The best romantic campgrounds near John Day, Oregon

Near the valley of the painted hills sits the little town of John Day. Ranches line the road to town, and not long ago cattle drives were a regular event on Main Street. The town is a hub for this rural area, bringing locals to the farmer's market, small museums, and the big county fair. The Oregon town sits between two national forests: Malheur and Umatilla. They cover 3 million acres of the Blue Mountains, rolling through dessert grasslands, alpine lakes, and sage and juniper groves. Campers can choose from a half dozen campgrounds within an hour's drive. Tent camping here leans toward the rustic, with vault toilets and potable water. Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site is a better choice for amenities. Just west of town, the campground has water and electrical for RV camping, plus hot showers and a dump station. The wooded camp sits on the banks of the John Day River for fishing and swimming. The painted hills are one of Oregon's top natural wonders. Layers of colored soil give the hills a striped appearance. Visit in the late afternoon, when the colors are at their most dramatic. You can find them at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, along with a fossil bed site. If you prefer to stay in town, check out the RV park at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The park offers full hook-up sites and is close to the town swimming pool.

100% (3) • 1 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near John Day

Karibu Cabin

1. Karibu Cabin

100%

(3)

22mi from John Day · 2 sites · Lodging

Escape to this charming log cabin nestled on 160 acres of beautiful woods, offering breathtaking mountain top views that will leave you in awe. Accommodating five or more guests, this rustic retreat is perfect for families and friends looking to reconnect with nature. Pets are welcome, making it an ideal getaway for your furry companions. Experience the true essence of the outdoors with dry camping available for RVs and tents, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene landscape. Note that this cabin features no running water or electricity however it does have a nice wood stove, providing an authentic off-grid experience. Enjoy starlit nights, crackling campfires, and the soothing sounds of nature right outside your door. This incredible land is also a prime spot for hunting season. We HAVE LOP TAGS AVAILABLE FOR ELK AND DEER. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING. Please contact us for details! This cabin is the perfect base for your outdoor pursuits. Whether you’re adventuring, hiking, hunting, riding or simply relaxing with a book, Karibu Cabin is the ultimate retreat for your outdoor adventure! This property welcomes ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles. Please note that all activities are at your own risk, and we are not liable for any injuries or other damages done by the above mentioned.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$99

/ night

Near the valley of the painted hills sits the little town of John Day. Ranches line the road to town, and not long ago cattle drives were a regular event on Main Street. The town is a hub for this rural area, bringing locals to the farmer's market, small museums, and the big county fair. The Oregon town sits between two national forests: Malheur and Umatilla. They cover 3 million acres of the Blue Mountains, rolling through dessert grasslands, alpine lakes, and sage and juniper groves. Campers can choose from a half dozen campgrounds within an hour's drive. Tent camping here leans toward the rustic, with vault toilets and potable water. Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site is a better choice for amenities. Just west of town, the campground has water and electrical for RV camping, plus hot showers and a dump station. The wooded camp sits on the banks of the John Day River for fishing and swimming. The painted hills are one of Oregon's top natural wonders. Layers of colored soil give the hills a striped appearance. Visit in the late afternoon, when the colors are at their most dramatic. You can find them at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, along with a fossil bed site. If you prefer to stay in town, check out the RV park at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The park offers full hook-up sites and is close to the town swimming pool.

100% (3) • 1 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near John Day

Karibu Cabin

1. Karibu Cabin

100%

(3)

22mi from John Day · 2 sites · Lodging

Escape to this charming log cabin nestled on 160 acres of beautiful woods, offering breathtaking mountain top views that will leave you in awe. Accommodating five or more guests, this rustic retreat is perfect for families and friends looking to reconnect with nature. Pets are welcome, making it an ideal getaway for your furry companions. Experience the true essence of the outdoors with dry camping available for RVs and tents, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene landscape. Note that this cabin features no running water or electricity however it does have a nice wood stove, providing an authentic off-grid experience. Enjoy starlit nights, crackling campfires, and the soothing sounds of nature right outside your door. This incredible land is also a prime spot for hunting season. We HAVE LOP TAGS AVAILABLE FOR ELK AND DEER. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING. Please contact us for details! This cabin is the perfect base for your outdoor pursuits. Whether you’re adventuring, hiking, hunting, riding or simply relaxing with a book, Karibu Cabin is the ultimate retreat for your outdoor adventure! This property welcomes ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles. Please note that all activities are at your own risk, and we are not liable for any injuries or other damages done by the above mentioned.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$99

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Heidi

November 2025

1 night at Karibu Cabin

Nathan’s hunting cabin is absolutely perfect if you’re looking for a super secluded, extremely private, unplugged getaway. Nestled in the trees, on the most beautiful land, it’s just you and nature and all the stars you could ever hope for. The views are spectacular and the vibes are tranquil and serene. Nathan was easy to communicate with when our gps took us on a wrong turn and extremely helpful with getting us back on the right track. The cabin has propane lanterns for lighting but I suggest bringing some safe-burning candles and enjoying a romantic night in nature. We will definitely be back!

E

Elaine

July 2025

With pets

4 nights at Karibu Cabin

Our 3 generation family really enjoyed ourselves at this cozy cabin in Eastern Oregon. Our passenger van made it through no problem on the dirt road in along with our travel trailer. The cabin was so homey, had everything we needed and the views were amazing. One night there was an amazing sunset followed by a thunderstorm which our young grandchildren loved dancing in the rain!

C

Charity

November 2024

Tent

5 nights at Karibu Cabin

It was wonderful staying in such a cozy cabin deep in the forest surrounded by 160 acres of private forest land! I saw plenty of wildlife including a herd of elk, and deer and even a black bear during my 5 night stay! The view of Fox valley was incredible to wake up to and fall asleep to each day! I am thankful for the opportunity to spend time in such a place and only wish I could have stayed longer!