North Fork John Day Campground
Open for the 2026 season. The campground is maintained from Memorial Day through mid-November, with fees charged through November 15. Road conditions may affect access earlier in spring or later in fall. Reservations available through Recreation.gov; some sites are first-come, first-served.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
RFEI for Potential Future Campground Concession Opportunities - Walla Walla Ranger District
The Umatilla National Forest has prepared a Request for Expressed Interest (RFEI) to determine levels of interest in potential future campground concession opportunities on the Walla Walla Ranger District. Sites include Jubilee Lake Campground and Day Use Area, Target Meadows Campground, Woodland…
Forest Service Road (FSR) 4712 Temporary Road Closure
Forest Service Road (FSR) 4712 will be temporarily closed in its entirety, including Ladybug Campground, Tucannon Trailhead, and 4713 rock pit. This closure will be in place May 19 to June 5, 2026 for flood repair work including road surface improvements, erosion and sediment control, bank…
Use of Vehicles - Asotin Winter Ranger Closure
The Asotin Winter Range Area Closure prohibits the possession or use of a vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any type of vehicle prohibited on National Forest System Roads within specific boundaries.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Meacham Divide Nordic Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Meacham Divide Nordic Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Andies Prairie Snow Play Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Use of Motorized Vehicles - Spout Springs Ski Area
Use of motorized vehicles on and off National Forest System Roads and Trails located in the Spout Springs Ski area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Use of Motorized Vehicles - Bluewood Ski Area
Use of motorized vehicles on and off National Forest System Roads and Trails located in the Bluewood Ski Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads (FSR) 40 and 42 on the Pomeroy Ranger District. This Forest Order is effective September 4, 2025, through August 31, 2027.
Wake and Personal Watercraft Prohibition on Olive Lake
Wake and personal watercraft prohibition for Olive Lake. This Forest Order is effective August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2028.
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas
Prohibitions for occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas including storing equipment, personal property or supplies, possessing or using a wagon, cart or other vehicles, riding, and more. This Forest Order is effective August 21, 2025, through August 31, 2027
Spout Springs Ski Area Information
Spout Springs Ski Area will be closed for the 2025-2026 season. The Forest Service is looking for an operator to provide professional management and operational oversight at Spout Springs. The operator will be responsible for all aspects of resort management, including but not limited to: hiring…
Mill Creek Municipal Watershed Closure Area
A special closure area for the Mill Creek Municipal Watershed that prohibits going into or being upon the described area. This closure is in place for the protection of public health and safety. This Forest Order is effective November 19, 2024, through November 19, 2026.
14 Day Stay Limit
Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period is prohibited. This Forest Order is effective July 14, 2023, through July 20, 2026.
Over-snow Vehicle Restrictions
Prohibitions on over-snow vehicle restrictions including operating or possessing an over-snow vehicle with a body width greater than 60 inches, operating an over-snow vehicle on Forest Service system roads or trails located on the Umatilla NF from April 1st to December 31st, and operating an…
About
North Fork John Day Campground sits at the junction of the Blue Mountain and Elkhorn Scenic Byways in Umatilla National Forest. The 20-site campground features 14 tent/RV sites, 5 tent-only sites, and one group site, all set within a lodgepole pine forest with over half the sites shaded. The perennial North Fork John Day River runs adjacent to the campground where spawning steelhead and chinook salmon can be observed in spring and fall. The campground serves as the eastern portal into the North Fork John Day Wilderness via Trail #3022. Stock animals are permitted in the north half of the campground (sites 10-16), with corrals, mangers, hitching posts, and an unloading ramp available. Hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, berry picking, and wildlife photography are popular activities. Special state fishing regulations apply. There is no potable water or garbage service, so campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. The historic mining town of Granite is 9 miles south, and the restored dredge at Sumpter is 22 miles south. Olive Lake, offering fishing and swimming, is 21 miles southwest.
Directions
From Ukiah, OR head southeast on Forest Service Road 52 approximately 40 miles to the North Fork John Day Campground and trailhead. The campground is located at the junction of the Blue Mountain and Elkhorn Scenic Byways.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 - $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 427-3231 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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