Middle Fork Campground

Malheur National Forest — riverside, fishing, hiking

Location: John Day , OR, OR

Price: From $8 per night

Rating: 4 out of 5 (0 reviews)

Season: May through October

This small campground along the Scenic Middle Fork of the John Day River set back amongst beautiful ponderosa pine trees is a great spot for fishing and viewing spawning steelhead in the fall. The campground is a good starting point for hunters, hikers and those wishing to see beautiful scenery, wildlife and wildflowers. The campground sets just off of the county road allowing for easy access to all variety of vehicles and bicycles.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.

Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Fishing

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/middle-fork-campground to be notified when sites open up.

Small scenic campground along the Middle Fork of the John Day River surrounded by ponderosa pine trees, offering excellent fishing opportunities and fall steelhead viewing. Google reviews praise its riverside location and peaceful setting.

Wildlife alert: Mountain lions present in area; also watch for great gray owls, ruffed grouse, mountain goats, and snakes (wandering garter snake, western yellow-bellied racer).

Insider tips for Middle Fork Campground: Book early — this is a federal campground with only 10 sites and high demand Some sites are large enough for RVs despite lack of hookups; suitable only for self-contained RVs Bring your own water and waste management supplies as there are no hookups

Skip Middle Fork Campground if: You need RV hookups — none available. You prefer year-round access — seasonal operations May through October only. You want a large campground — only 10 sites total.

Best time to visit Middle Fork Campground: May-October — Official operating season for this seasonal federal campground. Fall — Excellent time for viewing spawning steelhead.

Nearby campgrounds: Deerhorn Campground (John Day, OR), Sunshine Guard Station (John Day, OR), Dixie Campground (John Day, OR), Lower Camp Creek Campground (John Day, OR).