John Day River Basin Developed Campgrounds, John Day Wild and Scenic River - Recreation.gov (2024)

John Day Wild and Scenic River

The Central Oregon Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management oversees four separate fee campgrounds within the John Day River Basin in Central Oregon. Service Creek and Muleshoe Campgrounds are located near Service Creek, Oregon along the John Day River and State Route 207. Big Bend and Lone Pine Campgrounds are located between Kimberly and Monument along the North Fork of the John Day River and State Route 402.

The region is rural and tends to be quiet except during spring boating and fall hunting seasons. At around 2,000 feet in elevation, you'll see mostly sage and juniper with the occasional ponderosa pine. This area is a high-desert, so expect highly variable weather conditions especially in the spring and fall. Mid-summer tends to be very hot, but the river is nearby if you need to cool off. The winter is often cold and still.

Campgrounds are open year-round, and sites are first-come, first-served only. Reservations are not available. You must physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim your campsite. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning the QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. The QR code is posted at the campground kiosk.

There is no reliable cell service at any of the campgrounds. Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival. You will be able to reserve your campsite using the app even without cell service. Your payment will process once you return to cell service. The most reliable cell service in the region is in Spray.

Fees can also be paid with check or cash using the fee envelope and drop box at each campground. Refer to the onsite campground kiosk for further instructions.

The John Day River Basin Developed Campgrounds are basic in both design and amenities. Each campsite is flat and has a fire ring and picnic table. Each campground has an ADA accessible vault toilet. No garbage collection or drinking water is available at any of the campgrounds. There is no reliable cell phone coverage.

Service Creek Campground has four walk-in only tent sites in a one acre area under large ponderosa trees. All sites are close to each other. You must walk your camping equipment into the campsites. Parking is available in a large, open gravel lot. Service Creek is also a boat launch and is a great location to camp the night before a river trip. Boaters often leave trucks with trailers in the parking lot while on the river. The mornings can be busy during spring months with boaters preparing for a multi-day river trip.

Muleshoe Campground has six graveled drive-in sites that are flat and overlook the John Day River. They are all close to each other. If you are looking for more privacy, there are two walk-in sites that are a short walk up a hill. Muleshoe also offers a primitive boat launch.

Lone Pine Campground has five graveled drive-in sites that are flat. Some of the sites are closer to the river than others. The entrance road drops down into the campground and helps provide privacy from the main road.

Big Bend Campground has four graveled drive-in sites that are flat and are all near the river. A steep gravel road leads down into the campground. The entrance provides privacy from the road but can be a challenge to some vehicles. Four-wheel drive and caution is recommended.

Need to Know

• •All campsites are first-come, first-served. Campsites are not reservable.

  •All campers must register at the campground kiosk.

  •Payment can be made by scanning the QR code at the campground kiosk.

  •To use the QR code, you must download the Recreation.gov mobile app prior to arrival.

  •Onsite cash or check are also accepted methods of payment. See the onsite campground kiosk

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  for instructions.

  •There is no reliable cell phone coverage at any of the campgrounds.

  •No garbage service or drinking water is available. Please pack it in, pack it out.

  •Each site can have up to 8 people.

  •Stay limit is 14 days in a 28-day period within 25 miles.

  •Fires are not allowed from June 1 - October 15

  •When allowed, fires must:

  oBe contained within designated fire rings.

  oBe attended at all times unless fully extinguished.

  oNot be used to burn or dispose of trash or food.

  Please:

  •Camp in designated sites only.

  •Do not alter or modify sites.

  •Keep motor vehicles on designated roads and parking areas.

  •Do not leave personal property unattended for more than 24 hours.

  •Do not hold campsites for others.

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  •Remain quiet from 10 pm to 7 am.

  •Do not run generators during quiet hours.

  •Keep pets on leash or under physical control and clean up after them.

  •Do not discharge firearms or fireworks into or from developed recreation sites.

  •Enjoy your stay!

Natural Features

All four campgrounds are on the river with the road nearby. Be ready for goregous views of desert landscapes with steep hillsides and dark night skies. Without a dam to tame its waters, the river changes drastically from still pools in the summer to a cold and brown torrent in the spring. Juniper trees and the occasional ponderosa pine will provide shade and shelter from hot summer sun and canyon winds.

Nearby Attractions

• John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
• Fossil Museum

Recreation

Many travelers visit this region along the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway . Beginning in Biggs and ending in Baker City, Oregon, the Scenic Byway travels 286 miles through northcentral and eastern Oregon. John Day River Basin Developed Campgrounds make for a great resting point along this scenic and historic journey. They are also well situated if you are interested in visiting the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument .

The John Day River Basin is well known for its river related activities. These include fishing, boating, photography, wildlife viewing, camping, and simply relaxing by the river. The spring snowmelt attracts boaters from around the country. Both Service Creek and Muleshoe serve as common entry points to boat the Wild and Scenic section of the John Day River. A permit is required year-round to boat between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls. For further information visit the John Day River Day Use Permits and our John Day River Overnight Permits webpages.

Changes & Cancellations

Campsites are first-come, first-served. No changes and no refunds are available.

Contact Information

Mailing

Bureau of Land Management Prineville District Office 3050 NE 3rd Street Prineville OR 97754

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: (541) 416-6700

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Service Creek Campground:

From Prineville, Oregon, take US 26 east out of town and drive 46.5 miles to OR 207 N. Turn left and drive 23.5 miles. Service Creek Campground and boat launch will be on the right.

Muleshoe Campground:

From Prineville, Oregon, take US 26 east out of town and drive 46.5 miles to OR 207 N. Turn left and drive 23.8 miles. Pass Service Creek Campground, and at the stop sign take a right onto OR 207 N. Drive for 1.9 miles and Muleshoe Campground will be on your right.

Lone Pine Campground:

From Prineville, Oregon, take US 26 east out of town and drive 77.7 miles. Turn left onto OR-19 N. Drive 18.4 miles then turn right onto OR-402 E. Drive for 1.8 miles and Lone Pine Campground will be on your right.

Big Bend Campground:

From Prineville, Oregon, take US 26 east out of town and drive 77.7 miles. Turn left onto OR-19 N. Drive 18.4 miles then turn right onto OR-402 E. Drive for 3 miles and Big Bend Campground will be on your right. Be cautious as this campground is on a sweeping bend in the road.

Available Campsites

• Site Muleshoe -2, Loop Muleshoe, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Lone Pine -3, Loop Lone Pine, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Lone Pine -2, Loop Lone Pine, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Lone Pine -1, Loop Lone Pine, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Service Creek -4, Loop Service Creek, Type Walk To
• Site Muleshoe -4, Loop Muleshoe, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Muleshoe -8, Loop Muleshoe, Type Walk To
• Site Service Creek -1, Loop Service Creek, Type Walk To
• Site Muleshoe -5, Loop Muleshoe, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Muleshoe -3, Loop Muleshoe, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Muleshoe -7, Loop Muleshoe, Type Walk To
• Site Muleshoe -1, Loop Muleshoe, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Service Creek -2, Loop Service Creek, Type Walk To
• Site Big Bend -1, Loop Big Bend, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Lone Pine -4, Loop Lone Pine, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Lone Pine -5, Loop Lone Pine, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Big Bend -2, Loop Big Bend, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Service Creek -3, Loop Service Creek, Type Walk To
• Site Muleshoe -6, Loop Muleshoe, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Big Bend -3, Loop Big Bend, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Big Bend -4, Loop Big Bend, Type Standard Nonelectric

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