
(152)
26mi from Fossil · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$30
/ night
Justesen Ranches
2. Justesen Ranches
96%
(195)
49mi from Fossil · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$67
/ night
97% (243) • 23 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Fossil
Antelope Basecamp
1. Antelope Basecamp
99%
(152)
26mi from Fossil · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$30
/ night
Justesen Ranches
2. Justesen Ranches
96%
(195)
49mi from Fossil · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$67
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Cynthia
2 weeks ago
2 nights at Antelope Basecamp
We loved staying in a cozy cabin at Antelope base camp. It was cold outside but the room was warm and there was plenty of warm bedding and pillows. The bathrooms & showers were super convenient, very clean, and heated (!) so you never walked into a cold bathroom or shower. The WiFi was great to have. There are so many places to explore from Antelope. We will be back.
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L
Lyron
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp
The campground in Antelope Basecamp was wonderful. Cabin accommodations and all amenities (bathrooms, showers, pavilion, wifi) exceeded our expectations and made for a lovely weekend of stargazing and exploring. We would absolutely go back.
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C
Colin
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp
We stayed in A-frame #5 in early December. It hovered around freezing for most of our stay, but the room was warm, well-lit, had plenty of outlets, and pretty solid wi-fi. We brought a folding table and some board games and had a great time. The bathrooms and shower were clean and well-maintained. The hosts are building something really special here, and they definitely deserve your support. Check out their website to find out more!
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Scott
November 2025
With pets
My second stay for the new moon skies & lucked out again with clear skies for the light show!! We went over to the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil National Monument & loved it. Then we drove on over to John Day & looked around a bit before heading back. An extra bonus is the resident herd of mule deer that bed down for the night across the street in a large vacant lot while we watched the stars around the firepit. Will be back!
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Thomas
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp
This is a great way to see the stars and a slice of history in Oregon. Would recommend for sure
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Tiffany
November 2025
1 night at Antelope Basecamp
The hosts we great communicators. The unit was as advertised. The firewood on site was a great deal for a great cause. Bathrooms were clean and well lit. Loved it!
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Jesica
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp
We arrived at night, here are my lessons learned:
1. The city block the campground is on it right on the "main drag," in the middle-ish of town. Just drive slow, and look to each side till you see the A-frames.
2. The only time we used our flashlight was to shine it on the door numbers when we arrived. Other than that, the campground is magically lit by red lights (to avoid starlight interruption) and glowy rocks embedded in the paths. Plus moon/stars.
3. If the stars are out, GO THEN! We decided to rest first and by the time we came out later there was cloud cover. (Still lovely.)
4. The heater actually keeps the A-frame warm! It was down to the 30s at night during our stay, and we did not need to bring "back-up" blankets.
5. Bathrooms are also heated, and have private flush toilets and private showers. Yes, you have to walk to them, but it is a very short and easy walk.
Lovely and peaceful - will be back!
See moreD
Dana
November 2025
With pets
We were looking for a quiet, peaceful and unique experience and Antelope Basecamp (ABC) delivered. Brandie was there to greet us and if she hadn't been it would've been fine as she was very communicative, and the information she and Larry sent to us was accurate and very helful. ABC is located in the rural outpost of Antelope, OR. It is close to Shaniko, John Day Fossil Beds/National Monument, including the Painted Hills, and Mitchell where there is good beer and great food. The centrally located firepit and gathering area at ABC is splendid and big enough to get a rip-roaring fire going to warm you to your bones. Though we had times of unusual clouds and rain this wkend, it is typically very clear and sunny in this part of the state. The A-frame cabin that we stayed in had two twin beds with cozy linens and ample heat from the in-wall heater. There was also a mini-frig, coffee maker, and snacks provided. Bottled water and sports drinks for a couple bucks. A separate building had showers on one side and bathrooms on the other - all very clean. This is a work in progress and Brandie and Larry have great vision and some really nice plans to provide refuge whether you are out exploring on your road or mountain bike, motorcycle, or interested in getting away from it all and stay at ABC while you take day trips. There is rich history in this region, and rich landscape, and many simple pleasures - wildlife, geologic wonders, beautiful waterways, and starry, starry nights
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Seann
October 2025
3 nights at Antelope Basecamp
I had a great time hunkering down waiting out the weather while cycling through. The cabins are small and cozy, and the bathrooms are clean. Brandie was very welcoming and I had no issues, a very pleasant stay.
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Janet
October 2025
2 nights at Antelope Basecamp
October 2025 We went to the Antelope basecamp to stargaze and we saw Comets! It is a dark sky area AND there are heated cabins. In October it is cold at night. We liked so many details minimizing light pollution - like red lights outside at night, and fluorescent bits of glass in the walkways so you can see at night. The campfire is a nice area where we talked to other travelers. The bathrooms were very clean and warm. We loved the visit and will come again. Looking forward to next year to see the planned improvements.
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Blue
October 2025
1 night at Antelope Basecamp
A frame house was so warm and cozy getting into the colder months. Everyone was so friendly. The bathrooms were nice and clean. Was the perfect getaway :)
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Scott
October 2025
1 night at Antelope Basecamp
The Antelope camp is a very nice arrangement, with a new bathrooms & showers building. My cabin was cozy & warm. Another building is being built next to the bathhouse. The starry sky was wonderful, well worth staying up later & getting bundled up for the 35ish temps. I was there for the October new moon. The chair from the cabin made a nice semi-recliner for leaning back for great sky viewing. I got in late, nearly 10, & was greeted by a herd of deer that weren't at all concerned by my presence. Next time I will stay for 2 nights because there are some really interesting things to see nearby.
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Michelle
October 2025
2 nights at Antelope Basecamp
We really enjoyed our stay at Antelope Basecamp. Everything is newly updated and super cute and cozy. The shared bathrooms have showers! Star viewing was amazing!! The town is practically a ghost town and there is no store anywhere around so pack everything you need! The fire pit was super nice and kept burning easily. There were so many cute details like the glow in the dark pebbles inlaid in the pathways. The cabins look tiny on the outside but feel roomy inside. The host was super responsive and helpful. Cabins are affordable.
Check out Clarno National Monument about 30 minutes between Antelope and Fossil. Absolutely gorgeous rocks mountains and a nice hiking trail.
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J
Jennifer
October 2025
1 night at Antelope Basecamp
This is a sweet little cabin community in beautiful central Oregon canyonland! Our cabin, #9, was clean and just as shown in the pics. We spent the day at nearby Cove Pallisades State Park and then stargazed outside our cabin at night. The lovely sunrise over the hills the next morning was the cherry on top.
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Tammy
October 2025
2 nights at Antelope Basecamp
We loved the cabins, they looked great, and were clean and comfortable. The bathrooms were modern and clean. Locking key pads for the bathhouse. Cement walkways with glow in the dark rocks to help in navigation at night. A beautiful community fire pit with chairs. An up and coming breakfast area. Covered patio with an honor fridge (as there are no amenities in Antelope).
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Christopher
October 2025
1 night at Antelope Basecamp
This place was amazing! I will definitely be back. Cozy A-frames, beautiful surrounding, kind hosts. Incredible place in an incredible space.
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Nicole
October 2025
With pets
The cabins were clean and cozy and just wonderful! The bathrooms are also great. We had a rainy day, and with the sheltered porch we were able to cook dinner (we brought a camp stove) and stay dry. When the rain slowed down, we enjoyed the fire pit and Brandie built a nice campfire for us! We had clouds, so didn't get to enjoy the stars, but we will be back! This property is lovingly cared for and it shows that so much thought has gone into it. We are excited to return and see the vision continue to grow. We enjoyed exploring the nearby rocks at John Day National Monument- Clarno Unit, and loved this area!
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Natalia
October 2025
With pets
We had clear communication with the host. The place is more beautiful than it looks in the photos. The cabins are divine, clean, and cozy. They have heating and air conditioning. The bathrooms are very adequate and tidy.
Pet friendly
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Stephanie
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp
It was a great stay. Our group had 4 cabins and all were clean, warm and cozy. There was plenty of room for us to gather together. The facilities were all clean and the whole area is really charming. And the stars! 🤩
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Stephanie
October 2025
With pets
It was a great stay. Our group had 4 cabins and all were clean, warm and cozy. There was plenty of room for us to gather together. The facilities were all clean and the whole area is really charming. And the stars! 🤩
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