Priest Hole Recreation Site

Priest Hole Recreation Site on the John Day Wild and Scenic River offers a convenient boat launch for accessing some of the river's most scenic stretches. Located about 12 miles east of Mitchell, Oregon (off Burnt Ranch Road near the Painted Hills), the site features a functional boat ramp that serves both private boaters and outfitter-led trips throughout the summer. The launch provides easy access to approximately 78,000 acres of public lands that are difficult to reach by other means, making it an excellent base for day floats or multi-day paddling trips on the John Day.

The recreation site is a primitive, first-come, first-served facility with basic amenities suitable for paddlers. Day-use visitors will find picnic tables and two vault toilets, though there is no garbage service—all trash must be packed out. The site includes 14 drive-in campsites and designated walk-in dispersed camping areas for those planning overnight stays (14-day limit, no fees). Be aware that the facility is not easily accessible for people with disabilities, and amenities are minimal. Water conditions can vary seasonally; at lower water levels, alternative launch points may become more practical options.

For trip planning, contact the managing agency at (541) 416-6700. The one-mile section immediately around Priest Hole offers scenic paddling with excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

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...

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. Both roads are semi-improved with minimal pull outs and maintenance. We advise against the use of trailers exceeding 25 feet in length and suggest caution when towing any trailer.There are no fees for camping. A free paper permit found at kiosks is required to float the one mile section of river around Priest Hole.There are two toilets; however there is no potable water, garbage service or cell connectivity.Pets are allowed on a leash or under physical control. Watch for rattlesnakes and please pickup after your pet.Please bring your own firewood. Cutting vegetation, including standing dead vegetation is not allowed.Firearm discharge is prohibited in all developed recreation sites including Priest Hole.HUNTING/FISHING LICENSES ARE REQUIRED. Point of Interest:Priest Hole is a local favorite for fishing and swimming. Stopping here is a natural part of a visit to the Painted Hills, a gateway to the "John Day Country" of eastern Oregon.

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