The best camping near John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next John Day Fossil Beds National Monument adventure.

96% (14 reviews)
96% (14 reviews)

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Top-rated campgrounds near John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

96%
(84)

Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

1 site · RV, Tent320 acres · 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, although there is lodging (reserved) at the log home almost out of sight up above you. 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.
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$20.50
 / night

The best camping near John Day Fossil Beds National Monument guide

Overview

About

Fossil lovers will get their thrill at this national monument. If you're driving through the beauty of the Painted Hills, this is a must-stop. The hike through the fossil beds is well marked, with tons of fossils to look at. Forty million years of mammal fossils (no dinosaurs, sorry) are waiting for you here. Some consider it the most important fossil find anywhere on Earth. It's quite rare to be able to see fossils in the ground like this, as most similar (smaller) sites keep everything covered to prevent looting.

Stop at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center and Fossil Museum to view the exhibits. The Rangers lead tours and answer questions. This is more than just a museum—paleontologists are hard at work here, and you can watch them in action at their lab.

Hikes range from less than half a mile to about 4 miles. Summertime can get quite warm, so pack water for your hike. Try to get out in the early morning or late afternoon (the colors of the Painted Hills are best then, anyway). Cabins, glamping, tent cabins, and tipis are all available through Hipcamp if you'd like to stay a spell.

96%
14 ratings · 10 reviews

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