Deerhorn Forest Camp
Open year-round, first-come first-served. No reservations. No potable water available; bring your own. Pack out all trash. 14-day stay limit. No cell phone coverage.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 9:49AM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until noon PDT Wednesday. Check with your local health or air agency for current restrictions on woodstove use. There are often exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes and those with limited income. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems. * Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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.
About
Deerhorn Forest Camp is a small, rustic campground nestled along the Middle Fork John Day River State Scenic Waterway in the Malheur National Forest. With just five campsites, it offers a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude and access to fishing, hunting, and nature watching opportunities. The campground sees its busiest periods during late summer and hunting season. Each campsite features a fire ring, picnic table, and space for parking camp trailers, though only one site can accommodate an RV up to 30 feet in total length (including tow vehicle). An accessible vault toilet serves the campground. Campers must bring their own drinking water as there is no potable water on site, and all trash must be packed out. The campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Be aware there is no cell phone coverage in the area. A 14-day stay limit applies.
Directions
From Prairie City, OR, travel east on Highway 26 approximately 13 miles to the junction with Highway 7. Turn onto Highway 7 for approximately 1/8 mile to County Road 20, then turn onto County Road 20. Travel approximately 4 miles; the campground will be on your left. The turn is on a corner and marked with a small green sign.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 575-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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