Although it may not have the fame and glory of a destination like, say, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s eastern desert and plains are filled with subtle beauty for the kind of explorers who are attentive to detail—and willing to go a little bit out of the way to see natural wonders others might miss. As its name suggests, the Painted Hills look like they’ve been handpainted by a gargantuan brush in the sunlight—but as we’ll get into below, it’s basically like seeing millions of years of history recorded right there in the landscape.
As someone who lives in Oregon and has seen these hills for herself, take it from me: The Painted Hills are a one-of-a-kind, must-see destination—and camping is absolutely the best way to enjoy this area. This guide will also cover nearby attractions, how-to-get-there basics, as well as some insider secrets about other to-dos around the Painted Hills.
About Exploring Painted Hills
The Painted Hills is actually one unit of the larger John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. All of the units are well worth a visit, offering visitors an understanding of the incredible geological significance of this area. The 14,000 acres of fossil beds encompassed by the entire John Day area is one of the richest and best-preserved fossil digging sites in the entire world, and has contributed a great deal to scientists’ and historians’ understanding of how life has evolved and changed on Earth since its beginning.
The painted hills themselves are known primarily for their spectacular visual presentation: red and golden striped hills hulking low against an endless blue sky, a perfect background for once-in-a-lifetime photography. However, a closer look and some context makes that beauty even more interesting: each stripe actually represents an entire geological era, as multiple rounds of volcanic activity decimated this place over and over again throughout history and life rebuilt itself over eons. (The redder soil represents wetter historical climates, in which the iron in the dirt has oxidized.)
Location
The Painted Hills are located in north-central Oregon about four hours’ drive from Portland, Oregon. Many visitors fly into PDX and then rent an RV in that area for their adventure. (It’s also possible to fly into Bend, which is only an hour and 45 minutes away, but the Redmond airport is substantially smaller, more often requires connections, and can be more expensive to fly into.)
Best Way to Experience Painted Hills
RV camping allows you to experience the Painted Hills at your own pace—and take advantage of the great many other outdoor activities in the area. There are both developed and primitive campgrounds nearby to choose from—and since there are few towns in this part of the state, camping can get you closer to the Painted Hills than staying in a hotel or Airbnb.
Here are a few more quick-hit facts to help you plan your Painted Hills vacation
- Best Times to Visit: Sunrise and sunset offer particularly excellent photography conditions, and while the site is gorgeous year-round, the winters can get frigid. The months between July and September are most likely to be crowded.
- Photography Tips: Arriving before dawn can be a challenge during Oregon summers, when the sun comes up as early as 5 a.m. But those who pull it off will be rewarded with photos empty of strangers and that stunning, early-morning sparkle breaking over the hills.
- What to Bring: Oregon weather is notoriously unpredictable, so always be prepared for cold or rain, no matter what time of year you plan your visit. It’s also a good idea to ensure everyone in your party has plenty of water and sunscreen on them—this isn’t the part of the state with big evergreens offering their shade, so staying hydrated and sun-safe are imperative!
Where to Stay:
If you do want to stay in a town, the closest community to the Painted Hills is called Mitchell—a city whose population hovers just below 150. You may be able to find an Airbnb there, and it also hosts a few small hotels.
However, by far, RVing is the most efficient way to enjoy this part of the country. Fortunately, there are plenty of RV-friendly campgrounds near Painted Hills.
RV-Friendly Campgrounds Near Painted Hills
While the top RV campgrounds in the greater Bend area are a good start, the truth is that the Painted Hills are a bit off the beaten path—which means some of the best nearby campgrounds are primitive ones. For instance:
Wildwood Campground, which is small and primitive but does offer restrooms, picnic tables and a playground, is located about a 48-minute drive south from Painted Hills while still offering some tree shade. It’s also free.
You can also find dispersed camping available at Burnt Ranch Road (aka Bridge Creek), which is also on BLM land and also, therefore, free. The surroundings here look more in line with the Painted Hills themselves, but the spot has even fewer amenities and can fill up quickly during peak season.
For those looking for a more developed camping experience, options close at hand include Fish House Inn & RV Park, which is located about an hour’s drive east of the hills in the town of Dayville. Along with full-hookup spots, the site also offers a campground store for last-minute needs, as well as barbecue pits, horseshoe ranges, and more.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Painted Hills
Here are a few more need-to-know tips for planning your unforgettable Painted Hills trip.
- Permits & Fees: Fortunately, there are no fees required for any of the three John Day units—and there’s plenty of free camping in this area, too, making it a savvy choice for budget-conscious travelers.
- Safety Considerations: Along with staying hydrated and protected from the sun, it’s important to remember to wear proper footwear for any hiking and exploring you might have planned—and to leave the landscape exactly as you found it by following Leave No Trace principles.
- RV Travel Resources: Along with using us as a resource (that’s what we’re here for!), apps like HipCamp can help you find more hidden campsites, and AllTrails can keep you apprised of the best nearby places to hike. The park rangers at the Thomas Condon Visitor Center will also be happy to help you learn more about how to best take advantage of all the things to do in this area.
- While you’re in the area: Crater Lake is definitely worth a visit of its own (though it will be undergoing major renovations for the next few seasons, so get in while you can!). Additionally, the city of Bend is well known for its outdoor adventure culture, breweries, and high-desert beauty.
While it might not be as well advertised as some of the other classic Pacific Northwest destinations, Painted Hills truly offers a trip to remember—and a whole new perspective on life and time. There’s a reason it’s on many travelers’ bucket lists—and now, hopefully yours!
