Big Bend Campground

Enjoy the scenery and passage of time along the banks of the North Fork of the John Day River. Here, one can contemplate the river away from sights and sounds of civilization except for the occasional passing of vehicles along sleepy State Highway 402. Chukars may be seen and heard along the cliff opposite the campground.

Know Before You Go:

  • Open year-round.
  • Campground has four primitive campsites with picnic tables, firerings and limited shade.
  • All campsites are available on a first come, first served basis; no reservations are available.
  • No drinking water or utility hookups are available.
  • A primitive small craft launch is located on the west side of the campground.
  • No cell phone service here.
  • There is no garbage service here; please pack out your trash.
  • Annual fire closure: June 1 though October 15. During this period of time, building, igniting, maintaining, using, and/or actively attending within 20’, a campfire, charcoal fire, or any other type of open flame is prohibited. This includes portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices. 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.

Photos

Riverside campsite along the North Fork John Day River
Riverside campsite along the North Fork John Day River
BLM
A shady western juniper along the North Fork John Day River.
A shady western juniper along the North Fork John Day River.
Springtime view of Big Bend Campground
Springtime view of Big Bend Campground
Riverside campsite along the North Fork John Day River
Riverside campsite along the North Fork John Day River
BLM
A shady western juniper along the North Fork John Day River.
A shady western juniper along the North Fork John Day River.
Springtime view of Big Bend Campground
Springtime view of Big Bend Campground
Riverside campsite along the North Fork John Day River
Riverside campsite along the North Fork John Day River
BLM
A shady western juniper along the North Fork John Day River.
A shady western juniper along the North Fork John Day River.
Springtime view of Big Bend Campground
Springtime view of Big Bend Campground

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

Campsites have generally hard, flat surfaces but only a few have table extensions to accommodate wheelchairs. The vault toilet is accessible.

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Phone

541-416-6700

Email

BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov

Activities

Iconograph of a tent.
CAMPING
Iconograph of a person swimming
ACCESSIBLE SWIMMING

Addresses

Prineville District Office
3050 NE 3rd St.
Prineville
Oregon
97754

Geographic Coordinates

44.780507, -119.611289

Directions

From Kimberly, Oregon: Drive 2.9 miles north on State Highway 402. The campground is on the right side of the road.

Fees

$5.00 per campsite per night;

$2.50 per site/night for Access and Senior Interagency pass holders;

$2.00 per extra vehicle over one vehicle

Stay Limit

14 days