Lepage Park
4.21125 reviewsPO BOX 823, Rufus, OR, 97050, USA
Lepage Park
$15.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $15 to $35 per night, depending on the site type. Discounts, taxes, and additional charges may apply.
About this campground
Where the mighty John Day River meets the Columbia near the charming town of Rufus, Oregon, LePage Park beckons adventurers with its diverse camping options and riverside allure. This scenic haven accommodates both modern comfort seekers with 22 electric hookup sites and wilderness enthusiasts with 20 secluded walk-to tent spots. Days here unfold with the gentle rhythm of casting lines into productive waters, diving into refreshing swimming holes, and launching boats for river explorations that reveal the dramatic beauty of Oregon's eastern landscape.
LePage Park accommodates both RV and tent campers, offering 22 sites with electric hookups and 20 walk-to primitive tent sites. The park lacks luxury accommodations such as cabins and yurts.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this high desert oasis into a sun-soaked paradise where temperatures soar past 100°F, creating perfect conditions for water activities and evening stargazing. Afternoon winds sweep through the canyon, bringing welcome relief and adding drama to the landscape as they rustle through the trees and ripple across the water's surface.
Natural Features and SceneryThis riverside sanctuary surprises visitors with its lush contrast to the surrounding high desert terrain. Towering shade trees create cool havens throughout the park, their canopies sheltering expansive grassy meadows perfect for games and gatherings. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem – graceful mule deer emerge at dawn and dusk, waterfowl patrol the riverbanks with their seasonal songs, and majestic birds of prey circle overhead, riding the thermals that rise from the sun-warmed canyon walls.
Geological RegionNestled in a dramatic river basin where two of Oregon's great waterways converge, LePage Park occupies a unique geological sweet spot. The high desert climate has sculpted this landscape over millennia, creating a striking oasis where mature cottonwoods and willows line the rivers' edges, their deep roots tapping into the life-giving waters below. This verdant ribbon of green contrasts beautifully with the golden hills and basalt cliffs that define this ancient river corridor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source, though the campground includes paved and level sites which may be suitable for wheelchair access.
Sites SizeSites are described as small to medium, with pull-through sites offering direct river views.
Sites PrivacyLow privacy due to exposed and clustered site layouts. Reviewers frequently noted the lack of shade and privacy issues.
Total Campsites42 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 07 is recommended for its waterfront access and shade. Sites 01 to 08 offer pull-through convenience and proximity to the river.
Best CampsitesPull-through sites along the water are highly rated for their views and convenience. Examples include sites 01, 07, and 05.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 8:00 AM.
Check-out
Checkout must occur by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Camping limited to 14 days within a rolling 30-day period.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly described as available in the provided sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out with pull-through sites along the water edge and tent sites centrally located near public areas.
Open and Closed SeasonApr 15, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025 (reservable season).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov and its contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityAdditional tent sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during weekends and holidays.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee plus the first night's use fee applies for late cancellations, starting from midnight the day before check-in.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
LePage Park provides various recreational opportunities including river fishing, swimming, boating, water sports, wildlife viewing, and paddling. It is popular with anglers and families enjoying water-based activities. However, some users raised concerns about the park's overall maintenance and usability during windy or hot conditions.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at LePage Park, with anglers targeting smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. User reviews consistently praise the fishing opportunities, such as one camper noting, 'Great place to be if you're a fly fisherman who likes to rope a million smallmouth on poppers.'Swimming
The swimming area is roped off and includes a small beach. Reviews mention algae concerns but generally find the swimming area suitable for children. 'The swimming area was great for kids,' noted one camper.Boating
Boating is convenient with the on-site boat ramp. Several users praised the ease of river access and opportunities for kayaking or paddleboarding.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes mule deer, waterfowl, and birds of prey. One reviewer noted, 'We got to watch bighorn sheep on the hill across the way.'Beach activities
Beach activities are limited but available near the swimming area, which is described as a 'nice safe swim area with big grassy day-use areas.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not included in the source materials. The park seems oriented toward warm-season recreation.Water Sports
Activities such as water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available. User reviews highlight the convenience of water access and the variety of water-based sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but firewood must be purchased locally.
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes may be present, and the water supply has been reported as contaminated with E. coli in some reviews. Campers should bring potable water.
Active alertsCOVID-19 guidelines apply, including cleaning your own restroom facilities and maintaining hygiene. Water quality alerts regarding E. coli contamination have been raised.
Weather forecast
98
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency service is John Day Dam management (541-739-1135) year-round. A staffed gatehouse operates between April 15 and October 15 for immediate assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesApr 15, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative content but were not highlighted as problematic in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated at the mouth of the John Day River, adjacent to the Columbia River. Swimming and boating facilities are available.
Common complaintsNoise from the nearby interstate and trains is frequently mentioned. Reviews also cite maintenance issues such as weeds, broken water fixtures, and outdated facilities.
HostHosts are described as helpful but inconsistent, with some negative reviews regarding attitude.
Campground Map
PO BOX 823, Rufus, OR, 97050, USA
Driving directionsFrom Dalles, Oregon, take I-84 east for 30 miles. Take exit 114 and follow signs to the John Day River.
LePage Park has convenient on/off access from Interstate 84, making it accessible with minimal navigation challenges. Roads leading to the campground are paved.Nearby places
Rufus - 5 miles, approximately 10 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials are likely available in Rufus, Oregon, approximately 5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
125 reviews
Lepage Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for LePage Park are mixed, with an average sentiment ranging from disappointment over maintenance issues to praise for the scenic beauty and river access. Common themes include loud noise from nearby highways and trains, poor cell reception, issues with potable water, and strong winds.
Review Summaries
Based on 125 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the park's scenic location on the John Day River, friendly staff, and opportunities for fishing and boating. 'Beautiful park on the river,' and 'Hosts were friendly and...
Based on 125 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include poor maintenance ('weeds not mowed'), contaminated water supplies, exposed sites with no shade, and noise issues from highways and trains. One camper noted, 'The water had...
Based on 125 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest bringing potable water, bug spray, and shade structures due to the exposed and windy conditions. 'Come prepared as there is no cell service' is another frequent recommendation.
Based on 125 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that summer months can be hot and windy, making shade essential. Winter reviews were not included in the source material.
Based on 125 reviewsCamper Quotes
Quotes include: 'The view of the river is really wonderful.' 'Hosts suggested boiling the water.' 'The Bighorns were great to watch.' 'Bathrooms were very clean and well stocked.'
Based on 125 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Certain sites like #01 and #07 are praised for their proximity to the river and scenic views. Pull-through sites are recommended for larger RVs.
Based on 125 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not frequently mentioned in user reviews. However, paved sites may be suitable for certain mobility aids.
Based on 125 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but reviews note issues with roaming dogs and lack of enforcement of pet policies.
Based on 125 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025