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 (BLM) manages South Fork John Day River Back Country Byway and about one million acres of public lands in Oregon. The BLM is an agency within the US Department of the Interior that oversees natural resource conservation, grazing rights, recreation, and other land uses. One way to enjoy these lands is to stay at a BLM campground. The BLM offers several peaceful and secluded sites in Oregon where you can camp on public land.
The South Fork John Day River site is located in Grant County in Eastern Oregon. Native American tribes initially populated this area. Later, it became a popular route for settlers since it follows the lower John Day River. Today, it's known for its fossil beds and the remains of ancient animals discovered here, such as the Columbian mammoth. The South Fork John Day River area is open for dispersed camping year-round although the road to get there can become impassable during winter months.
This is a loop trail near the town of Dayville. It's popular among hikers and runners, and it's also a great place to do some birdwatching. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Length: 4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The South Fork John Day River is home to rainbow trout, bull trout, steelhead trout, and smallmouth bass. It's a meandering, tumbling river famous for fly-fishing and boating. The bull and brook trout are native to the area. This makes for a delightful combination of trophy fishing and good numbers of fish to catch. The river has many public-access points where boaters can put in their rafts or drift boats. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can take your inflatable kayak down this Class IV river. But there's also a section of easy rapids that you can float on an inner tube for those who aren't looking for so much excitement.
South Fork John Day River provides a habitat for many species, including great blue herons, osprey, and bald eagles. The area is also home to rainbow trout and brown trout as well as elk, deer, coyotes, hawks, eagles, and more.
You can find so many scenic natural spots to enjoy a picnic along the John Day River's South Fork. For established picnicking areas, check out campgrounds like Big Bend and Muleshoe. The John Day City Park has picnic tables as well as a playground, a horseshoe pit, and a swimming pool that's open in the summer.
Several designated hunting areas are near the river. Perhaps the most popular game there is the chukar partridge, a type of gamebird in the pheasant family.
There are plenty of other places to camp if you don't want to stay on rustic BLM public land. There's an RV camping option within a few miles of South Fork John Day River Back. South Fork RV Park offers RV campsites for rigs up to 25 feet in length. The campground provides restrooms, a fire ring, grills, flush toilets, and picnic tables. There are several other RV campgrounds nearby, including Fish House Inn & RV Park and Grant County RV Park.
Campers and RV enthusiasts in Oregon have the option of Bureau of Land Management free camping along the South Fork John Day River. Riverside trails are accessible on foot or horseback but not with motorized vehicles. Campers can set up their tents, RVs, or trailers along the river, where they have access to fishing, hiking trails, and wildlife watching. They can also search online for "BLM camping near me" to find other nearby camping sites.
The BLM campground at South Fork John Day is a great place to get away from bustling cities for some outdoor time. Just check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly.
Here are some helpful tips for enjoying your BLM camping experience:
Bring your own firewood as gathering wood in the area is prohibited.
Store food in airtight containers or locked in your vehicle as bears are known to visit these Bureau of Land Management campgrounds.
Don't forget to bring water because the closest source is about ten miles away in Canyon City.
Finally, don't forget warm clothes because evenings can get chilly.
BLM camping is a great way to explore nature, often with little more than an RV and the starry skies above. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping near the South Fork Day River.
When you're out on the South Fork of the John Day, BLM land is your temporary home—so keep it clean. The golden rule is to let nothing but your footprints remain and only take memories when you leave. That means no leaving behind food scraps or dog poop, no littering, and no digging trenches for campfires. Also, stay on designated trails or areas where you can avoid disturbing animals and plants.
The South Fork John Day River is about a three-hour drive from Pendleton, Oregon. Head north on I-84 and take the Oregon 204 West exit towards Ukiah/Pilot Rock. Turn right on OR-204 and continue through Pilot Rock and onto OR-74. About three miles before you get to Dayville, turn left onto Twin Bridges Road. Take this until you see the signs for the BLM site on your right. If you are coming from Dayville, Oregon, turn south on South Fork Road; the backcountry byway begins here.
Ready to visit South Fork John Day 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 of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and a nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
