Oriental Campground
01 review, Near Forest Road 5506, North Fork John Day River
Oriental Campground
$8.00 - $25.00 / 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$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single site costs $8/night with an additional $5 fee per vehicle exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance. Group site 8 costs $25/night with no extra vehicle charge. Fees are charged through November 15.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Umatilla National Forest, Oriental Campground offers an intimate escape with just eight thoughtfully spaced sites along the pristine North Fork John Day River. This hidden gem beckons adventurers with its crystal-clear swimming holes, prime fishing spots, and direct access to wilderness trails. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling a canoe through gentle currents, or setting out on horseback to explore the backcountry, Oriental provides the perfect basecamp for your outdoor pursuits. Come fall, hunters prize this location for its strategic access to big game territory, while summer visitors revel in the refreshing river and endless trail networks.
Oriental Campground offers a rustic camping experience with options suitable for both tent and group camping. There are no provisions for RVs or modern amenities.
Historical SignificanceThe campground serves as a gateway to storied pathways that have witnessed centuries of human passage. The nearby River Trail #3043 winds alongside waters that have sustained indigenous peoples, early settlers, and modern adventurers alike. These trails connect to the greater North Fork John Day Wilderness network, where each path tells a story of ecological resilience and the enduring relationship between people and this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsOriental Campground awakens each year as winter's grip loosens, typically welcoming visitors from late May through November. As one of the first areas in the region to shed its snowy blanket, spring arrives early here, painting the landscape with wildflowers and filling the air with the sound of rushing snowmelt. Winter transforms the area into a snow-locked wonderland, making the campground inaccessible but preserving its pristine beauty for the seasons ahead.
ElevationNestled at a lower elevation that makes it a coveted early-season destination, Oriental Campground emerges from winter's embrace while higher elevations remain locked in snow. This advantageous position creates a longer camping season and makes it one of the first places where spring's renewal can be witnessed in the region.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere Oriental Creek meets the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River, a natural sanctuary unfolds beneath towering evergreens. The campground rests in a cathedral of old-growth forest, where shafts of sunlight filter through the canopy to dance on the river's surface. Wildlife thrives in this protected corridor—deer emerge at twilight to drink from the creek, while eagles soar overhead and the occasional elk bugle echoes through the valley. The interplay of rushing water, whispering pines, and abundant wildlife creates an immersive wilderness experience just steps from your tent.
Geological RegionOriental Campground occupies a privileged position along the federally designated Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River, one of Oregon's most treasured waterways. This geological wonderland within Umatilla National Forest showcases the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest, where ancient volcanic activity and centuries of river erosion have carved a landscape of dramatic beauty and ecological importance.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo accessible vault toilets are present at the site. Specific details about other accessibility features are not provided.
Sites SizeThere are 8 campsites, but detailed information about their size is not available.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy details for campsites are not specified.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the river are recommended for scenic views.
Best CampsitesSite 8 recommended for group camping.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Unspecified maximum stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Two-vehicle limit per site
- no specific guest count given.
Groups
Site 8 is designated as a group site, charged at $25/night with no extra vehicle fee. Specific details about capacity are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout8 campsites; one designated group site.
Open and Closed SeasonLate May to November.
Reservation PlatformsContact North Fork John Day Ranger District for reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityUnspecified number of walk-up sites; campground may fill during peak periods.
Cancellation PolicyUnspecified cancellation policies.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Oriental Campground offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, hiking, OHV trail riding, horseback riding, and big game hunting. The campground also has excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing. Water activities may be limited in mid to late summer due to low water levels.
Hiking
The site provides access to the River Trail #3043, an OHV trail that is part of a 100-mile trail network. Additionally, campers can access the North Fork John Day Wilderness and trails such as the North Fork John Day River Trail #3022, Big Creek Trail #3151, and Corral Creek Trail #3009.Fishing
Fishing is available along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River, but detailed information about the types of fish or fishing conditions is not provided.Swimming
Swimming is available, although water levels may be low during mid to late summer, which could impact the experience.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted; however, water levels in mid to late summer may restrict boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted as a key activity, with deer often seen around campsites. One camper mentioned, 'The deer are quite interested in all the things I did and ran around my tent at night.'Winter Activities
During winter, the campground is accessible only by snowmobiles. Skiing and snowshoeing are possible in the area.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating is permitted, but water levels in mid to late summer may limit these activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Unspecified campfire rules; recommended to follow general wilderness fire safety.
- Quiet hours are Unspecified quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsWater levels in late summer may impede boating. Road access is challenging for larger vehicles.
Active alertsCampground accessible only via snowmobiles in winter due to snow-blocked roads.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Contact North Fork John Day Ranger District for emergencies. Closest comprehensive emergency services are in Ukiah, OR.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May to November.
Trash and recyclingNo trash and recycling services are available. Campers are required to pack out their garbage.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near North Fork John Day River and Oriental Creek.
Common complaintsAccess roads are rough and unsuitable for trailers; potable water is unavailable.
Campground Map
, Near Forest Road 5506, North Fork John Day River
Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, OR, travel west 1 mile to the Hwy 395 junction. Turn left (south) on Hwy 395, travel south about 15 miles and turn left (east) onto Forest Service Road 55. Drive 13 miles east along the North Fork John Day River to Oriental Campground. The last few miles are very rough and may not be appropriate for trailers.
Large vehicles, trailers, and low clearance vehicles are not recommended due to poor access road and limited turnaround capability.Nearby places
Ukiah, OR (16 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are available in Ukiah, OR.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Oriental Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Oriental Campground are generally positive, with campers appreciating the serene environment, wildlife encounters, and opportunities for stargazing. Clean restrooms were also noted as a highlight.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers praised the cleanliness of the restrooms, the scenic beauty, and the opportunity to observe wildlife. One camper expressed, 'Loved it here, great place to stay and watch the stars, see wild...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No specific complaints were noted in the user reviews provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own potable water and be prepared for a rugged experience. The road is rough and unsuitable for large vehicles or trailers.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most accessible between late May and mid-November. Campers should note that water levels may be low in mid to late summer, affecting boating and swimming activities.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Loved it here, great place to stay and watch the stars, see wild life and a great place to hike.' 2. 'Also very clean restrooms.' 3. 'The deer are quite interested in all the things I did and ran...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 8 is identified as a group site, priced at $25/night, and is a preferred option for larger groups.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Two accessible vault toilets are available; however, no detailed feedback from users with disabilities was provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information provided about pet policies or pet-related user experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025