Best Camping in and near John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

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Top-rated campgrounds near John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

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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.

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Justesen Ranches

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · 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.

Booked 1 time

Karibu Cabin

2 sites · Lodging160 acres · 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. For those seeking adventure, this incredible land is also a prime spot for hunting season. Fill your tag while exploring the diverse terrain, making this cabin the perfect base for your outdoor pursuits. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, 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 responsible for any injuries.

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.