Billy Fields Campground
4.436 reviewsBilly Fields Campground, Malheur National Forest, Oregon
Billy Fields Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Oregon's backcountry, Billy Fields Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. Here, beneath towering pines, rustic wooden picnic tables and sturdy metal fire rings set the stage for memorable evenings under starlit skies. Wild horses roam freely through nearby meadows, offering lucky visitors glimpses of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Just three miles from the scenic Fields Peak Trail, this hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for hunters tracking seasonal game and anglers casting lines in pristine mountain waters. Equestrian enthusiasts will find a welcoming home here too, with a well-maintained 6-horse tie-stall complete with manger, making it an ideal stopover for backcountry horse camping adventures.
Billy Fields Campground accommodates tent camping, group camping, and horse camping, providing rustic facilities without modern amenities. It does not support RV camping, cabin lodging, or glamping.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps visitors on their toes at Billy Fields, where mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm in the blink of an eye. Pack layers and expect the unexpected – winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures that regularly dip below freezing, while summer brings warm, golden days that peak around a comfortable 85°F. Spring and fall paint the campground in dramatic contrasts, with crisp mornings giving way to pleasant afternoons. Seasoned campers know to come prepared for any scenario, as the mountains write their own weather rules.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of diverse ecosystems unfolds across Billy Fields Campground, where stately pines frame sweeping grass meadows dotted with resilient scrub brush. When spring arrives, these fields burst into a painter's palette of wildflowers, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged mountain backdrop. The melodic babble of Fields Creek provides nature's soundtrack as it winds along the campground's edge, its cool waters reflecting the surrounding peaks while offering a refreshing respite on warm afternoons. This dynamic landscape shifts with each season, from snow-dusted winter wonderland to vibrant summer sanctuary.
Geological RegionCarved into the dramatic landscape of Malheur National Forest, Billy Fields Campground sits cradled within the ancient Aldrich Mountains. These rugged peaks tell a geological story millions of years in the making, their unique formations creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. The diverse terrain encompasses everything from dense pine forests that whisper with mountain breezes to open grasslands that stretch toward distant ridgelines. Weathered rock outcroppings and sculpted peaks bear witness to the powerful forces that shaped this corner of Oregon, while the varied ecosystems – from forest floor to scrubland expanse – showcase nature's remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in this mountain environment.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not elaborated upon in any provided sources.
Sites SizeUser reviews mention decent space for tents, with each campsite featuring space for vehicles and tents.
Sites PrivacySites are described as quiet and isolated by user reviews, but privacy levels are not explicitly detailed.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider sites near the creek for a tranquil experience. "Pretty little creek along the campground edge so you heard running water all night."
Best CampsitesSites near the creek and restroom are noted for convenience and tranquility.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
No stay limits explicitly noted.
Guests Allowed Per Site
"Approximately 6-8 campsites with room for your car and tent."
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutApproximately 6-8 campsites are distributed within a rustic loop.
Open and Closed SeasonTemporarily closed.
Walk-in Availability"Free camping available on a first-come, first-served basis." "Got up early and as we were packing up the tent yellow jackets and big black flies were fierce."
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Billy Fields Campground offers recreational activities primarily centered around horse camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor exploration. The nearby Fields Peak Trail within 3 miles is a notable attraction for hikers seeking day-use trails. "The scenery is unique and interesting due to varied terrain... breathtaking 360-degree views," one user wrote about hiking in the Aldrich Mountains area. Wildlife viewing is also mentioned as part of the experience, with horses, cows, and small fish in the creek providing entertainment.
Hiking
Fields Peak Trail is located within 3 miles of Billy Fields Campground, offering opportunities for day hikes with varied terrain, including pine trees, grass fields, and scrambles to peaks with panoramic views. Reviews praise the hiking scenery as "unique and interesting due to varied terrain and geological formations."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include observing wild horses and cows near the campground. User reviews also mention small fish in the creek as part of the natural surroundings.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified for Billy Fields Campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable to Billy Fields Campground due to the absence of designated water facilities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Metal fire rings provided; campfire rules not explicitly noted.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsSnakes, mountain wildlife, yellow jackets, and large black flies reported. "Beware of snakes, and maybe mountain puddy's." "Yellow jackets and big black flies were fierce."
Active alertsTemporarily closed.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 16.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
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
Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District at 431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845 (Phone: (541) 575-3000)
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not provided, as campers are instructed to pack out all trash they bring in, including cigarette butts, cans, and bottles.
Proximity to water featuresFields Creek runs along the backside of the campground. "Ice-cold running water is nice to clean up and cool off from the 100-degree heat."
Common complaintsYellow jackets, black flies, cow poop scattered around the campsites.
Host"Rangers stop by frequently and give help when needed."
Campground Map
Billy Fields Campground, Malheur National Forest, Oregon
Driving directionsFrom the town of John Day, OR., follow US Highway 26 west approximately 18 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 21 (Fields Creek Road). Follow Forest Service Road 21 approximately 6 miles, Billy Fields Campground will be on the right.
The road is well-paved and easy to access, transitioning from beautiful farmland to tall pines. "Road is well-paved, easy to get to."Nearby places
John Day, OR (approximately 24 miles / 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
John Day, OR (approximately 24 miles away) offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel options.
Camper Reviews
4.4
6 reviews
Billy Fields Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Billy Fields Campground highlight its rustic charm, cleanliness, and proximity to natural attractions. Positive remarks focus on cleanliness, isolation, and free camping opportunities, while negative comments discuss yellow jackets, cow manure, and flies at the campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the cleanliness of the campground, its convenience for day hikers, and isolation that provides opportunities for quiet camping. One reviewer described the area as "clean and most...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users mention issues with yellow jackets and flies, particularly for late arrivals. Cow manure was noted as a nuisance, while others warned of snakes and described the creek as obscured by wild...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Packing insect repellent is recommended by users who experienced issues with flies and yellow jackets. Campers are advised to arrive early to secure better campsite locations.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide detailed seasonal feedback, but one user commented on the heat during summer and the need for cold creek water to cool off.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The Aldrich Mountains are a top hiking and backpacking destination in Oregon because the scenery is unique and interesting due to the varied terrain and geological formations," one user shared....
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews indicate site-specific issues such as cow manure and insects at certain campsites. The two campsites near restrooms are noted as convenient, although late arrivals may need to settle for less...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in any reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related policies and experiences were not addressed in reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025