John Day Wild and Scenic River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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John Day Wild and Scenic River

Under the care of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the John Day Wild and Scenic River is a significant and beautiful natural landscape often visited by families seeking the natural wonders of northeast Oregon. Protected from its headwaters to its confluence with Camas Creek, near Kimberly, Oregon, the river runs through parts of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and the Umatilla National Forest.

Campers exploring the area find interesting local sites, such as the McDonald Crossing Interpretive Site and the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Travelers find themselves within an easy drive of beautifully preserved national parks like Crater Lake National Park, 260 miles to the southwest, Mount Rainier National Park 368 miles north, and Redwood National Park 395 miles to the southwest.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Flood of Fire Trail

The Flood of Fire Trail trailhead is located just outside Kimberly, OR. The path takes hikers from the valley floor to a ridge steadily upward. The views include the remains of over 70 brilliantly colored lava flows.

Length: 0.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Story in Stone Trail

Another trailhead that is near Kimberly takes hikers along a series of unique blue-green mountain slopes loved by geologists. Hikers enjoy a paved path with gentle inclines most of the way and two intense grades that last only 500 feet. The pathway is wheelchair accessible and offers a bench at the end where families sit to enjoy the spectacular view.

Length: 0.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The upper reaches of the John Day River offers catches of chinook salmon, steelhead, bass, and various species of trout. Travelers may float the river in a boat or raft but must apply for a boat permit online or at the Prineville BLM office.

Climbing

While rock climbing is not allowed along the John Day Wild and Scenic River because of the fragile natural attributes of the area, Smith Rock State Park, located just 119 miles to the west of Kimberly, offers several intimidating climbs. Rock climbers nationwide flock to the park to experience some of the most exciting climbs available in the United States.

Wildlife Viewing

The area through which the John Day Wild and Scenic River travels is rich with wildlife. As one of the few streams to wind through this high-desert area, mule deer, elk, black bears, and coyotes feast on thick vegetation along the river, and smaller animals such as field mice, ground squirrels, and snakes can also be seen. Aerial predators like bald eagles and peregrine falcons nest in the heights and hunt the area from the sky.

Picnicking

The BLM supplies picnic tables at trailheads and along select paths. Local communities and businesses sponsor picnic tables where visitors enjoy the pristine views offered throughout the countryside. Several campgrounds along the river provide picnic areas for the enjoyment of travelers, anglers, and hunters visiting the region.

Stargazing

The night sky along the John Day Wild and Scenic River offers a spectacular view. With few communities nearby and none that generate a significant amount of light, little pollution inhibits the spectacular light display provided by the stars and planets.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Both developed and undeveloped Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are found along the John Day Wild and Scenic River. The BLM provides a few small developed RV camping sites nearby that charge a fee for an overnight stay. For instance, the Lone Pine Campground near Kimberly offers six camping spaces centered around a single pine tree and charges a fee of $8 per day.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping sites are found throughout the John Day Wild and Scenic River area. These sites provide primitive BLM RV camping sites. An example of such campgrounds located in the John Day Wild and Scenic River area is the Burnt Ranch Dispersed Camping Area near Mitchell, OR—about 49 miles west of Kimberly. It is a primitive camping site with no amenities. Water, firewood, and food are available to purchase in the Mitchell.

RV Rentals Near John Day Wild and Scenic River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your John Day Wild and Scenic River BLM trip

Most RV travelers use Internet searches to find BLM camping near me using Kimberly or another small community along the John Day River as the central point for the search. Make a list of preferred campgrounds with the amenities you have in mind for your vacation. Be aware that some allow you to reserve a space, but most BLM campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Most of the campgrounds near the John Day Wild and Scenic River are open year-round. Check your RV before leaving for tire wear, hitch issues, and internal system integrity. Pack enough extra clothing, canned goods, and lanterns for your stay. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

No matter what activity you anticipate enjoying along the John Day Wild and Scenic River, follow BLM Leave No Trace guidelines. Keep to established trails to minimize your impact on the fragile beauty found in this area. While most campsites near the John Day Wild and Scenic River have metal fire rings, try using a wide high-lipped skillet to contain fires where no fire rings are available. Above all, search the area for any debris, trash, or evidence of your stay before leaving.

John Day Wild and Scenic River Location

To reach the John Day Wild and Scenic River from Portland, take Interstate 84 East (I-84 E) for 101.2 miles to the intersection with United States Highway 97 (US-97). Turn right to follow US-97 southward for 9.5 miles and turn left onto Oregon State Highway 206 (OR-206). Follow OR-206 for 40.6 miles. At the intersection with Oregon State Highway 19 (OR-19), turn right and travel 63.8 miles into Kimberly.

Ready to visit John Day Wild and Scenic River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.