Lower Camp Creek Campground
02 reviews431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845
Lower Camp Creek Campground
$3.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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
$6 per night for single campsite unit and $3 per night for additional vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by pass holders.
About this campground
Tucked away in a serene pocket of the Malheur National Forest, Lower Camp Creek Campground offers an intimate escape where towering ponderosa pines whisper above a babbling forest creek. This hidden gem draws outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude, with hunters particularly favoring its strategic location during autumn seasons. Adventure beckons just beyond your tent flap, with the legendary Middle Fork of the John Day River and the captivating Arch Rock Trail #258 serving as gateways to unforgettable wilderness experiences.
Lower Camp Creek Campground is designed for camping among ponderosa pines along a forest creek, with options for single sites. Information about group sites, cabins, or other accommodations is not provided.
Historical SignificanceStep back through millennia along the remarkable Arch Rock Trail #258, where ancient volcanic forces left their dramatic signature on the landscape. These striking ash flow tuff formations tell the story of cataclysmic eruptions that shaped the region millions of years ago. Natural arches carved by wind and water create cathedral-like passages that have sheltered wildlife and possibly early inhabitants for countless generations. These geological wonders serve as outdoor museums, offering visitors a tangible connection to the powerful forces that sculpted the Pacific Northwest.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Pacific Northwest seasons at Lower Camp Creek. Summer arrives with golden sunshine filtering through pine boughs, bringing warm, dry days perfect for creek-side relaxation and trail exploration under crystalline blue skies. As autumn paints the forest in amber hues, crisp mornings give way to comfortable afternoons. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, where temperatures plunge and frost etches delicate patterns on pine needles. Spring's arrival brings the forest back to life with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt. Pack layers and be prepared—mountain weather here can shift from sunshine to storm in mere hours.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a classic Pacific Northwest forest tableau where majestic ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor creating a natural aromatherapy session. Camp Creek meanders through the grounds, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack while supporting a thriving riparian ecosystem. Wildlife tracks crisscross the soft earth, and birdsong fills the canopy from dawn to dusk. The crown jewel of nearby attractions, Arch Rock Trail #258, promises photographers and nature lovers spectacular vistas, while the sapphire waters of Magone Lake beckon those seeking swimming, fishing, or peaceful contemplation just a short drive away.
Geological RegionLower Camp Creek Campground sits within the vast Malheur National Forest, a landscape sculpted by volcanic fury and patient erosion. The surrounding ponderosa pine ecosystem thrives in volcanic soils, while Camp Creek has carved its own gentle valley through the terrain. The geological star of the area, Arch Rock Trail #258, showcases spectacular ash flow tuff formations—compressed volcanic ash from ancient eruptions that created a canvas for nature's artistry. Wind and water have sculpted these deposits into graceful arches and mysterious rock shelters, creating a geological playground that tells the story of fire, time, and transformation in the high desert borderlands of eastern Oregon.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features were described.
Sites SizeNo specific information about campsite sizes was provided.
Sites PrivacyNo details regarding the privacy of campsites were mentioned.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights
Groups
No details about group camping sites were provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round (may be subject to temporary closures).
Reservation Platformshttps://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes for pass purchases. Specific reservation website or platform not detailed.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground allows walk-ups, but details on the number of sites or fill patterns are not specifically provided.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may apply, but specific cancellation rules are not detailed.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers proximity to several recreational options. Arch Rock Trail #258, less than a mile away, features geological formations including a scenic arch and rock shelters. Magone Lake Campground, located 13 miles away, is a hub for swimming, fishing, and hiking activities. The area is also popular with hunters.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available nearby, including Arch Rock Trail #258, which offers unique geological features such as an ash-flow tuff, a scenic arch, and rock shelters.Fishing
Fishing is available 13 miles away at Magone Lake Campground.Swimming
Swimming is available at Magone Lake Campground, 13 miles from the site.Winter Activities
No winter activity options were described.Water Sports
No information about water sports was provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rapidly changing weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and the lack of potable water on-site.
Active alertsThe campground is temporarily closed but is listed as operational in some records.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 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
Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District in John Day, OR. Address: 431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845. Phone: (541) 575-3000.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingPack-it-in/Pack-it-out policy is enforced. Visitors must take home any trash they bring into the forest, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near a creek. Magone Lake is approximately 13 miles away, offering swimming and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsLack of potable water is a recurring issue.
Campground Map
431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845
Driving directionsFrom the town of Prairie City, OR, travel west 3 miles on US Highway 26 to the junction with County Road 18. Turn right, follow County Road 18 approximately 9 miles to the junction with Forest Road 36, turn right and follow Forest Road 36 approximately 11 miles. The campground will be on the left.
Access roads include US Highway 26, County Road 18, and Forest Road 36. The roads are paved until County Road 18 transitions to rural forest roads. Forest Road 36 is unpaved and may require caution depending on the season.Nearby places
Prairie City, OR (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
John Day, OR (16 miles, approximately 25 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Prairie City, OR (approximately 13 miles away), including groceries, fuel, and basic camping supplies. Additional resources can be found in John Day, OR (16 miles away).
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Lower Camp Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is described as small and pleasant, located among ponderosa pines along a forest creek. It is popular with hunters and praised for its proximity to various recreational areas like Arch Rock Trail #258 and Magone Lake Campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the campground's scenic location among ponderosa pines and its convenience to nearby attractions like hiking trails and Magone Lake.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No explicit complaints were mentioned in the sources.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions and adhere to the pack-it-in/pack-it-out policy.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends were described in the reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"A pleasantly small campground tucked among ponderosa pines along a forest creek. This campground is popular with hunters. Just a short drive away from the beautiful Middle Fork of the John Day...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular campsites were provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility were included.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews regarding pet policies or experiences were provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025