Open Year-round
Yes
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The John Day River runs from eastern Oregon through the Blue Mountains to the Columbia River. It makes its way through Central Oregon and creates many great fishing destinations and other river recreational hotspots. Near Service Creek on the stretch of Highway 19 at the junction with Highway 207, there are pull offs with dispersed campsites.

Some of the campsites have campfire rings, and some are big enough for RVs. All have decent access to the river for fishing, swimming, and other water activities. All have areas for tents, and many had great trees for hammocks. There are also old homestead homes all around this area, old abandoned structures that are a reminder of times past. The whole area has a fascinating homestead history. Given its proximity to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, there are also fossils in the general area. This is a great area to visit in the summer. The area is warm, the river is refreshing, and the campsites are generally quiet and relaxing.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Relaxing. Easy to find. Family friendly.

Cons

Not far off road. No reservations.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Family friendly
Near lake or river
Wildlife

Access

Vehicle

Location

Comments

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