Wickiup Campground
05 reviews431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845
Wickiup 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
Overnight use fee is $6/night for single sites and $3/night for an additional vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees.
About this campground
Tucked away along Forest Road 15, Wickiup Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where Canyon Creek's gentle murmur provides the soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. This intimate, primitive campground invites adventurers to unwind beneath a canopy of shade, cast a line into the creek's promising waters, or spread out a picnic while breathing in the crisp forest air. Whether you're setting up base camp for a day of hiking through rugged terrain, scanning the landscape for glimpses of native wildlife, or arriving with hunting gear in the fall, Wickiup delivers the simple pleasures of outdoor living without the crowds.
Wickiup Campground is a primitive campground offering a rustic camping experience with limited amenities. It primarily caters to tent and potentially RV campers.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Wickiup tells a dramatic story of nature's power and resilience. In 2015, the Canyon Creek Complex wildfire swept through this region, fundamentally transforming the forest that had stood for generations. Today, visitors witness nature's remarkable recovery process firsthand, as new growth emerges from the ashes and the ecosystem rebuilds itself in fascinating ways. This living laboratory offers a unique perspective on forest regeneration and the cyclical nature of wilderness areas.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps visitors on their toes at Wickiup, where mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm in the span of an afternoon. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and daylight hours growing precious. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs to more comfortable levels, though savvy campers still pack layers for those cool mountain mornings and unexpected afternoon showers. Recent weather patterns have favored dry, clear days punctuated by the occasional rain shower or, in shoulder seasons, a surprise dusting of snow that reminds everyone they're truly in the high country.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await confirmation, Wickiup's mountain setting places campers firmly in the high country, where the air feels thinner and the stars shine brighter.
Natural Features and SceneryCanyon Creek serves as Wickiup's liquid lifeline, its waters dancing over rocks and creating peaceful pools perfect for quiet contemplation or hopeful anglers. Towering trees provide welcome shade and frame views of the surrounding mountainous terrain, where ridgelines sketch dramatic silhouettes against the sky. The 2015 wildfire has added a unique dimension to the scenery, creating a patchwork landscape where burned snags stand as monuments among vibrant new growth, offering photographers and nature lovers a compelling study in contrasts and renewal.
Geological RegionWickiup Campground claims its place within the vast expanse of Malheur National Forest, where Canyon Creek has carved its course through ancient mountainous terrain over countless millennia. This rugged landscape showcases the geological forces that shaped Oregon's backcountry, from volcanic origins to erosive sculpting by water and weather. The 2015 Canyon Creek Complex fire added the latest chapter to this ever-evolving geological story, demonstrating how fire serves as another architect of the forest, clearing old growth and preparing the soil for the next generation of wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeExact dimensions of the campsites are not provided.
Sites PrivacySpecific details about the level of privacy between sites are not provided in the information.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific site recommendations provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific best campsites mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated
Groups
Information about group camping sites and their specific capacities is not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive campground with no specific layout details provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available; no specific platform mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable but information on walk-up availability is not explicitly provided.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policies provided in the data.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Wickiup Campground provides activities such as picnicking, stream fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting in warmer months. During winter, it also serves as a starting point for snowmobiling.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available around the campground, although specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
Stream fishing is available in Canyon Creek, which runs next to the campground. No specific types of fish or bait recommendations are mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is one of the highlighted activities at the campground during the warmer months.Winter Activities
Snowmobiling is a popular activity during the winter season as the entry to the campground serves as a starting point for riders.Water Sports
No water sports are mentioned in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific campfire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rapidly changing weather conditions and wildlife risks.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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 (address: 431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR, phone: (541) 575-3000). The closest hospital, police station, and other emergency services are likely in John Day, OR.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates mentioned.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to pack out all trash, as stated in the guidelines: 'Pack it in/Pack it out. Anything you bring with you into the forest, including all trash, must be taken home.'
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Canyon Creek.
Common complaintsMisleading information regarding potable water and toilet facilities. User reviews confirm a vault toilet and no potable water, contrary to some descriptions.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845
Driving directionsFrom John Day, OR travel south on US Highway 395 approximately 10 miles to the junction with County Road 65. Follow County Road 65 approximately 7 miles; the campground will be on the right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal weather conditions may affect accessibility, so visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.Nearby places
John Day, OR - 10 miles (~15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
John Day, OR, which is 10 miles (~15 minutes drive) away, offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel options.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Wickiup Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is consistently praised for its peaceful and scenic setting along Canyon Creek. However, some reviews clarify incorrect information about the facilities, including the lack of flush toilets and potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers frequently highlight the beauty and tranquility of the campground, with mentions of its setting by Canyon Creek and the surrounding natural environment.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water and flush toilets as well as the occasional spread of misinformation about the site's amenities.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water and be prepared for primitive camping conditions. One user noted the campground is an ideal spot for a 'beautiful primitive get-away.'
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is popular during the summer for its shaded spots and proximity to Canyon Creek, with winter drawing snowmobile enthusiasts. However, visitors are advised to prepare for rapidly...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This is a really nice small campground that I have been to dozens of times.' 2. 'I stayed here for almost two weeks. It was so beautiful and peaceful that I had a hard time leaving.' 3. 'Be...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsites are mentioned or reviewed in the materials.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features or issues.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews discuss experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025