Priest Hole contains 14 drive-in campsites with fire rings and picnic tables including one group site. An area in the northwest corner of the recreation site is designated for walk-in dispersed camping without fire rings or picnic tables. There are also day use areas with picnic tables and two restrooms. Access to the John Day Wild and Scenic River includes a boat launch and walk-in day use. No potable water or garbage services area available. Please help take care of this beautiful resource by using the restroom facilities, packing out garbage including organics such as fruit peelings and nutshells, and only driving along open roads and camping in designated campsites. The John Day River bans campfires annually from June 1 through October 15. When campfires are allowed they must be contained in the provided campsite fire rings. If having a campfire in the dispersed walk-in camping area, you must contain the fire in a raised fire pan and pack out all ashes. Know Before You Go The site is open year-round but the rough road to the site can make access difficult in winter or wet weather. Two roads access the Priest Hole Recreation Area.
Source: rec_gov · last verified 2026-05-19