Drift Fence Campground
Drift Fence Campground is situated along the paved Blue Mountain Scenic Byway and is traditionally a hunting camp. This is a small, rustic site and the short access road is in poor condiiton. The campground features 6 campsties and 2 vault toilets. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack all garbage out and dispose of it at home. The surrounding area offers hunting, wildlife and wildflower viewing opportunities, and photography. Fishing is available at several nearby stocked ponds including Twin Ponds where the annual Fishing Derby is held.
More like this: first-come in Oregon · free in Oregon · tent only in Oregon
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Fees | No fee. |
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | Late May |
| Forest | Umatilla National Forest |
| Booking | Not reservable |
| Fees | No fee. |
Weather by month
Getting there
| Coordinates | 45.0716° N, 118.8764° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedBirdtrack 621 Broadcast Rx
32 mi from the campground · 377 acres
- WildfireMccully
34 mi from the campground · 13,604 acres · 91% contained
- PrescribedBird Track 610/607A Rx
35 mi from the campground · 141 acres
- WildfireNorth Cayuse
46 mi from the campground · 4,887 acres · 97% contained
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Explore
Video
🏕️ Portable Fence for Any Space! 100ft Plastic Fence with Posts | Pet, Garden & Campin
Worth a stop
- 14.2 miBattle Creek Trailhead ↗Trailhead
- 14.6 miBasin Trailhead ↗Trailhead
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Umatilla National Forest.
- inUmatilla National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,498,100 acres
- 12.5 miNorth Fork John Day Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 120,694 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
Guidebooks for Oregon
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Drift Fence Campground?
No. Drift Fence Campground is first-come, first-served. Not reservable Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: Forest Service
How much does it cost to camp at Drift Fence Campground?
Nothing. Drift Fence Campground is listed as free. No fee.
Source: Forest Service
Is Drift Fence Campground open right now?
Open as of Oct 16, 2026. Season Late May.
Source: Forest Service status
Can I bring an RV to Drift Fence Campground?
Drift Fence Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Forest Service
What if Drift Fence Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Driftwood Campground (3.8 mi, first-come), Gold Dredge Campground (5.6 mi, first-come), and Tollbridge Campground (5.9 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby