Dixie Campground
4.748 reviews431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845
Dixie Campground
$8.00 - $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
Fee for a single campsite is $8 per night. An additional fee of $4 applies for extra vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites occupied by pass holders (discount does not apply to additional fees or other campsites). Payment must be made in cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled within the sprawling Malheur National Forest, Dixie Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. At 5,200 feet, this primitive camping haven unfolds along a unique switchback layout, where each turn reveals secluded sites tucked beneath towering lodgepole pines and fragrant firs. The thoughtful design ensures remarkable privacy for each campsite, while keeping you conveniently close to Highway 26 for easy access to your mountain escape.
Dixie Campground focuses on primitive camping experiences with no RV-specific sites or facilities. It offers combined sites suitable for both tents and small camping vehicles.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the rich heritage woven throughout this mountain landscape. The nearby Sumpter Valley Interpretive Trail whispers tales of Oregon's gold rush era, while the Davis Creek Trail invites you to discover both natural wonders and remnants of the region's storied past. These pathways serve as outdoor classrooms where history comes alive beneath the forest canopy.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, Mother Nature keeps things interesting with her ever-changing moods. Summer days bring refreshing mountain air that provides sweet relief from valley heat, while evenings invite you to gather around the campfire as temperatures dip into sweater weather. When winter arrives, Dixie transforms into a snow-draped wonderland where only the most intrepid adventurers venture, as freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall create a pristine but challenging landscape.
ElevationPerched atop Dixie Summit at 5,200 feet, this mountain sanctuary offers a natural air conditioning system that valley dwellers dream about during scorching summer days. Here, the thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, while the elevation provides stunning vantage points and temperatures that remain refreshingly cool even when heat waves grip the lowlands below.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and majestic white fir that create a verdant canopy overhead. As seasons shift, the forest floor erupts in a painter's palette of wildflowers – delicate Corn Lilies sway in mountain breezes, vibrant pink fireweed adds splashes of color, wild roses perfume the air, and rare mountain orchids reward observant visitors. This diverse ecosystem transforms with each passing month, ensuring no two visits are ever quite the same.
Geological RegionRising from the ancient volcanic foundations of the Malheur National Forest, Dixie Summit stands as a testament to millions of years of geological artistry. At 5,200 feet, this mountain perch showcases the diverse coniferous ecosystem that defines Oregon's high country, where lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and white fir have adapted to thrive in the thin mountain air and dramatic seasonal changes that characterize this remarkable landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes wheelchair-accessible vault toilets.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe the sites as very large and spacious. Several reviews highlight the excellent privacy afforded by the site's layout.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are well-separated and shaded, offering a high level of privacy. The topography and switchbacks of the campground contribute to the secluded feel.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome reviews suggest choosing sites near the entrance for fewer mosquitoes.
Best CampsitesNot specified in available information.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guest limit not specified
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out in a series of switchbacks, enhancing privacy and seclusion.
Open and Closed SeasonServices are provided Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The campground is open outside of these dates but may lack services.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up and are not reservable. Fill patterns are not specified.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is in place; no cancellation policy provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Dixie Campground provides opportunities for picnicking and outdoor learning, including plant viewing. Its proximity to nearby trails and recreational areas makes it a great base for hiking, hunting, and berry picking.
Hiking
While there are no hiking trails directly within the campground, nearby trails such as the Sumpter Valley Interpretive Trail and Davis Creek Trail are accessible with a short drive. These trails provide options for exploring the Malheur National Forest.Wildlife viewing
The campground is surrounded by forested areas filled with flowering shrubs and wildflowers, offering excellent opportunities for plant and wildlife viewing. Notable plants include Corn Lilies, fireweed, wild roses, and bog candle orchids.Winter Activities
There are no winter-specific activities documented for this campground.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable to this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings and grills.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes can be found in lower sites. Visitors must bring their own water as potable water is unavailable.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest emergency services are in Prairie City, including the Chevron Station Gas for RV waste disposal (fee applies) and limited groceries.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site. Campers must pack out all trash, including cigarette butts, cans, and bottles.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby lakes or rivers mentioned.
Common complaintsLack of potable water and trash cans, mosquitoes in lower sites, and cellular service limitations are common complaints.
HostNot specified in available information.
Campground Map
431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845
Driving directionsFrom Prairie City, OR, take US Rt. 26 east 8.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.2 miles to campground. Note: Turn left 0.1 miles after Site #1 for the rest of the campground.
Conveniently located off Highway 26, providing easy access for vehicles. The gravel aprons accommodate RVs and cars. Seasonal closures may reduce service availability outside of Memorial Day to Labor Day.Nearby places
Prairie City (8 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Bates State Park (10 minutes further east), Austin Junction (short drive for supplies).
Nearby supplies
Austin Junction offers gas, groceries, and ice cream cones. Prairie City is nearby for additional supplies and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.7
8 reviews
Dixie Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious and private sites, and peaceful atmosphere. The lack of water and cell phone service are frequently mentioned but are often viewed as minor drawbacks by visitors seeking a primitive camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
The vault toilets are consistently praised for their cleanliness, and the sites are described as large, private, and shaded. The campground's peaceful setting and proximity to Prairie City for...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of potable water and trash facilities are the most common complaints. Bugs, such as mosquitoes in lower sites, are occasionally mentioned.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own water and plan to pack out all trash. For supplies, Prairie City is a reasonable drive. Nearby Bates State Park offers potable water and hiking trails.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During the warmer months, campers appreciate the shaded and cool sites. Mosquitoes are mentioned as a minor nuisance in lower sites during the summer. Winter reviews are sparse, but the campground's...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Nice bathrooms, fire pit with grill cover, picnic table, and no dust. Well worth the $8 a night.' (Aspen Sod, 2017) 2. 'Right off hwy. Really nice campground. Spacious Private spots. Very clean...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews indicate that lower sites may have more mosquitoes, while sites near the entrance have fewer bugs. Vault toilets are consistently praised regardless of location.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, contributing to the campground's basic accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not mentioned explicitly in the source materials.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025