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Reservable Sites
Check by phone
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Overview
About Muleshoe Campground
Located just off of the sleepy John Day Highway, this campground offers 8 primitive campsites and an unimproved boat launch accessing the John Day River. The ancient river canyon weaves through the area providing spectacular views with ever-changing light and shadows in the early morning and late evening hours. A picturesque grove of ponderosa pine trees lines a section of the riverbank opposite the campground and the site itself has a large, solitary pine prominently situated. The surrounding layer cake geology is exposed in various peekaboo angles from the campground. Know Before You Go: Open year-round Six drive-in campsites; two walk-to campsites. All campsites are available on a first come, first served basis; no reservations are available. Two wheelchair accessible vault toilets. No utility hookups or potable water are available No garbage service - please pack out your trash An annual fire closure is in effect from June 1 through October 15. Prohibited acts include building, igniting, maintaining, attending, using, tending, or being within 20 feet of a campfire, charcoal fire, or any other type of open flame; smoking, except while in non-public buildings, closed vehicles, in boats on the water, or while standing in the water. Point of Interest Although located along State highway 19 the sights and sounds of the John Day River dominate over any road noise making it easy to forget the highway is even there. Bring a book as there's no cell phone coverage here.
- Stay limit: 14 days.
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Muleshoe Campground special
Muleshoe Campground is the kind of place you have to want to find. Perched along the John Day Highway in the rugged canyon country east of Prineville, Oregon, this small primitive campground offers just eight sites and a whole lot of solitude. The John Day River carves through ancient basalt here, creating a dramatic landscape of rimrock, sagebrush-covered slopes, and cottonwood-lined banks that feels untouched by the modern world. This is a no-frills operation, and that is exactly the point. There are no hookups, no showers, and no crowds. What you get instead is direct access to one of the finest stretches of river canyon in eastern Oregon, outstanding birding opportunities, and the kind of star-filled night skies that city dwellers only dream about. The river corridor is home to chukar, golden eagles, and a healthy population of mule deer, and steelhead fishing draws dedicated anglers during the right seasons. Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit, when the canyon temperatures are comfortable and the desert wildflowers or autumn cottonwoods put on a show. Summer can bring intense heat to the canyon floor, so plan accordingly. Sites are first-come, first-served and seldom full. If you are looking to disconnect completely and let the river set the pace, Muleshoe delivers.
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
541-416-6700
BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov
Getting There
From Spray, Oregon: Drive 10.5 miles west along State Highway 19/207. The campground is on the left side of the highway.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Muleshoe Campground.
How do reservations work for Muleshoe Campground?
Reservation availability for Muleshoe Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Muleshoe Campground?
Campsite type details are limited right now. Check back as this listing is enriched.
Where is Muleshoe Campground located?
Muleshoe Campground is in Oregon near Prineville. Coordinates: 44.8073, -119.9670.
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