Leave No Trace 
Remember to practice the "Leave No Trace" principles while enjoying the Priest Hole Recreation Site and other camping spots. Clean up after yourself, respect wildlife, and do not disturb vegetation.
BLM Camping
Priest Hole Recreation Site
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management manages more than 145 million acres of public lands for RVers to explore. Camping, hiking, and boating are just some outdoor activities you are welcome to enjoy on these lands. Many sites also have artifacts and remains of historical buildings to gain a deeper appreciation for American history. You can stay in BLM-developed campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and showers for a small fee. Alternatively, outside of these sites, Bureau of Land Management free camping is available on public lands in dispersed camping areas, often with level spots where you can set up your RV for the night. Since it is charged with preserving public lands for current and future generations, the BLM asks that you use existing sites and fire rings if they are available. This is to minimize disturbance to the natural environment. You should also be aware of Oregon's fire regulations, which can change daily, and may prohibit campfires during dry spells. Deep in the heart of Oregon, the Priest Hole Recreation Site stands as a testament to the beauty and tranquility of the American wilderness. This area provides a variety of recreational activities, including water sports and hiking around the Painted Hills. The Priest Hole Recreation Site is next to the John Day River. This river is renowned for its warm, slow-moving waters, making it ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating in the summer. While in the area, you may want to tour the Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway in your RV or visit John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. In addition, Ochoco National Forest is less than 35 miles away.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Painted Hills Overlook Trail
This trail is a great walk to stretch your legs after arriving in the area and will allow you a view of the Painted Hills from a ridgeline overlooking the area. This is a popular spot for photographers to capture images of the multicolor mounds below. There are also interpretive signs explaining why the rock formations are so colorful. Length: 0.5 miles Intensity: Easy
Sunset Trail
Sunset Trail is 11.5 miles south of Priest Hole. Along this trail, hikers will appreciate spectacular views of Bridge Creek and Sargent's Butte. It also has a popular vantage point for viewing the Painted Hills at sunset. However, hikers should be sure to bring headlamps or flashlights because the path back down to the parking area can be difficult in low-light conditions. Length: 1.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
Carroll Rim Trail
Carrol Rim Trail offers 360-degree views of the Painted Hills, Sutton Mountain, and canyons fading away into the distance. The trail is steep, with about a 400-foot climb up switchbacks. There is a small parking lot where the trail begins that is about a 20-minute drive from Priest Hole. Length: 1.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
Angling enthusiasts will be glad to know that the John Day River is teeming with fish, including smallmouth bass, steelhead, and salmon. Boating is also a popular pastime on the water, with the calm river providing ideal conditions for canoeing and kayaking. In addition, Lake Billy Chinook is approximately 50 miles from Priest Hole. The lake is home to bull trout, smallmouth bass, and kokanee salmon, making it a favorite for anglers.
Climbing
Smith Rock State Park, a haven for rock climbers, is 47 miles from Priest Hole. The park features several thousand climbs, offering novice and experienced climbers options. Hikers can also enjoy more than a dozen trails winding through the park with views of the Crooked River and the majestic rock formations.
Picnicking
Pack a lunch and enjoy the numerous Priest Hole Recreation Site picnic spots. Whether in the shade of a towering pine or perched on the riverbank, you can enjoy your meal amid the scenery.
Wildlife Viewing
The Lower Crooked River Back Country Byway is a 43-mile drive along the Crooked River, approximately 34 miles from Priest Hole. It's home to osprey, red-tailed hawks, and occasionally golden eagles. Additionally, you might spot mule deer, beavers, and river otters while exploring this area.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
If you are looking for more amenities than BLM RV camping offers at Priest Hole Recreation Site, there are several options within an hour's drive. Ochoco Lake County Campground is about 40 miles away and offers sites with water and electrical hookups. It's near Ochoco Lake, providing a great setting for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Crooked River Ranch RV Park is about 50 miles away and has full hookups, restrooms, showers, and a pet area. In addition, it provides views of the Crooked River and has access to hiking and golfing facilities. Alternatively, Cove Palisades State Park has a well-equipped RV campground and is about the same distance from Priest Hole. The campsites have full hookups, and fantastic hiking and water sports opportunities are nearby.
Free Camping 
There is no charge to camp at the Priest Hole Recreation Site. In addition, the Lower Burnt Ranch Dispersed Camping Area and Illinois River Dispersed Camping Area are within 50 miles of Priest Hole and offer camping areas next to rivers. If you are looking for more free Bureau of Land Management camping once in the area, you can search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet to find them.
RV Rentals Near Priest Hole Recreation Site Plan your next adventure
Planning your Priest Hole Recreation Site BLM trip
As with any camping trip, preparation is key. Since Priest Hole is a dispersed camping site, you must bring water, food, and camping equipment. In addition, at Priest Hole and other dispersed camping sites in the area, a fire pan is required if you are having a campfire, so make sure you bring one along. Dispersed camping in Oregon provides a budget-friendly way to set up a base camp near American natural treasures like the Painted Hills. However, primitive camping requires careful planning to ensure your stay is comfortable. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace
Priest Hole Recreation Site Location
Priest Hole Recreation Site is located near Mitchell, Oregon. To get there from Mitchell, take US-26 W, then turn onto Twickenham Road. Follow Twickenham Rd until you reach Priest Hole. Address: Priest Hole Recreation Site, Mitchell, OR 97750 Ready to visit Priest Hole Recreation Site? 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.