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BLM Camping

South Fork 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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South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River

The John Day River's South Fork is situated in central Oregon. It's a 60-mile tributary of the John Day River. This river starts in Harney County's Malheur National Forest. It flows to the town of Dayville, where it meets John Day River's main stem. Forty-seven miles of the John Day River's South Fork — from Smoky Creek to Malheur National Forest — are classified as a recreational area in the National Wild and Scenic River system. This land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency responsible for administering public lands and keeping them accessible for recreation. RV camping is permitted on most BLM land, but the details vary by site. At the South Fork John Day River, primitive dispersed camping is available for free.

The mature ponderosa pine and white fir forests create a stable environment for a balanced and diverse wildlife population at the John Day River's South Fork. It provides a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Many people visit this recreation area to see the ancient fossil beds and the rough geologic formations of the existing canyon. If you'd like to continue your Pacific Northwest RVing adventure from here, why not head to Mount Rainier National Park, about 350 miles southeast of this BLM area? Crater Lake National Park is about 220 miles southwest.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Black Canyon Trail

This 6.1 kilometers lightly trafficked trail is located near Dayville. Its trailhead provides visitors access to the Black Canyon Wilderness area when exploring John Day River's South Fork. Travelers can use this route for nature trips, horse riding, hiking, and bird watching. The trail is best used between June and November due to the rough terrain.

Length: 3.79 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

Enjoy the beauty of the South Fork John Day River area as you cast lines and wait for fish to bite. The river has approximately 284 miles open to fishing. You can haul in bluegill, trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass, the most common species there. Boating is also allowed in this recreation area, but you need a permit to access this waterway. You can purchase your permit online if you want to head downstream and upstream from Spray.

Wildlife Viewing

This BLM site is a popular wildlife-viewing region due to the condition and diversity of the habitat in the South Fork corridor. You can see animals such as bobcats, mountain lions, beavers, minks, coyotes, rattlesnakes, mule deer, elks, and river otters during your visit. This BLM land is also home to both resident and migratory bird species. Redtail hawks, prairie falcons, and golden eagles nest in the canyon, and bald eagles visit during winter. The other birds you'll find here include Lewis' owls and quails.

Picnicking

Various picnic areas are distributed throughout BLM sites and campgrounds along the South Fork John Day River. You can find picnic areas at Big Bend and Muleshoe Campgrounds. Spray Riverfront Park also offers well-equipped picnic areas, featuring amenities like modern restrooms, parking spaces, and water-collection points. The best thing about choosing this place for a picnic is the proximity to a grocery store if you need to buy food or drink.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you are considering RV camping during your trip to John Day River, you can park your RV in one of the developed Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds in the area. Big Bend Campground has five campsites with flat camping pads, picnic tables, vault toilets, and a swimming hole. However, there are no hookups available. Muleshoe Campground is the other close option, with six gravel RV camping sites that are large enough to accommodate trailers and RVs of a maximum length of 50 feet. This Bureau of Land Management camping ground has vault toilets, picnic benches, and fire pits, but no hookups are available.

Free Camping

Primitive camping is permitted along the South Fork John Day Scenic and Wild River. The BLM area has many undeveloped spots where travelers can camp and immerse themselves in nature. However, make sure to pick your camping spot at least 100 feet away from the river. You can stay at one Bureau of Land Management free camping spot for two weeks, after which you'll have to move to another site. Remember to park your vehicle near the area's boundary because this BLM camping area doesn't allow mechanized equipment or motor vehicles on the site.

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

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River BLM trip

The BLM recommends preparing and educating yourself before your trip to John Day River's South Fork. Acquire appropriate navigation tools, like maps and GPS devices. Check the Prineville BLM website for the current road and weather status before heading out. Also, remember to pack your recreational vehicle or travel trailer with essential items based on weather conditions. If you need to refuel your vehicle during your visit, you can find a fuel station near the river's north end in Dayville.

Rattlesnakes are common in the canyon, particularly during summer. Tread carefully and avoid disturbing rocks when exploring. Approach the rivers in this area with caution because help is impossible or quite difficult to obtain in the event of water accidents. Although there's unlimited access to water on this BLM site, it's not safe for consumption. You can carry drinking water or boil the river water before drinking. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

To help safeguard water quality and other natural resources along the South Fork John Day River, leave the BLM area as you found it. Remember to pack out your trash because the site does not have developed sites or garbage collection facilities. Travel responsibly by using the designated trails and avoiding sensitive areas, including streams and wetlands. Visitors should bury human waste at least six feet deep in the ground to prevent water pollution. Lastly, check with the Prineville BLM office to check the current campfire regulations, permit requirements, and restrictions — fire regulations differ from one BLM site to another, and regulations might change according to site elevation, seasons, and weather conditions.