The best desert campgrounds near Mitchell, Oregon

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures in the United States. With over 300 options near Mitchell, Oregon, offering a desert terrain, you're in for a unique and exciting experience. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent at Milk A Sheep Camp (202 reviews), enjoy the rustic charm of Bucking Horse Ranch (72 reviews), or explore Christopher J.'s Land (55 reviews), we've got you covered. With popular amenities like showers, trash facilities, and toilets, and activities such as fishing, horseback riding, and historic site exploration, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping trip. And with prices as low as $12 per night and an average of $40 per night, you can embrace the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

96% (541)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures in the United States. With over 300 options near Mitchell, Oregon, offering a desert terrain, you're in for a unique and exciting experience. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent at Milk A Sheep Camp (202 reviews), enjoy the rustic charm of Bucking Horse Ranch (72 reviews), or explore Christopher J.'s Land (55 reviews), we've got you covered. With popular amenities like showers, trash facilities, and toilets, and activities such as fishing, horseback riding, and historic site exploration, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping trip. And with prices as low as $12 per night and an average of $40 per night, you can embrace the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

96% (541)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Antelope Basecamp

99%

(149)

36mi from Mitchell · 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%

(111)

7.5mi from Mitchell · 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. B:30 Desert Destination

97%

(129)

49mi from Mitchell · 3 sites · Tents · Prineville, OR

Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away. The group tent site has two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. Also includes an outdoor shower/compostable toilet, BBQ with picnic area, and propane fire pit. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Also includes shared compostable toilet and individual propane fire pit. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Propane tanks are also included. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

4. Ochoco National Forest

77%

(11)

257 sites · Mitchell, Oregon

Central Oregon hosts high mountains, thick pine forests, and lots of wilderness.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Desert Rose Private Campground

97%

(17)

44mi from Mitchell · 3 sites · Lodging · Prineville, OR

Welcome to our family's Private Campground - The Desert Rose. A boondocking site for you and your family to enjoy! We have a Yurt, a cabin, 3 RV/Travel trailer pads and 2 tent sites created here and plenty of room for everyone to have their own space yet be all together. You can book the entire campground, or just one of the units. Whether it's just you, or you're bringing a crew, we know you'll love it here! Our favorite hikes in the Central Oregon area is Smith Rocks and Chimney Rock. The Prineville reservoir is roughly a 12 minute drive and the starry nights here are something to behold. Up the road is the most unique petting zoo that we recently found! Find it and you might just be able to hold a baby kangaroo! Boondocking site means there is no hook-ups or running water so you'll want to bring in your own water and heat if you're here in the colder months. Your four legged furry family members are welcomed! They must be accompanied at all times and not left on the property alone. The dog run is for you to keep closer tabs on them while relaxing, not for leaving them while going into town or enjoying the area. The dirt is very soft and it wouldn't take very long for them to dig under to get out and go looking for you. The cabin or yurt is also not a pet storage area - with no power or AC, pets are not allowed to be left alone in the dwellings.

6. Justesen Ranches

96%

(195)

67mi from Mitchell · 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.

7. Haystack Ranch

94%

(142)

28mi from Mitchell · 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.

8. High Desert Juniper

100%

(39)

40mi from Mitchell · 1 site · RV · Prineville, OR

Learn more about this land:Residence with Cascade views, birds, bunnies, quail and lizards mixed in.  Some privacy, close to Prineville Reservoir and 5 miles from downtown Prineville. House and shop are modern and well kept, site is almost flat with good tasting well water and of course juniper trees.

9. Henry Farms

93%

(22)

48mi from Mitchell · 68 sites · Tents, RVs · Terrebonne, OR

80 acres set along the crooked river. Views of smith rocks and cascade mountains. Abundant wildlife with fishing and floating the river when weather allows. Goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens, rabbits and horses to enjoy watching and feeding if desired. We have a garden started that will be available soon

10. The Enclave, OR

100%

(31)

12mi from Mitchell · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mitchell, OR

Escape to Twickenham, Oregon, a hidden gem in Wheeler County's vast, dark sky zone. Prepare to be amazed by unparalleled stargazing, where the celestial canvas comes alive with breathtaking clarity. Our spacious campsite on a private 10-acre property offers unparalleled stargazing, where you can witness pristine celestial displays and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) that frequent the area. Wheeler County was recently highlighted in Investigation Alien, a Netflix documentary led by George Knapp. This area offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos and perhaps witness something truly extraordinary. The Enclave provides the perfect base for your celestial adventures with dramatic day views of the rimrocks, mountains, and open skies. Explore nearby wonders like the John Day Fossil Beds, Painted Hills, and the John Day River, or simply relax under the star-studded canopy. We're conveniently located just one mile from the Twickenham Bridge, a popular access point for John Day River float trips. The property features a 6,120 sq ft fenced garden and lavender crop – fresh produce, herbs, and lavender are available seasonally.

11. Buzzard's Roost

85%

(41)

33mi from Mitchell · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · Prineville, OR

Just five miles east of Post Oregon on highway 380, 1/4 mile on Pine creek and Antelope res. Rd (NF 17) Buzzard Roost Private Campground is a great getaway located in the surrounding areas of great fishing, Hunting, Biking, Hiking and just plain kicking back and enjoying Mother Nature. This is a new campground and was only open last year for a short while while in between developing the sites . It was chosen by a very reputable RV manufacturer and had a Television commercial shoot using Buzzards Roost Private Campground as the main site. There are twenty five active dry camp sites and twenty two pull through spaces for RV clamping. Please enjoy your stay

Camper favorites near Mitchell

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Desert Rose Private Campground

97%

(17)

44mi from Mitchell · 3 sites · Lodging · Prineville, OR

Welcome to our family's Private Campground - The Desert Rose. A boondocking site for you and your family to enjoy! We have a Yurt, a cabin, 3 RV/Travel trailer pads and 2 tent sites created here and plenty of room for everyone to have their own space yet be all together. You can book the entire campground, or just one of the units. Whether it's just you, or you're bringing a crew, we know you'll love it here! Our favorite hikes in the Central Oregon area is Smith Rocks and Chimney Rock. The Prineville reservoir is roughly a 12 minute drive and the starry nights here are something to behold. Up the road is the most unique petting zoo that we recently found! Find it and you might just be able to hold a baby kangaroo! Boondocking site means there is no hook-ups or running water so you'll want to bring in your own water and heat if you're here in the colder months. Your four legged furry family members are welcomed! They must be accompanied at all times and not left on the property alone. The dog run is for you to keep closer tabs on them while relaxing, not for leaving them while going into town or enjoying the area. The dirt is very soft and it wouldn't take very long for them to dig under to get out and go looking for you. The cabin or yurt is also not a pet storage area - with no power or AC, pets are not allowed to be left alone in the dwellings.

Justesen Ranches

96%

(195)

67mi from Mitchell · 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.

Haystack Ranch

94%

(142)

28mi from Mitchell · 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.

High Desert Juniper

100%

(39)

40mi from Mitchell · 1 site · RV · Prineville, OR

Learn more about this land:Residence with Cascade views, birds, bunnies, quail and lizards mixed in.  Some privacy, close to Prineville Reservoir and 5 miles from downtown Prineville. House and shop are modern and well kept, site is almost flat with good tasting well water and of course juniper trees.

Henry Farms

93%

(22)

48mi from Mitchell · 68 sites · Tents, RVs · Terrebonne, OR

80 acres set along the crooked river. Views of smith rocks and cascade mountains. Abundant wildlife with fishing and floating the river when weather allows. Goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens, rabbits and horses to enjoy watching and feeding if desired. We have a garden started that will be available soon

The Enclave, OR

100%

(31)

12mi from Mitchell · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mitchell, OR

Escape to Twickenham, Oregon, a hidden gem in Wheeler County's vast, dark sky zone. Prepare to be amazed by unparalleled stargazing, where the celestial canvas comes alive with breathtaking clarity. Our spacious campsite on a private 10-acre property offers unparalleled stargazing, where you can witness pristine celestial displays and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) that frequent the area. Wheeler County was recently highlighted in Investigation Alien, a Netflix documentary led by George Knapp. This area offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos and perhaps witness something truly extraordinary. The Enclave provides the perfect base for your celestial adventures with dramatic day views of the rimrocks, mountains, and open skies. Explore nearby wonders like the John Day Fossil Beds, Painted Hills, and the John Day River, or simply relax under the star-studded canopy. We're conveniently located just one mile from the Twickenham Bridge, a popular access point for John Day River float trips. The property features a 6,120 sq ft fenced garden and lavender crop – fresh produce, herbs, and lavender are available seasonally.

Buzzard's Roost

85%

(41)

33mi from Mitchell · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · Prineville, OR

Just five miles east of Post Oregon on highway 380, 1/4 mile on Pine creek and Antelope res. Rd (NF 17) Buzzard Roost Private Campground is a great getaway located in the surrounding areas of great fishing, Hunting, Biking, Hiking and just plain kicking back and enjoying Mother Nature. This is a new campground and was only open last year for a short while while in between developing the sites . It was chosen by a very reputable RV manufacturer and had a Television commercial shoot using Buzzards Roost Private Campground as the main site. There are twenty five active dry camp sites and twenty two pull through spaces for RV clamping. Please enjoy your stay

Public campgrounds near Mitchell

Scotts Campground

10mi from Mitchell · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Wildwood Campground

11mi from Mitchell · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Ochoco Divide Campground

13mi from Mitchell · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Ochoco National Forest

Barnhouse Campground

13mi from Mitchell · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Walton Lake Campground

13mi from Mitchell · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Whistler Campground

17mi from Mitchell · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

100%

(1)

Deep Creek Campground

17mi from Mitchell · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Ochoco Forest Campground

18mi from Mitchell · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Big Spring Campground

18mi from Mitchell · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Bingham Springs Campground

19mi from Mitchell · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Cottonwood Campground

19mi from Mitchell · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Cottonwood Pit Campground

20mi from Mitchell · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

Stories from the community

The Enclave Lounge features a dining table with four chairs, a love seat for two, two chairs, a coffee table, and a power strip.

D

Duncan

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

2 nights at The Enclave, OR

This site is beautiful, very quiet and in a lovely and scenic part of Oregon near the painted hills. Dickse was friendly and helpful in providing information and welcomed us warmly. I would highly recommend this Hipcamp site.

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.

J

Jim & Terri

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to High Desert Juniper

Nate is a great host. He’s so thoughtful and kind. The setup is awesome. Flat spot, great hookups. Very peaceful and quiet. Everything is neat and clean. Nate was very attentive to any needs we had. It was an awesome spot for a long weekend as we explored the area. We would highly recommend High Desert Juniper.

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!

Plenty of space to accommodate multiple cars, tents, RVs. We had a 25' extension cable which kept us close to the pergola

K

Kristen

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Enclave, OR

Camping at The Enclave was fabulous! The property itself is in a stunning location and close to plenty of amazing outdoor activities. The campsite is fantastic, feels nice and tucked away and has plenty of modern amenities to make the stay quite comfortable: wi-fi, electricity, a clean bathroom space, a water hose. D was a fantastic host, and is so kind and easy going. They have put so many thoughtful touches into the space, brought us fresh cut lavender and grapes from the garden, and let us help ourselves to the produce growing at the pergola. The solar powered lights, water fountains, hummingbird feeders, cozy chairs, flowers, and guides to the surrounding area were just a few of the stand out amenities that were really the cherry on top of a beautiful campsite. The campsite does have straw-like grass clippings on the ground to keep the dust at bay, so be sure to bring a pair of slip on shoes to walk around outside, and a mat to catch any stray clippings outside of your tent!

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!

M

Meghan

September 2025

Tent

1 night at The Enclave, OR

We had such a relaxing time tent camping here. The stars were incredible! The little outhouse was very clean and everything worked great. We loved listening to the coyotes tip and howl at night, and having coffee in the morning on the little patio. A very sweet little spot.

R

Ro

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at The Enclave, OR

Camping at the Enclave was amazing!! The grounds are perfect for tent camping, especially with the shaded and comfy lounge area, and the toilet and pump sink provided are incredibly clean and easy to use. The views you can see just from the campsite are incredibly pretty as well, and at night the stars are absolutely gorgeous--it was one of the main things we came out for and it was perfect!! The Enclave is also situated perfectly to go out and experience tons of other things without having to spend all day driving. It's also very dog-friendly, we had our 6 month old cavalier with us and there was plenty of room for her to run around on a line. Dickse herself is very friendly and willing to help out with whatever you need, and if you're lucky she might give you some fresh-picked lavender!! We'll definitely be back with family! 💚

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

Sunset heading towards a full black night sky.

Jay

September 2025

Tent

1 night at The Enclave, OR

It truly was a place to myself with a big, dark, clear sky and a cozy spot to hang. Great touches all around, and the drive in from the town of Mitchell was a bonus treat.

Anne

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to B:30 Desert Destination

Amazing! Thank you again, can’t wait to come back.

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.

S

Sean

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at The Enclave, OR

I really liked this place. The Lounge was great for sitting during the heat of the day. The toilet was clean and well stocked. Fresh water was readily available. The scenery was amazing and Dickse was a great host.

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.