Starr Campground
04 reviewsStarr Campground, US Highway 395, John Day, OR
Starr Campground
$6.00 - $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
Single site fee is $6 per night. Additional vehicles are charged $3 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites (occupied by the pass holder only). Fees must be paid in cash or check.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Malheur National Forest, Starr Campground offers two distinct camping experiences that cater to every outdoor enthusiast's dream. The upper level, easily accessible from the highway, sits beneath a canopy of towering ponderosa pines where sunlight filters through ancient branches. For those seeking deeper solitude, the lower level beckons adventurers into the forest's embrace, where the only sounds are rustling pine needles and distant wildlife. Whether you're tracking elk at dawn, exploring hidden trails, or simply breathing in the pure mountain air, this peaceful haven serves as your gateway to Oregon's untamed wilderness.
Starr Campground accommodates both RV camping and tent camping, with sites spread across two clusters offering varying degrees of privacy and proximity to Highway 395.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this particular campground remains unwritten, the surrounding Malheur National Forest holds countless untold stories within its ancient groves, waiting to be discovered by curious visitors.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints each season with dramatic flair at Starr Campground. Summer arrives with warm, dry days perfect for hiking and stargazing under crystal-clear skies. Spring awakens the forest floor with wildflowers while fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of golden hues. Though winter can blanket the area in snow and bring temperatures well below freezing, the warmer months from late spring through early fall offer ideal camping conditions. Pack layers and prepare for cool mountain evenings even in summer, as temperatures can shift dramatically once the sun dips below the pines.
ElevationPerched at mountain elevation where the air grows crisp and pine-scented, the campground's specific altitude remains one of nature's closely guarded secrets, adding to its mystique and wild character.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic ponderosa pines stand sentinel throughout the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and towering presence creating a natural cathedral. Just beyond your tent, the legendary Strawberry Mountain Wilderness beckons with promises of adventure, while nearby Logan Valley bursts into spectacular wildflower displays each spring and summer. Keep your camera ready for encounters with deer grazing at dawn, hawks circling overhead, and the occasional glimpse of more elusive forest dwellers. As seasons change, so does the canvas – from spring's delicate blooms to autumn's golden palette, each visit reveals new natural treasures.
Geological RegionStarr Campground rests within the expansive Malheur National Forest, a geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity shaped the landscape millions of years ago. The surrounding ponderosa pine ecosystem thrives in this unique terrain, creating corridors that connect to the rugged Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. This region represents one of Oregon's most pristine forest environments, where the forces of nature continue to sculpt and sustain a diverse ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome sites are described as handicapped accessible by reviewers.
Sites SizeThe sites are described in reviews as varying in size, including pull-through spots suitable for RV trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has two clusters of sites: one near the highway and more clustered, and another further back among pine trees offering greater privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLower sites are recommended for more privacy and reduced highway noise.
Best CampsitesLower sites are considered more private and quieter. Pull-through and back-in sites are available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limits mentioned.
Groups
No group site details provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has two clusters: an upper level closer to the highway and a more secluded lower level.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen during the spring, summer, and fall months. Temporarily closed as per status.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made online or via other platforms with reservation fees applicable.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not explicitly detailed. Some sites may be first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Starr Campground provides various recreational activities, particularly suited for nature enthusiasts. "Outdoor Science and Learning: Viewing Wildlife, Viewing Plants" and hiking are officially recognized activities. Some reviews expand this list to include winter activities like skiing and sledding.
Hiking
Numerous trailheads leading into the beautiful Strawberry Mountain Wilderness are located within a seven-mile radius of the campground. "Just a few more miles down the road is beautiful Logan Valley," which is popular for scenic viewing, wildflowers, and wildlife.Wildlife viewing
The campground is described as prime for wildlife viewing, including wild horses in the Murderers Creek area.Winter Activities
User reviews mention skiing and sledding as winter activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policy mentioned.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsVault toilets may occasionally have cleanliness issues. Wildlife may be present due to its forested setting.
Active alertsTemporarily closed status mentioned.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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 (16 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesLikely spring, summer, and fall based on popularity mentioned.
Trash and recycling"Pack it in/Pack it out" policy enforced. No trash cans are available in the campground.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct mention of proximity to water features.
Common complaintsSome vault toilets were mentioned as unclean in one user review. Lack of potable water and no trash cans on site are common concerns.
HostNo specific host information provided.
Campground Map
Starr Campground, US Highway 395, John Day, OR
Driving directionsFrom the town of John Day, OR, travel south on US Highway 395 approximately 16 miles. The campground will be on the right.
Easily accessible from US Highway 395. The road to the campground is paved and straightforward.Nearby places
John Day (16 miles, approximately 16 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in John Day, approximately 16 miles away, offering groceries, fuel, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Starr Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Starr Campground's convenience, tranquility, and rustic charm. The proximity to Highway 395 is both a convenience and a source of potential noise, although most reviewers found the area quiet at night. Vault toilet cleanliness varies by unit.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
"Quiet and very few people" during stays; proximity to Strawberry Mountain Wilderness; "nicely kept" campground.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Vault toilets' cleanliness is inconsistent. "The moment I opened the door, I was assaulted by a massive swarm of flies or something," one reviewer noted. Also, potable water is unavailable, and trash...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and plan to "pack it in, pack it out" due to the lack of trash cans. The lower sites offer more privacy and are ideal for light sleepers.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring, summer, and fall are recommended seasons for their scenic beauty and accessibility to nearby areas such as Logan Valley.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Quiet and very few people for our two-day stay." "No trash cans, pack it in, pack it out." "Lower sites are more private and quieter regarding highway noise."
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The campground has two clusters of sites: the first near the highway and close together, and the second further back and more spread out. "Some of the sites are large enough for RV trailers and some...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
"Fire rings and handicapped accessible toilets and sites," as noted in one user review.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information or reviews about pet-related policies or amenities provided.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025