Driftwood Campground
4.586 reviews.
Driftwood Campground
$8.00 - $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
Single site fees are $8/night, with an additional $5 charge per vehicle exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance. Fees are charged through November 15.
About this campground
Tucked away along the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River, Driftwood Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This intimate, semi-primitive campground features just six thoughtfully spaced campsites, providing a peaceful retreat far from the crowds. While you'll need to pack out what you pack in (no trash service is provided), the reward is an unspoiled riverside experience complete with a convenient rafting put-in site and accessible facilities. Here, the rhythm of the river sets the pace for days filled with adventure and nights under star-studded skies.
Driftwood Campground is a small, semi-primitive site with 6 campsites that accommodate a range of camping options.
Historical SignificanceWhile Driftwood Campground may not boast grand historical monuments, its location along the North Fork John Day River connects visitors to centuries of natural heritage. This protected waterway has served as a lifeline for wildlife and a corridor for adventure seekers throughout the generations, offering a timeless connection to the untamed spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground transforms with each passing season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, creating a pristine wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here during the coldest months. But it's during late spring and early fall when Driftwood truly shines – these golden windows bring crystal-clear skies and perfect temperatures that invite exploration. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons ideal for river activities, while evenings offer that perfect campfire weather that makes memories last a lifetime.
ElevationNestled within the varied terrain of the Umatilla National Forest, Driftwood Campground sits at an elevation that offers the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere. The campground's position provides comfortable camping conditions while still delivering that authentic high-country experience.
Natural Features and SceneryThe North Fork John Day River serves as the campground's stunning centerpiece, its clear waters winding through a landscape that seems painted by nature's finest brush. Towering trees frame the riverbanks while wilderness trails beckon from the forest edges, promising discoveries around every bend. The crystalline waters invite refreshing swims on warm days, while anglers can try their luck in pools teeming with native fish. For those seeking adventure beyond the water, the surrounding wilderness offers exceptional big game hunting opportunities, and the gentle stretches of river provide perfect conditions for peaceful paddling in canoes, kayaks, or rafts.
Geological RegionDriftwood Campground rests within the magnificent Umatilla National Forest, where ancient geological forces have carved a dramatic landscape of river valleys and rugged wilderness. The Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River has spent millennia sculpting its path through this terrain, creating a diverse ecosystem where water-carved canyons meet dense forests. This unique geographical setting offers visitors a front-row seat to the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest's volcanic and sedimentary history, all while providing easy access to both aquatic adventures and mountain exploration.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is one accessible vault toilet, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground includes 6 campsites. Specific details about the size of each site are not available.
Sites PrivacyNo information about the level of privacy at the campsites is available in the provided sources.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites directly on the river are recommended for scenic views and easy access to water activities.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not mentioned, but campsites along the river are noted for their beauty and serenity.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time noted.
Check-out
No specific check-out time noted.
Stay Limit
No stay limit explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Two vehicles are included in the standard site fee
- additional vehicles incur extra fees.
Groups
No group sites or additional details about group camping are specified in the provided materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSix campsites are scattered near the river with one accessible toilet.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is operational from late May through mid-November unless snow closes access.
Reservation Platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy explicitly provided.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Driftwood Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, non-motorized boating, fishing, and hunting. The location is also near trails for OHV and wilderness exploration.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River. However, specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.Swimming
Swimming is mentioned as an attraction, although details about designated areas or safety measures are not specified.Boating
The campground includes a put-in site for non-motorized boating. However, water levels in mid-to-late summer may hinder boating activities.Winter Activities
The campground is accessible during winter but is not maintained. Snowmobiles are required to reach the site when the road is snow-covered.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating is supported, though water levels can be low in late summer.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No fire policies explicitly mentioned.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThe lack of potable water and garbage disposal services may be challenging for some campers. Dirt/gravel access roads may present difficulties for certain vehicles, and water levels in the river drop in mid to late summer, affecting boating use.
Active alerts.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Closest emergency services are likely located in Ukiah.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season dates explicitly provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash services are not provided; campers must pack out their garbage as indicated in the authoritative source.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on the North Fork John Day River, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and rafting.
Common complaints.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
.
Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, travel west 1 mile to the Hwy 395 junction. Turn left (south) on Hwy 395 and go about 15 miles, and then turn left (east) onto Forest Service Road 55. Drive 5.2 miles east along the North Fork John Day River to Driftwood campground.
The location is accessible by a dirt/gravel road, which might not be suitable for all vehicles. The campground can only be reached by snowmobiles during winter when snow blocks the road.Nearby places
Ukiah (approximately 16 miles and 22 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely located in Ukiah, approximately 16 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
6 reviews
Driftwood Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Driftwood Campground as a peaceful and scenic location. Campers appreciate the riverside sites and the opportunity to unplug due to the absence of cell service. Comments frequently mention the cleanliness and quietness of the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's cleanliness, riverside location, and peaceful atmosphere. For example, one reviewer noted, "Very clean and quiet, great sites right on the river." Another stated,...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviewers mentioned challenges due to the semi-primitive nature of the campground, such as the dirt/gravel road access and lack of cell service. One user highlighted that the road is "not really...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend being prepared for the lack of potable water, garbage services, and cell phone reception. Bringing all necessary supplies, including water and trash bags, is essential.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is described as beautiful and accessible during various seasons. One user mentioned camping in the winter, experiencing snow in the mornings followed by sunny weather. Another user...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is an amazing, beautiful place if you're looking to get away and very literally unplug." - Cher Walker. "Very clean and quiet, great sites right on the river." - Jenna Fallis. "The campground...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsites or areas within the campground are not identified in the user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
One accessible vault toilet is noted, but no user reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences at the campground.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025