Deerhorn Campground
02 reviewsMalheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District, 431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845
Deerhorn Campground
$4.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
Camping is $8.00 per unit per night and $4.00 for additional vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsites occupied by the pass holder only. Payments must be made with cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled within the pristine Middle Fork John Day River State Scenic Waterway, this intimate campground serves as your gateway to authentic Oregon wilderness adventures. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, tracking wildlife through ancient forests, or simply soaking in the untouched beauty of the landscape, this hidden gem offers an escape from the crowds. The campground comes alive during late summer when wildflowers bloom and temperatures are perfect for exploration, while autumn brings dedicated hunters seeking the abundant game that calls these forests home.
Deerhorn Campground caters to campers seeking a primitive camping experience. Specific details about the types of camping accommodations are minimal, but the low overnight fee hints at a focus on basic tent or RV camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile the campground itself may not bear historical markers, you're camping in a landscape that has witnessed centuries of human connection with the land, from Native American peoples who first fished these waters to the pioneers and prospectors who followed the river's course through the wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps you on your toes in this dynamic mountain environment, where morning frost can give way to afternoon sunshine even in spring. Summer transforms the landscape into a warm, inviting playground perfect for river activities and forest exploration, while winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. Pack layers and be ready for anything – from crisp, star-filled nights that demand a warm sleeping bag to sun-drenched afternoons ideal for wading in the river. Late spring through early summer offers the sweet spot of comfortable temperatures and rushing snowmelt that brings the river to life.
ElevationTucked into the forested slopes of the Malheur National Forest, the campground sits at a mountain elevation that delivers cool, pine-scented air and respite from valley heat, though specific elevation details await your discovery upon arrival.
Natural Features and SceneryThe majestic Malheur National Forest embraces you with towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs that filter golden sunlight onto the forest floor. The star attraction remains the Middle Fork John Day River, where clear mountain water dances over smooth stones, creating perfect pools for native trout and refreshing swimming holes. Morning mist rises from the water, eagles soar overhead, and the surrounding wilderness stretches endlessly in every direction, offering scenic vistas and secret spots waiting to be discovered.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of the Middle Fork John Day River State Scenic Waterway, this campground occupies a special corner of the vast Malheur National Forest. This protected waterway carves through ancient volcanic landscapes and rugged canyon country, creating a geological wonderland where millions of years of Earth's history are written in stone cliffs and river-carved valleys.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campsite sizes are not explicitly described in the available data.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not detailed.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific site recommendations are provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are rated as best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
No stay limit is explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No guest limit per site is explicitly mentioned.
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout is not described in detail.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen during late summer and hunting season. Specific dates are unclear.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may require fees; no specific platforms or systems are detailed.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information about walk-up or first-come-first-served availability is stated.
Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellations and deadlines are not specified.
Activities you can enjoy
Deerhorn Campground is located within the Middle Fork John Day River State Scenic Waterway and offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, nature watching, exploring, and hunting. Activities are seasonal, with the campground being busier during late summer and hunting season.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the nearby river or stream, though specific details about fish types or regulations are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can engage in nature watching. Specific wildlife species or best viewing areas are not described.Winter Activities
Winter recreational activities are not specified.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotable water is not available; visitors should bring their own water. Weather can change rapidly, and there may be wildlife typical of forested areas.
Active alertsThe campground is listed as temporarily closed in some records; visitors should confirm availability before planning a visit.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency services are available at the Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District located at 431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR.
Good to know
Peak season datesThe campground is busiest during late summer and hunting season.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food wrappers. There are no on-site trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the Middle Fork John Day River, offering river and stream fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsNo complaints are explicitly mentioned.
HostHost availability and contact information are not mentioned.
Campground Map
Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District, 431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845
Driving directionsFrom Prairie City, OR., travel east on Highway 26 approximately 13 miles to the junction of Highway 26 and Highway 7. Turn onto Highway 7 for approximately 1/8th of a mile to the junction with County Road 20, turn onto County Road 20. On County Road 20 travel approximately 4 miles, the campground will be on your left. The turn for the campground is on a corner, the entrance is marked with a small green sign.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but users should note that the turn for the campground is on a corner and marked only with a small green sign, which may make it easy to miss.Nearby places
Prairie City (13 miles, approximately 15 minutes), John Day (null distance, approximately null minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be accessed in nearby Prairie City or John Day, though exact distances are unspecified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Deerhorn Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's small and scenic nature. It is appreciated primarily for its proximity to fishing and nature-watching opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its natural beauty and access to recreational activities in the scenic waterway.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No substantial complaints are detailed in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to prepare for rapid weather changes and bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water and trash bags, as no potable water or trash services are available.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busier during late summer and hunting season. Winter conditions are more severe, with data indicating freezing weather in the colder months.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
Philomena Dutcher: 'Beautiful little campground.' (Review date: 2020-01-07)
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers or reviews for individual sites are detailed.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related reviews and policies are not mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025