Oregon Mine Campground
03 reviews431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845
Oregon Mine 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
Tucked away beside the rushing waters of Murderer's Creek, Oregon Mine Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate, rustic retreat serves as the perfect basecamp for hunters tracking elk through ancient forests and equestrians exploring miles of backcountry trails. Horse lovers will appreciate the traditional buck and pole corral, while the melodic creek provides a natural soundtrack for those who come to fish its pools or simply watch eagles soar overhead. Here, where the forest meets the water, visitors discover a simpler way of camping that connects them directly with the untamed beauty of the Malheur wilderness.
Oregon Mine Campground offers primitive camping suitable for both hunters and horse campers.
Historical SignificanceThe names etched across this landscape tell stories of the Old West that still echo through the pines. Murderer's Creek earned its ominous moniker from frontier-era conflicts, while nearby Horse Creek pays homage to the magnificent wild herds that have roamed these hills for generations. Today, descendants of those same mustangs still thunder across the ridgelines, living symbols of the American West's enduring spirit. As part of the greater Malheur National Forest tapestry, Oregon Mine Campground sits at the intersection of natural history and human heritage, where indigenous peoples, miners, ranchers, and modern adventurers have all left their mark on this rugged corner of Oregon.
Weather and SeasonsNature's moods shift dramatically at Oregon Mine, where mountain weather writes its own rules. Summer mornings often dawn crisp and clear, with gentle afternoons perfect for creek-side relaxation, though afternoon thundershowers can roll through without warning. As autumn paints the forest in gold and crimson, hunters arrive to find ideal conditions paired with shorter days and cooler nights. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, demanding warm gear and weather awareness from those brave enough to venture forth. Spring brings renewal and wildflowers, though muddy trails and unpredictable temperatures keep visitors on their toes. Pack layers and rain gear year-round – the mountains always have surprises in store.
ElevationElevation data not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryMurderer's Creek carves a liquid lifeline through this enchanting landscape, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over smooth stones while providing both a scenic centerpiece and natural habitat for native trout. From camp, visitors can spot wild horses grazing on distant hillsides – a sight that never fails to inspire wonder. A short drive leads to the Cathedral-like Cedar Grove Botanical Area, where ancient trees create nature's own sanctuary, while the challenging Fields Peak trail rewards hikers with panoramic vistas that stretch across endless ridges of the Malheur wilderness. Whether you're photographing wildflowers in meadow clearings or watching raptors circle on mountain thermals, the natural drama unfolds in every direction.
Geological RegionOregon Mine Campground rests within the vast embrace of the Malheur National Forest, where volcanic origins have sculpted a landscape of rolling ridges, deep creek canyons, and hidden valleys. This geological wonderland showcases the powerful forces that shaped Eastern Oregon – ancient lava flows now clothed in ponderosa pine, creek beds that reveal colorful rock layers, and meadows perched atop prehistoric lake beds. The nearby Cedar Grove Botanical Area preserves a unique microclimate where rare plants thrive, while Murderer's Creek and its tributaries continue their patient work of carving ever-deeper channels through the bedrock. Here, where wild horses roam landscapes their ancestors have known for centuries, visitors witness the ongoing story of a land still being written by wind, water, and time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeUser reviews indicate that the three campsites are 'well-sized' but 'a little tightly-spaced.'
Sites PrivacyNo explicit mention of campsite privacy, but a user noted the sites are 'a little tightly-spaced.'
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe three campsites are well-sized, but visitors seeking privacy may find them a little close together.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Groups
No details provided about group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree campsites are available, spaced within a small area near the creek.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served. No reservation system in place.
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Oregon Mine Campground include bird watching, hunting, fishing, day hiking, and horse camping. Visitors also have the opportunity to see wild horses.
Hiking
Hiking options are available in the nearby Cedar Grove Botanical area and the Fields Peak Trail, providing opportunities for day hikes.Fishing
Fishing is available in nearby creeks, including Murderer's Creek and Horse Creek.Wildlife viewing
Campers may encounter beautiful wild horses that reside in the area.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include cold weather, rapid weather changes, and potential for snowfall. Visitors should exercise caution near the creek and when encountering local wildlife, including wild horses.
Active alertsThe site is temporarily closed as stated in some official sources.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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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, 431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845, Phone: (541) 575-3000.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in/pack it out' policy, meaning campers must take all trash, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food, with them.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Murderer's Creek and a smaller tributary known as Horse Creek.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention horse-related waste and tightly spaced campsites as concerns.
Campground Map
431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845
Driving directionsFrom John Day, OR., travel approximately 18 miles west on US Highway 26 to the junction of Forest Service Road 21. Travel south on Forest Service Road 21 for approximately 12 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 2170. Travel west on Forest Service Road 2170 to Oregon Mine Forest Camp.
Access is via a combination of paved and unpaved Forest Service roads. Approximately 18 miles west on US Highway 26, followed by 12 miles south on Forest Service Road 21, then west on Forest Service Road 2170. Seasonal closures or adverse weather conditions may affect accessibility.Nearby places
John Day: 18 miles (approx. 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
John Day, located 18 miles away, offers access to groceries, fuel, and other camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Oregon Mine Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews offer mixed experiences, with highlights including the scenic and quiet environment, as well as its suitability for horse camping. However, some users were critical of the lack of non-horse-related activities and the tightly-spaced campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the proximity to Murderer's Creek and its suitability for horse camping, with one reviewer noting the authenticity of the area’s depiction in pictures. Another user mentioned...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include the lack of activities for non-horse campers, tightly-spaced campsites, and the presence of horse poop and hay which might be unpleasant for those not camping with horses.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to prepare for changing weather conditions and to strictly adhere to the pack-in/pack-out policy. Horse campers should use certified weed-free hay and avoid pasturing horses in...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visitors mentioned that Murderer's Creek resembles a 'gurgling brook' during this time. Winter and colder seasons were highlighted for campfires and the general quiet of the area.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Murderers Creek runs just behind the campground with a very short section called Horse Creek. Named for the wild mountain horses that live out there.' – Kevin Ballard 2. 'Possibly a great place...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews suggest the campground has three campsites that are well-sized but spaced tightly together.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or information specific to pets or pet policies are provided.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025