Parish Cabin Campground
02 reviewsForest Road 16, Seneca, OR
Parish Cabin 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
Overnight use charges $8 per night for a single site and $4 per night for an additional vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes offer a 50% discount for single campsites only. Payment must be made with cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled along the gentle waters of Bear Creek, Parish Cabin Campground offers a remarkable window into nature's resilience. This secluded retreat within the Malheur National Forest tells a story of rebirth, where young Lodgepole pines create natural privacy screens between generously spaced sites. The campground's spacious pull-through parking aprons welcome travelers of all kinds, from autumn hunters tracking elk through the regenerating forest to summer adventurers seeking solitude in the high country.
Parish Cabin Campground caters primarily to primitive camping, with options for tent and group camping. RVs are also accommodated, although the campground does not provide hookups.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Parish Cabin tells a powerful story of nature's cycles. The wildfires of 2012 and 2015 swept through these forests, leaving their mark on the land. Today, visitors witness an extraordinary classroom in forest ecology—where blackened snags stand as monuments to the past while vibrant young growth pushes skyward, demonstrating how fire serves as nature's architect. This living laboratory offers unique opportunities to observe wildlife thriving in the mosaic of habitats created by fire, from woodpeckers nesting in standing dead trees to elk grazing in sun-drenched meadows.
Weather and SeasonsAt 5,000 feet, Parish Cabin experiences the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high mountains. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the young pines and temperatures that demand warm sleeping bags and crackling campfires. Summer brings golden days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though mountain weather keeps its wild card nature—afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, turning sunny skies to dramatic cloudscapes in minutes. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with wildflowers emerging from snowmelt and aspens painting the nearby valleys gold.
ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet above sea level, Parish Cabin Campground occupies that sweet spot where the air carries a perpetual freshness and the nights demand an extra blanket even in summer. This elevation creates a unique ecosystem where mountain meadows meet coniferous forests, and where the thin air makes stars appear close enough to touch. The altitude ensures cooler temperatures that provide blessed relief from valley heat, while creating perfect conditions for the Lodgepole pines that define this landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryBear Creek whispers through the heart of Parish Cabin, its clear mountain waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and a refreshing respite for weary travelers. Young Lodgepole pines, nature's pioneers after fire, create an intimate forest setting where sunlight filters through needles in cathedral-like shafts. Just beyond camp, the renowned Logan Valley bursts with seasonal wildflowers—a photographer's paradise where lupines, paintbrush, and mountain daisies create natural gardens. For those seeking adventure, nearby trailheads beckon toward the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, where alpine lakes and panoramic vistas reward the ambitious hiker.
Geological RegionParish Cabin Campground rests in the heart of the Malheur National Forest, where Bear Creek has carved its patient path through volcanic landscapes for millennia. This 5,000-foot perch showcases the Blue Mountains' geological drama—ancient lava flows now clothed in regenerating forest, where the 2012 and 2015 wildfires revealed the land's volcanic bones before nature began its patient work of reforestation. The surrounding Lodgepole pine ecosystem represents the perfect adaptation to this fire-prone landscape, with trees evolved specifically to thrive in the aftermath of flames, their cones opening only with intense heat to scatter seeds across the newly cleared ground.
Campsite details
AccessibilityRestrooms are noted to be wheelchair-friendly, but no additional accessibility features are explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as large, with pull-through parking aprons suitable for multiple families or groups to camp together.
Sites PrivacyYoung lodgepole pines and their spacing provide good privacy for most sites, giving the campground a wilderness feel.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest large sites that can accommodate groups and offer privacy due to tree spacing.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite recommendations provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit mention of guest limits.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a loop within a loop design among Lodgepole pine trees. Six RV pull-throughs and 16 sites with tables and grills are available.
Open and Closed SeasonServices provided Memorial Day weekend through September 30.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms mentioned; sites are not reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability; no reservation system.
Cancellation PolicyNo information provided regarding cancellation policies.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Parish Cabin Campground offers activities focused on outdoor recreation in a natural setting. Visitors can engage in fishing along Bear Creek, hunting, and hiking nearby. The area is particularly noted for its wildflower viewing during the spring and early summer.
Hiking
The campground is a short drive from trailheads leading into the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, offering hiking opportunities in a diverse and scenic environment.Fishing
Fishing is available along Bear Creek, which flows adjacent to the campground. Specific details about the types of fish available are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The nearby Logan Valley is exceptional for viewing wildflowers in spring and early summer, suggesting good opportunities for wildlife observation as well.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned, but rapidly changing weather conditions during colder months are noted.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within the campground perimeter but must adhere to local forest service regulations.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors may encounter mosquitos at dawn and dusk, as noted in user reviews. Seasonal hazards include icy roads in winter and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Active alertsCurrently, potable water is unavailable; visitors must pack in water. Weather conditions can change rapidly.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.9 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
Malheur National Forest Headquarters / Blue Mountain Ranger District, 431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845; Phone: (541) 575-3000; Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through September 30.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in/pack it out' policy. Campers are required to take all trash, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food, back with them.
Proximity to water featuresBear Creek flows adjacent to the campground, providing opportunities for fishing and cooling down.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight mosquitos at dawn and dusk. Facilities are described as clean and spacious, but seasonal closures of water services are noted.
HostNo information provided regarding campground hosts.
Campground Map
Forest Road 16, Seneca, OR
Driving directionsFrom the town of John Day, OR., travel south on US Highway 395 for approximately 12 miles to the junction with County Road 65. Travel east on County Road 65 for approximately 8 miles as the road changes to Forest Road 15. Continue on Forest Road 15 for approximately 4 miles to the junction with Forest Road 16. Turn west onto Forest Road 16 and travel approximately 1 mile. The campground will be on your right.
Road access quality is good with paved roads leading to County Road 65, then transitioning to gravel Forest Roads (15 and 16). Travel conditions may vary seasonally, particularly in winter due to snow or ice.Nearby places
John Day: ~25 miles, Seneca: ~11 miles
Nearby supplies
John Day, ~25 miles away, offers groceries and fuel options. Seneca (~11 miles away) may have limited supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Parish Cabin Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's tranquility and natural setting. It is located in a remote area and is described as 'very quiet.' The sites are spacious, and the vault toilets are well-maintained. However, mosquitos can be an issue at dawn and dusk.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the large, private campsites and the clean facilities. The proximity to Bear Creek and its cooling waters is a noted advantage during warmer months.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquitoes are a common nuisance, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring mosquito repellent and be prepared for 'pack it in, pack it out' policies. Visitors should also note the seasonal availability of potable water.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and early summer are highlighted for their wildflower viewing opportunities, while the fall is noted for hunting. Some reviews caution about changing weather conditions during colder months.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Out in the middle of nowhere, so very quiet. Very busy on weekends. Clean vault bathrooms. Mosquitos at dawn and dusk.' - Debbie Hammerquist (2020-08-30)
2. 'Clean facilities, well-kept camp...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
The vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but no further accessibility-related reviews are available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025