The best camping near Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rugged, low-key experience. Situated on the banks of the John Day River, across from the boat launch at J.S. Burres State Park, the area attracts anglers, kayakers, and hikers alike. The park also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife-viewing, as elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, and even bighorn sheep live in the area. Lone Tree Campground is small and generally quiet, with first-come, first-served (FCFS) campsites—many right by the river—and a handful of reservable cabins. A group tent area is also available for up to 25 people.

1. The campsites at Lone Tree Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Arrive early in the morning to increase your likelihood of getting a spot.
2. Weekends can fill up here, particularly in the summer months. Try arriving on a Thursday or Friday morning to secure your place.
3. If you want a guaranteed spot, consider booking one of the four cabins, which can be reserved up to six months in advance through Oregon State Parks (either online or over the phone).

Cottonwood Canyon is open year-round, and is at its busiest during summer vacation when temperatures are warmest. Spring and fall can also be a good time to visit, particularly if you want to fish for wild steelhead, but the weather is a bit of a crapshoot, and while warm and dry temperatures are certainly possible, so are cold, rainy days. Springtime here is particularly lovely, when wildflowers add a much needed splash of color to the dusky landscape.

• Western rattlesnakes—the only dangerous type of snake in Oregon—live in the area, but are more likely to flee than fight and will rarely attack unless they feel seriously threatened.
• The canyon is in cougar country. If you encounter one of the cats, make a lot of noise to scare them off.
• The closest place to get fuel, supplies, and groceries is the town of Wasco, about a 20-minute drive from the campground.
• Cottonwood Canyon is in an area of high fire risk, and campfire bans and even bans on propane stoves and fire rings are the norm, particularly in the summer months.