Camping in Fossil, OR, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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Oregon
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Fossil

97% (562 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Fossil

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Mount Rainier National Park

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Available this weekend

98%

(20)

Antelope Market Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · 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 only 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. This is dry camping only until the facilities are improved. There is porta potty onsite next to the old Rajneesh bath house (Red and white building). In the image any spot that you can find in the near 2 acres of grass highlighted in orange is the designated areas.

95%

(116)

Justesen Ranches

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsTygh 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

12 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · 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.

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.

Milk A Sheep Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents450 acres · Lexington, OR

Didn't know you could milk a sheep? Or thought only cows made cheese? Come find out how it's done on this seasonal working ranch here in Eastern Oregon. Lambs are born in the spring and their moms are milked all summer long. I raise my sheep on fresh grass and sunshine. Come see for yourself here on the ranch. Pitch a tent on the pasture and literally count the sheep around you before falling asleep or climb the hill and see for miles in every direction. We may be close to the road, but it doesn't feel like it. We can accommodate campers, RVs, trucks, tents, and vans. 4 sites to chose from. Each site has access to a toilet, potable water, shower, picnic tables, trash disposal, and we allow campfires (outside of burn bans), and pets. We also sell fresh eggs, firewood, and lamb sausage. Our guests love staying with us: "There’s fireside fun in fresh country air, rolling hills around the farm to walk along to enjoy the wide expansive view, and sights and sounds of animals around camp to make for a relaxing day. There’s kittens, dairy sheep, gigantic but friendly herd dogs, and a variety of chickens and ducks. The host was kind and friendly. Try the sheep’s milk cheese - what a treat!"

12 top campgrounds near Fossil

99%

(288)

Milk A Sheep Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents450 acres · Lexington, OR

Didn't know you could milk a sheep? Or thought only cows made cheese? Come find out how it's done on this seasonal working ranch here in Eastern Oregon. Lambs are born in the spring and their moms are milked all summer long. I raise my sheep on fresh grass and sunshine. Come see for yourself here on the ranch. Pitch a tent on the pasture and literally count the sheep around you before falling asleep or climb the hill and see for miles in every direction. We may be close to the road, but it doesn't feel like it. We can accommodate campers, RVs, trucks, tents, and vans. 4 sites to chose from. Each site has access to a toilet, potable water, shower, picnic tables, trash disposal, and we allow campfires (outside of burn bans), and pets. We also sell fresh eggs, firewood, and lamb sausage. Our guests love staying with us: "There’s fireside fun in fresh country air, rolling hills around the farm to walk along to enjoy the wide expansive view, and sights and sounds of animals around camp to make for a relaxing day. There’s kittens, dairy sheep, gigantic but friendly herd dogs, and a variety of chickens and ducks. The host was kind and friendly. Try the sheep’s milk cheese - what a treat!"

Antelope Market Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · 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 only 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. This is dry camping only until the facilities are improved. There is porta potty onsite next to the old Rajneesh bath house (Red and white building). In the image any spot that you can find in the near 2 acres of grass highlighted in orange is the designated areas.

Justesen Ranches

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsTygh 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.

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.

Haystack Ranch

12 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · 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.

The Dirt E Moor

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Grass Valley, OR

As you come down the highway, rolling into Grass Valley, you slowly realize you are driving through not just a different town but frame of mind. As a community of farmers and ranchers we move at a different pace. Here at The Dirt E Moor, we want you to be able to experience a piece of that. My partner has grown up in the area, traveled the world, and at the end of it, decided this is where he wanted to raise his family. His parents run the town store, built around 1903. Our children have dug and played in the creek. Bringing in treasures they have found like old horseshoes from where the blacksmith was located. At The Dirt E Moor we have embraced the pioneer spirit and adapted to our climate. We do have all 4 seasons. In the Spring you might just catch me putting in new vegetables beds in the garden, we could have lambs begging for pets, or a new litter of barn kittens running around. Summer will have the working dogs looking for the shady cool spots, the ducks quacking in the sprinkler and bees buzzing in the flowers. Fall will see the cool evening and leaves falling like potato chips, last minute treats stolen by the ewes. And in Winter there is a great peace in laying in a warm blanket watching the snow fall.Learn more about this land:The DirtEMoor is a 2 acre hobby farm located on the edge of a small town in North Central Oregon. Your campsite is located next to a seasonal creek on the North East corner of the DirtEmoor with easy access parking next to site. Grass Valley is often used as a Base-Camp for Hunters, Fisherpeople, Rafters, Racecar Drivers, Rockhounds, Hikers, Bikers and Skiers to explore our 3 locals rivers (Deschutes, John Day or Columbia), or our acres of BLM land, mountains and public river trails. We have quite mornings, breathless sunsets, starry nights and everything else in-between.

100%

(1)

Deschutes Riverview Campground

1 site · RV5 acres · OR

Our McLucas family has been operating The Oasis, which has consisted of, at various times, a cafe, historic cabins, a campground, a fishing guide service, a shuttle business and t-shirt shop over the past 65 years. In 2019 we sold the cafe and cabins to a new family to carry on, but we kept the parcel of land overlooking the Deschutes River where we have operated a campground for many years.Oasis Riverview Campground has operated during the months of July and August, primarily, giving RV's and tent campers a place to land during the busy months here in Maupin when the fishing and whitewater rafting are at their peak and the campsites along the river (managed by the BLM) were not adequate to host all visitors to the area.We are transitioning from a tent camping site to a site only for self-contained RV's or groups willing to have their own toilets brought in.

100%

(4)

Rimrock Springs Farms

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Ritter, OR

Nestled at 3400 feet, midway between the Middle and North Fork of the John Day River, awaits our idyllic retreat known as Rimrock Springs Farm. Here, you'll discover secluded campsites offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Just 7 miles away, indulge in award-winning trout and bass fishing, while the summer invites endless opportunities for swimming, rafting, and inner tubing. After a day of adventure, rejuvenate your muscles at the world-famous Ritter Hot Springs, a soothing oasis amid our rugged landscape. Whether you seek a brief unplugged getaway or an extended stay, Rimrock Springs Farm promises a memorable experience amidst our abundance of wildlife and natural wonders.

100%

(2)

The Enclave

1 site · RV10 acres · Mitchell, OR

55’ RV spot with electricity located on a 10-acre plot with stunning views of basalt rimrocked mountains and lush green fields that extend from the John Day River. One mile from the Twickenham Bridge, a dropping-off or arriving point for floaters of the John Day River. Also close to the Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds, and Blue Basin which rank as some of the most interesting and beautiful sites in the Northwest. If you’re looking for a mind-blowing stargazing experience, Twickenham is the place. The Oregonian designated the area of the John Day Fossil Beds as one of Oregon’s 8 best stargazing spots. The fossil beds lie under some of the darkest skies in the state, which also includes Twickenham. It's a place where darkness brings the universe to life. If you have never seen a clear, starry sky from a place devoid of light pollution then you’re in for a real treat. With the naked eye alone, from a dark site, on a clear night you’ll see thousands of stars, meteors, the zodiacal light, airglow, satellites, the milky way, nebulas, and occasionally auroras, comets and UFOs. You’ll find Twickenham in the darkest sky zone by using the Dark Site Finder. The John Day Fossil Beds is a complex of incredible natural attractions that burst with color in the daylight. The Painted Hills (one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon) and Blue Basin (a Seven Wonders runner up) rank as some of the most interesting and beautiful sites in the Northwest. Have a fun day floating the John Day River or sightseeing at the Painted Hills, and then come stay in Twickenham for an evening of stargazing that’s out of this world! Enjoy the wildlife. Guests frequently hear coyotes and see deer, elk, and all kinds of birds including pheasants, quail, chuckers, magpies, hummingbirds, and resident long horned owls, Oswald and Amelia. Electricity is provided via a solar and wind turbine generator. The generator includes a 12V Port (up to 240 watts of power), a 120V 30amp AC outlet, two USB ports, and three 120V AC outlets. Please bring any adapters that you might need. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times as there are cats that roam the property. The property also features a 6,120 sq ft fenced-in garden space. Fresh produce is available during the summer season. Workstays are available. Please inquire.

100%

(6)

Sliger Overlook

1 site · RV, Tent32 acres · Prineville, OR

We are located on 32 forested acres, 10 miles north of Prineville and 1 mile from the Ochoco National Forest entrance. We are a south facing hillside lot that looks south down a farmland valley towards Prineville. The Ochocos encompasses 850,000 acres (3,440 km2) of rimrock, canyons, geologic oddities, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain, as well as the headwaters of the North Fork Crooked River. Our property has a 14 foot tall RV cover with picnic table and fire pit (when fires are allowed). The RV area has water and electrical hook up. An overlook area with amazing sunrise and sunset views is adjacent. We cater to outdoor enthusiasts that are visiting for hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. We have pet dogs, donkeys, goats and kitties so we ask that guests are pet free when they visit.

93%

(99)

Bucking Horse Ranch

54 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Mitchell, OR

Come hike and enjoy the beautiful views of cougar mountain!Learn more about this land:Come hike and enjoy the beautiful views of cougar mountain in Mitchell Oregon. There is a lot of a lot of juniper on the property and you can also see john deer river canyonPLEASE CALL me to confirm details 2 days prior to your booking / before you arrive so that I can greet you and show you around.

Fish House Inn & RV Park

1 site · RV3 acres · Dayville, OR

Welcome to the eastern gateway of the John Day Fossil Beds, located just 9 miles from the Thomas Condon Paleontology Visitor Center and the Sheep Rock Unit. Experience relaxation at the Fish House Inn and RV Park surrounded by lush green grass and fruit trees. Enjoy activities like horseshoes or ping pong and pick up snacks at our Campstore. Take a refreshing swim in the South Fork River, only a few miles from here.

Star Hosts in Fossil

98%

(20)

Antelope Market Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · 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 only 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. This is dry camping only until the facilities are improved. There is porta potty onsite next to the old Rajneesh bath house (Red and white building). In the image any spot that you can find in the near 2 acres of grass highlighted in orange is the designated areas.

Milk A Sheep Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents450 acres · Lexington, OR

Didn't know you could milk a sheep? Or thought only cows made cheese? Come find out how it's done on this seasonal working ranch here in Eastern Oregon. Lambs are born in the spring and their moms are milked all summer long. I raise my sheep on fresh grass and sunshine. Come see for yourself here on the ranch. Pitch a tent on the pasture and literally count the sheep around you before falling asleep or climb the hill and see for miles in every direction. We may be close to the road, but it doesn't feel like it. We can accommodate campers, RVs, trucks, tents, and vans. 4 sites to chose from. Each site has access to a toilet, potable water, shower, picnic tables, trash disposal, and we allow campfires (outside of burn bans), and pets. We also sell fresh eggs, firewood, and lamb sausage. Our guests love staying with us: "There’s fireside fun in fresh country air, rolling hills around the farm to walk along to enjoy the wide expansive view, and sights and sounds of animals around camp to make for a relaxing day. There’s kittens, dairy sheep, gigantic but friendly herd dogs, and a variety of chickens and ducks. The host was kind and friendly. Try the sheep’s milk cheese - what a treat!"

Haystack Ranch

12 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · 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.

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.

Sliger Overlook

1 site · RV, Tent32 acres · Prineville, OR

We are located on 32 forested acres, 10 miles north of Prineville and 1 mile from the Ochoco National Forest entrance. We are a south facing hillside lot that looks south down a farmland valley towards Prineville. The Ochocos encompasses 850,000 acres (3,440 km2) of rimrock, canyons, geologic oddities, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain, as well as the headwaters of the North Fork Crooked River. Our property has a 14 foot tall RV cover with picnic table and fire pit (when fires are allowed). The RV area has water and electrical hook up. An overlook area with amazing sunrise and sunset views is adjacent. We cater to outdoor enthusiasts that are visiting for hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. We have pet dogs, donkeys, goats and kitties so we ask that guests are pet free when they visit.

Dog-friendly getaways

96%

(95)

Haystack Ranch

12 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · 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.

Justesen Ranches

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsTygh 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.

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.

Milk A Sheep Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents450 acres · Lexington, OR

Didn't know you could milk a sheep? Or thought only cows made cheese? Come find out how it's done on this seasonal working ranch here in Eastern Oregon. Lambs are born in the spring and their moms are milked all summer long. I raise my sheep on fresh grass and sunshine. Come see for yourself here on the ranch. Pitch a tent on the pasture and literally count the sheep around you before falling asleep or climb the hill and see for miles in every direction. We may be close to the road, but it doesn't feel like it. We can accommodate campers, RVs, trucks, tents, and vans. 4 sites to chose from. Each site has access to a toilet, potable water, shower, picnic tables, trash disposal, and we allow campfires (outside of burn bans), and pets. We also sell fresh eggs, firewood, and lamb sausage. Our guests love staying with us: "There’s fireside fun in fresh country air, rolling hills around the farm to walk along to enjoy the wide expansive view, and sights and sounds of animals around camp to make for a relaxing day. There’s kittens, dairy sheep, gigantic but friendly herd dogs, and a variety of chickens and ducks. The host was kind and friendly. Try the sheep’s milk cheese - what a treat!"

Antelope Market Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · 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 only 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. This is dry camping only until the facilities are improved. There is porta potty onsite next to the old Rajneesh bath house (Red and white building). In the image any spot that you can find in the near 2 acres of grass highlighted in orange is the designated areas.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

72%

(9)

Umatilla National Forest

Summerville, Oregon

88%

(5)

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Moro, Oregon

67%

(9)

Ochoco National Forest

Mitchell, Oregon

Camping near Fossil guide

Overview

The aptly named city of Fossil is the site of Oregon's only public fossil field. While many people come to Fossil hoping to dig up some ancient treasure, there are plenty of other reasons to find yourself in this part of the state, too. The area’s best-known attractions are the colorful Painted Hills of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, while Ochoco National Forest and Umatilla National Forest are nearby, too. Cottonwood Canyon State Park is directly north of town, up the John Day River. Although Cottonwood Canyon camping is available—as is national forest camping—the best selection and widest diversity of options can be found at Fossil Hipcamps, which offer everything from tent and RV sites to parked campervans that double as glampsites.