Middle Fork Campground
Open for camping on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations required. No potable water is available; bring your own. Pack out all trash. 14-day stay limit enforced.
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.…
Stancliff Bridge FSR31 Closure for Repair
This Closure is necessary to facilitate emergency repairs to roads and bridges within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. Road maintenance on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District will commence on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Stancliff bridge must be closed to protect the public during the repair…
Magone Trail Closure Continuation 2026
Due to precommercial thinning operations that are planned around Magone Bike trail paths, for the safety of the public these trails need to be closed to the public while falling activities take place. Trails and Trailheads affected:Porcupine Springs #5089Phlo #5091Pumphouse #5091
14 Day Stay Limit
Prohibition of Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period. 36 CFR § 261.58(a)
About
Middle Fork Campground is a small, peaceful campground tucked among ponderosa pines along the scenic Middle Fork of the John Day River in Oregon's Malheur National Forest. The campground features 10 sites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, with accessible vault toilets centrally located. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own supply. The location is prized for fishing access, with opportunities for rainbow and redband trout year-round, plus seasonal runs of spring chinook and summer steelhead. Fall visitors often come to watch spawning steelhead. The campground also serves as a base for hunters, hikers, and those seeking wildflowers and wildlife in the Blue Mountains. Sites accommodate trailers up to 30 feet including the tow vehicle. The campground sits just off the county road, providing easy access for various vehicle types. There is no trash service, so pack out all waste. A 14-day stay limit applies, and firewood should be purchased locally to prevent spread of invasive species.
Directions
From the town of Prairie City, OR, travel east on US Highway 26 approximately 11 miles to the junction of US Highway 7. Follow US Highway 7 for approximately 1 mile to the junction with County Road 20 on the left. Follow County Road 20 for approximately 5 miles; the campground will be on the left.
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 | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 575-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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