john day river

Seems to be lovely regardless of where it is meandering. Definitely a good place to have a picnic basket and a couple of camping chairs.

Nothing to dislike. Stunning river. Saw all the branches as we drove in the area. The river is way more than just a place to camp or fish. It is the lifeblood of the area.

We chose this place based on the reviews...I have to say I was a bit disappointed with what we got. The tent camp sites are very close together leaving very little privacy. Also, it is literally on top of the highway so we slept very poorly hearing cars zoom by all night long. Needless to say we stay here a single night and then headed out to explore different campsites in the area. We stayed at Big Sarvice Corral near Fossil and that was a better experience. The pros? $2.00 ice and $4.00 wood.

The John Day river is a lovely peaceful way to spend a weekend or just relax but if you happen to have a small boat all the better, start out early as it will get hot and take a jacket as you go up river, you will need it but not for long , bird watching or fishing also deer and large birds such as eagles, osprey and hawks live along the rocky shoreline , different fish run at different times of the year , now the channel catfish are about the river , worms are fine but we had the most luck using small sun dried pieces or salted chichen liver. As the morning wore on we finally caught our first pikeminnow which there is a bounty on. Day use is only 3$ and well worth it , showers are also available int he rest rooms to wash that fishy wormy smell off so take sometime and enjoy the beautiful breathtaking country we call America !Enjoy Oregon a hidden jewel!

I just moved to the area a few months ago and walk along the river every day. This river is the life blood of the valley it created as it cut through the aptly-named Blue Mountains. I live in Grant County a few miles from John Day which with 2000 people is the metropolis of the county. The county itself is the size of Connecticut but has a population of just 7,500, less than during the gold rush here of 1864. No doubt, the small population has helped the river retain its natural beauty. It has more frontage designated by the federal government as scenic waterway than any other river in America. Worth the trip.

Middle Fork through Bates is stunning...wildlife, deer, antelope, storms, untouched...loved it. Stayed at the Boulder Creek Ranch. You will really enjoy the little cabin there. Can enjoy a horseback ride as well.

O-kay I have to love it as I see it everyday and I do love it. I have swam in it, floated down river on it, have fished in it . I have watched it almost dry up and I have watched it flood. But we are lucky to have such easy access to this river. We get to see the Eagles, the otters, the beavers, the deer and the elk just to name a few. It's a great place,

What a great surprise to find this oasis in John Day! Spacious sites with hook-ups, grass and privacy. Enjoyed our stay! The John Day River is right by the campsites and the croaking resident bullfrog is active day and night. Showers and bathrooms were good - showers did get a little messy by the end of the day. It's close (within an hours distance) to the major sites in Eastern Oregon. A prehistoric, geological field day! The Painted Hills are amazing! Be sure to stop in Fossil, Oregon to legally dig for fossils! The museum there is worth a visit - very informative - nice people! The only downside to the campgrounds in Eastern Oregon - the Mosquitoes and no see ums! Bring plenty of repellent and a bug zapper to survive!