The best camping in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, OR

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98% (68)

The best camping near John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, OR

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

2. Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

97%
(110)
21mi from John Day Fossil Beds National Monument · 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.
Pets
Toilets
from 
$21
 / night
Karibu Cabin

3. Karibu Cabin

100%
(3)
34mi from John Day Fossil Beds National Monument · 2 sites · Lodging · Long Creek, OR
Escape to this charming log cabin nestled on 160 acres of beautiful woods, offering breathtaking mountain top views that will leave you in awe. Accommodating five or more guests, this rustic retreat is perfect for families and friends looking to reconnect with nature. Pets are welcome, making it an ideal getaway for your furry companions. Experience the true essence of the outdoors with dry camping available for RVs and tents, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene landscape. Note that this cabin features no running water or electricity however it does have a nice wood stove, providing an authentic off-grid experience. Enjoy starlit nights, crackling campfires, and the soothing sounds of nature right outside your door. This incredible land is also a prime spot for hunting season. We HAVE LOP TAGS AVAILABLE FOR ELK AND DEER. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING. Please contact us for details! This cabin is the perfect base for your outdoor pursuits. Whether you’re adventuring, hiking, hunting, riding or simply relaxing with a book, Karibu Cabin is the ultimate retreat for your outdoor adventure! This property welcomes ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles. Please note that all activities are at your own risk, and we are not liable for any injuries or other damages done by the above mentioned.
Pets
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Campfires
from 
$99
 / night
The Enclave, OR

4. The Enclave, OR

100%
(31)
17mi from John Day Fossil Beds National Monument · 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.
Pets
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from 
$35
 / night
The Milky Way over Haystack Ranch 8/8/21 was just spectacular!

6. Haystack Ranch

94%
(142)
17mi from John Day Fossil Beds National Monument · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
98% (68)

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The best camping in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, OR 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.

98%
68 ratings · 33 reviews

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