- Camping with Wildlife watching
The best camping near Mitchell with wildlife watching
98% (362) • 18 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mitchell
Back Side of Painted Hills Camping
1. Back Side of Painted Hills Camping
97%
(112)
7.5mi from Mitchell · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$21
/ night
Haystack Ranch
2. Haystack Ranch
94%
(142)
28mi from Mitchell · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
High Desert Juniper
3. High Desert Juniper
100%
(39)
40mi from Mitchell · 1 site
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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Umatilla National Forest
4. Umatilla National Forest
72%
(9)
National forest 121mi from Mitchell · 394 sites
Rivers, canyons, striking peaks and abundant wildlife welcome you to an expansive Northwest forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Prineville Reservoir State Park
5. Prineville Reservoir State Park
100%
(5)
State park 41mi from Mitchell · 25 sites
Swim by day and stargaze by night at a sprawling high desert reservoir.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Prineville Acres Private RV Camping
6. Prineville Acres Private RV Camping
96%
(12)
41mi from Mitchell · 1 site
Prineville Acres is a 2 acre, flat and peaceful, uninhabited rustic getaway in Prineville to enjoy all to yourselves. It is located 7 minutes from Prineville Reservoir and 12 minutes South of the heart of Prineville. The property is situated on a quiet corner, and is best suited for dry campers who want a more private experience as there is no host on site and you do not share the space with others. The center area is cleared of trees, has a newly updated gravelled fire ring for warming fires, and a newly gravelled RV pad and parking area along one side. There is a deck for setting up chairs or tents, a shed used for host storage, and trees surrounding the perimeter of the property. The adjacent property is also uninhabited, adding to your sense of privacy, while the neighboring property to the rear has year round, live- in very quiet tenants. Local deer travel through the property at all times of the year so please be respectful of wildlife.
In the summer, bring your boat, kayaks, bikes, paddle boards, off road vehicles or ATV's, and use them in the surrounding waterways, on the nearby public use BLM land, Millican Valley OHV Trail System, or Four Corners Staging Area. Bring your family's fishing poles and take the kids to the local Youth Fishing Pond, nearby Haystack or Ochoco or Prineville Reservoirs that are stocked year-round with trout. Within just a couple minutes of the property is a local petting zoo you are sure to enjoy and be sure to stop in town at Tastee Treet for the best milkshakes and burgers around! And- if you like micro brews or cider's in a relaxed open-air fire side setting, stop by the Wild Ride Brewery for a truly epic outdoor family friendly experience and grab a pizza or fish n chips at the on site food carts.
Last but not least don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and the most radiant star filled night skies!!
Pets
from
$25
/ night
Desert Rose Private Campground
7. Desert Rose Private Campground
97%
(17)
44mi from Mitchell · 3 sites
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$75
/ night
B:30 Desert Destination
8. B:30 Desert Destination
97%
(129)
49mi from Mitchell · 3 sites
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$32
/ night
Justesen Ranches
9. Justesen Ranches
96%
(195)
67mi from Mitchell · 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
Malheur National Forest
10. Malheur National Forest
100%
(9)
National forest 70mi from Mitchell · 275 sites
Hike the Blue Mountains, explore the wilderness, and see a Humongous Fungus.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
98% (362) • 18 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mitchell
Back Side of Painted Hills Camping
1. Back Side of Painted Hills Camping
97%
(112)
7.5mi from Mitchell · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$21
/ night
Haystack Ranch
2. Haystack Ranch
94%
(142)
28mi from Mitchell · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
High Desert Juniper
3. High Desert Juniper
100%
(39)
40mi from Mitchell · 1 site
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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Umatilla National Forest
4. Umatilla National Forest
72%
(9)
National forest 121mi from Mitchell · 394 sites
Rivers, canyons, striking peaks and abundant wildlife welcome you to an expansive Northwest forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Prineville Reservoir State Park
5. Prineville Reservoir State Park
100%
(5)
State park 41mi from Mitchell · 25 sites
Swim by day and stargaze by night at a sprawling high desert reservoir.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Prineville Acres Private RV Camping
6. Prineville Acres Private RV Camping
96%
(12)
41mi from Mitchell · 1 site
Prineville Acres is a 2 acre, flat and peaceful, uninhabited rustic getaway in Prineville to enjoy all to yourselves. It is located 7 minutes from Prineville Reservoir and 12 minutes South of the heart of Prineville. The property is situated on a quiet corner, and is best suited for dry campers who want a more private experience as there is no host on site and you do not share the space with others. The center area is cleared of trees, has a newly updated gravelled fire ring for warming fires, and a newly gravelled RV pad and parking area along one side. There is a deck for setting up chairs or tents, a shed used for host storage, and trees surrounding the perimeter of the property. The adjacent property is also uninhabited, adding to your sense of privacy, while the neighboring property to the rear has year round, live- in very quiet tenants. Local deer travel through the property at all times of the year so please be respectful of wildlife.
In the summer, bring your boat, kayaks, bikes, paddle boards, off road vehicles or ATV's, and use them in the surrounding waterways, on the nearby public use BLM land, Millican Valley OHV Trail System, or Four Corners Staging Area. Bring your family's fishing poles and take the kids to the local Youth Fishing Pond, nearby Haystack or Ochoco or Prineville Reservoirs that are stocked year-round with trout. Within just a couple minutes of the property is a local petting zoo you are sure to enjoy and be sure to stop in town at Tastee Treet for the best milkshakes and burgers around! And- if you like micro brews or cider's in a relaxed open-air fire side setting, stop by the Wild Ride Brewery for a truly epic outdoor family friendly experience and grab a pizza or fish n chips at the on site food carts.
Last but not least don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and the most radiant star filled night skies!!
Pets
from
$25
/ night
Desert Rose Private Campground
7. Desert Rose Private Campground
97%
(17)
44mi from Mitchell · 3 sites
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$75
/ night
B:30 Desert Destination
8. B:30 Desert Destination
97%
(129)
49mi from Mitchell · 3 sites
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$32
/ night
Justesen Ranches
9. Justesen Ranches
96%
(195)
67mi from Mitchell · 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
Malheur National Forest
10. Malheur National Forest
100%
(9)
National forest 70mi from Mitchell · 275 sites
Hike the Blue Mountains, explore the wilderness, and see a Humongous Fungus.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Shane
October 2025
Tent
The host was great, the space was great, the scenery was great and the area was great. Will definitely be staying here again.
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E
Ellie
October 2025
16 ft car
Great views! Lots of room to explore, caught it right before the snow came in late October! Thank you Bonnie!
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J
John
October 2025
20 ft travel trailer
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.
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J
Jim & Terri
October 2025
22 ft travel trailer
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.
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J
Jess
September 2025
Tent
Super beautiful and private! Picnic tables were a fun surprise. The outhouse was clever and clean!
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Leila
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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!
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Rebecca
September 2025
16 ft car
Campsite was beautiful, clean bathroom. The stars were unreal. I was the only one there and it was amazing
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Anne
September 2025
Tent
Amazing! Thank you again, can’t wait to come back.
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K
Karl
September 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
Quiet, beautiful! Light trucks (SUV’s) with small trailers can easily negotiate the road in
We did not meet Bonnie.
See moreJ
Jill
September 2025
Tent
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.
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Samantha
September 2025
Tent
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.
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K
KATHERINE
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
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K
Kirsten
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Definitely recommend. We used it as a rest stop for our trip from Portland to Boise. It was a perfect pit stop. Beautiful stars. Quite and beautiful.
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R
Ronelle
August 2025
25 ft travel trailer
We are driving to Montana and needed an overnight stay in Prineville. We are so glad we found Nathan's place! It is just outside of town on a nice piece of property. We had full hook ups and access to the property. The property is meticulous and had a nice view. We had our privacy, a view, beautiful sunset, 2 bucks in the yard, a bunny and our dogs were welcomed. Nathan was very welcoming and accommodating. We would definitely stay here again when we return to Prineville!
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R
Rob
August 2025
With kids
It was as promised and we scored with the weather for the stars.
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Sam
August 2025
13 ft travel trailer
With pets
Amazing location with a breathtaking view. Wish we could have stayed longer!
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Mary
August 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
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.
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C
CayLea
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Great first experience here. These sites have everything you need for a beautiful and senic camping trip, propane fire pit was an amazing addition to the site. Feels very remote which is a huge bonus but also close enough to drive to some amazing hiking and swimming spots only 20 minutes away. Hope to come back soon.
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L
Lea
August 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
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.
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Jacqui
August 2025
17 ft Class C
With kids
Amazing view from up high in the hills! It was a bit challenging to navigate when we arrived after dark, but we made it. We definitely appreciated the solar shower and water setup. Also enjoyed saying hello to the goats. Thank you!
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