Gold Dredge Cg

Closed — Closed only by snow. Maintained seasonally from Memorial Day through mid-November with fees collected through November 15. The campground remains accessible in winter when road conditions permit, though unmaintained.

About

Gold Dredge Campground provides a quiet retreat along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River, nestled in an open Ponderosa pine forest. This small campground features 7 campsites including one group site, with one accessible vault toilet. As one of the lowest elevation campgrounds in the area, it typically becomes accessible earlier in spring and remains open later into fall than higher elevation sites. The campground serves as an excellent base for various recreational activities including fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating, and wildlife photography along the river. Note that water levels drop significantly in mid to late summer, which can limit boat use. The area provides good access for big game hunting, and the Oriental Trailhead approximately 6 miles west offers access to both OHV and wilderness trails. Campers should come prepared as there is no potable water or garbage service. All trash must be packed out. The campground is maintained seasonally from Memorial Day through mid-November, though it remains accessible year-round when snow conditions permit. During winter months with heavy snow, access may be limited to snowmobiles only.

Directions

From Ukiah, Oregon travel west 1 mile to the Highway 395 junction. Turn left (south) on Highway 395 and go about 15 miles, then turn left (east) onto Forest Road 55. Drive 7.7 miles east along the North Fork John Day River to Gold Dredge Campground.

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