Lone Pine Campground

For those seeking an authentic and serene outdoor experience, **Lone Pine Campground** in Kimberly, Oregon, presents an ideal destination. Nestled along the tranquil North Fork of the John Day River, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground offers a primitive yet inviting setting for campers looking to connect with nature. As a prime offering in the "camping near me" category, Lone Pine Campground provides a unique blend of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a highly recommended spot for local users and visitors alike.

Lone Pine Campground is characterized by its intimate and unspoiled environment. With a limited number of campsites, typically five to six, it ensures a quiet and uncrowded atmosphere, perfect for those seeking solitude. The campground is situated on a sleepy bend of the **North Fork John Day River**, with at least two sites directly alongside the water, offering picturesque river views and direct access. While some campsites benefit from the shade of scattered trees, others are in full sun, accommodating various preferences. All campsites are notably flat and can easily accommodate larger vehicle-trailer combinations, making it accessible for a range of camping setups, including RVs, though it operates as a primitive site. The surrounding area boasts beautiful scenery, with the photogenic Rocky Canyon and its vertical rimrock cliffs across the Crooked River (which is nearby but distinct from the John Day River system) offering a dynamic backdrop for photographers. The campground is open year-round, allowing for seasonal variations in its natural splendor.

Lone Pine Campground is designed for a rustic camping experience. It provides basic but essential amenities, including **picnic tables** and **fire rings** at each campsite, allowing campers to enjoy meals outdoors and cozy campfires. A clean, well-maintained **port-a-potty** or vault toilet is available on-site, ensuring basic sanitation. However, it's important to note that this is a primitive campground, and as such, it does not offer potable water, utility hookups, or garbage service. Campers are expected to practice Leave-No-Trace principles, packing out all trash to preserve the natural integrity of the area. Cell phone service is generally not available at the campground, which contributes to its tranquil and disconnected appeal, allowing visitors to truly unwind from daily distractions. All campsites are available on a **first-come, first-served basis**, meaning no reservations are accepted. A nominal fee of $5.00 per campsite per night applies, with a discounted rate of $2.50 per site/night for Access and Senior Interagency pass holders. An additional fee of $2.00 applies for extra vehicles over one vehicle per campsite. The stay limit is 14 days, allowing for extended enjoyment of the area. Visitors should also be aware that there is an annual fire closure typically from June 1 through October 15, during which campfires may be restricted. Commercially manufactured metal camp stoves used for cooking and shielded lanterns fueled by propane or liquid fuel are exempt from this restriction. Smoking is prohibited, except while in non-public buildings, closed vehicles, in boats on the water, or while standing in the water.

Lone Pine Campground is a hub for a variety of outdoor activities, particularly centered around the North Fork of the John Day River.

• River Floating: The campground's proximity to the North Fork of the John Day River makes it an excellent base for **floating the river**. The John Day River system is a Wild and Scenic River, offering unique opportunities for water-based recreation, with sections known for mild whitewater perfect for relaxing floats.
• Fishing: Fishing is a major draw for many visitors. The North Fork of the John Day River is renowned for its **fishing** opportunities, with good reports from past campers. It's one of the most vital rivers in northeast Oregon for the production of anadromous fish, including wild runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Bull trout and redband/rainbow trout also thrive here, and the broader John Day River system offers world-class smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers should be aware that special state fishing regulations apply.
• Scenic Beauty and Photography: The entire area surrounding Lone Pine Campground is characterized by **beautiful scenery**, providing ample opportunities for photography, especially with the dramatic rimrock cliffs and the river itself.
• Proximity to Attractions: The campground's location is a significant feature. It is only about two miles from the main John Day River and just a short distance from the charming **Kimberly Orchards**. These orchards, such as Thomas Orchards, are historical and still operational, offering fresh fruit, dried fruit, jams, and other products, with seasonal U-pick options available. This provides a delightful local experience for campers. Furthermore, Lone Pine Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the three units of the **John Day Fossil Beds National Monument** (Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno), a globally significant site for paleontology and stunning geological formations.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding forests and river corridor are home to diverse wildlife, including mule deer, elk, black bears, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Hiking: While specific trails directly from the campground aren't highlighted, the general area, including the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, offers various hiking opportunities, from short interpretive trails to more challenging adventures.

While Lone Pine Campground offers a more primitive experience, its natural beauty and strategic location make it a highly recommended destination for campers seeking an authentic outdoor retreat. Positive reviews frequently highlight its **cleanliness**, including the well-maintained port-a-potty, and its ideal setting right next to the river. Many campers express a strong desire to return, a testament to its appeal. Given its limited number of campsites, it is advisable to **arrive early**, especially during peak seasons or holidays, as sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Bringing your own potable water is essential, as is preparing to pack out all trash to adhere to Leave-No-Trace principles. For those who appreciate quiet, natural surroundings and direct access to river activities like fishing and floating, Lone Pine Campground is a true hidden gem in northeastern Oregon. It offers a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the John Day River valley and explore the unique geological and agricultural heritage of the Kimberly area.

Lone Pine Campground

Kimberly, OR 97848, USA