Lone Tree Campground

Hello, fellow Oregonians! Are you searching for a unique outdoor adventure that truly allows you to disconnect and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of our state's high desert landscape? Look no further than Lone Tree Campground, a celebrated part of the magnificent Cottonwood Canyon State Park. This campground offers a distinctive blend of primitive camping with thoughtful amenities, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the John Day River and towering canyon walls.

Lone Tree Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to one of Oregon's newest and most spectacular state parks. It’s a destination where the "canyon is steep and unique," and the "John Day River running right through it" provides endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Whether you're an avid angler, a keen hiker or biker, or simply seeking a serene spot to escape the hustle and bustle, Lone Tree offers an experience that is both rugged and remarkably comfortable.

For us locals, discovering places that offer a genuine sense of wildness while still providing essential facilities is highly valued. Lone Tree Campground perfectly balances this, providing spacious sites, well-maintained restrooms, and thoughtful touches like windbreaks, which are particularly appreciated in this often-breezy canyon. This article is crafted for you, the local Oregon user, to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Lone Tree Campground such an appealing choice for your next adventure. We’ll delve into its location and accessibility, shed light on the services it offers, highlight its unique features, and provide essential contact information. Get ready to explore why this desert oasis is perfectly suited for your next memorable Oregon outing.

Location and Accessibility

Lone Tree Campground is located within Cottonwood Canyon State Park, with a general address of Oregon 97823, USA. More specifically, it's situated at 99989 Highway 206, Wasco, OR, 97065. This places it in north-central Oregon, along the John Day River, east of The Dalles and west of Fossil.

Access to Cottonwood Canyon State Park and Lone Tree Campground is generally straightforward via Highway 206. While it offers a feeling of being "almost off grid" and provides an opportunity to "truly unplug" due to a lack of cell service at the campground itself, it is still relatively accessible for most vehicles.

The drive to the park takes you through classic Oregon high desert scenery, characterized by rolling hills, sagebrush, and dramatic geological formations. While the canyon can be "very windy" at times, the park has taken this into consideration, providing features to mitigate the wind's impact. Campers should be aware that during peak season, reservations are highly recommended, though first-come, first-served sites are available from November through March. Online same-day reservations are also possible until 11:59 PM, offering convenience, but a ranger might be needed for in-person cash/check payments if arriving without a reservation due to limited cell reception.

Services Offered

• 21 Primitive Campsites: Lone Tree Campground offers 21 primitive sites, suitable for both tents and self-contained RVs. These sites are reservable from April to October and become first-come, first-served from November to March.
• Walk-in Tent Sites: There are also 14 walk-in tent sites, which are first-come, first-served year-round. These have nearby parking, designated tent pads, shared fire rings, and central shade shelters.
• Group Tent Camp: A group tent camp is available, accommodating up to 25 people and up to 3 self-contained RVs.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite (both drive-in and walk-in) is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing for campfires (always check for fire bans, which are common in this dry area during certain seasons).
• Windbreaks: A highly appreciated feature, many campsites, particularly tent sites, are provided with "wooden windbreaks" to help manage the canyon's breezy conditions. Some covered picnic tables also offer protection.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available from centrally located spigots in the campground loop and at the developed day-use area, accessible year-round. RVers can connect with a hose to fill their tanks.
• Vault Toilets: Two vault toilets serve the campground area, described as "well-maintained facilities" and "exceptionally clean" in reviews.
• Flush Toilets and Showers (nearby): ADA-accessible flush toilets and hot showers are available year-round near the cabins, which are a short walk from the campground. These are noted as being "very clean facilities for bathrooms and showers" and "free showers" by campers.
• No Hook-ups: Lone Tree Campground does not have electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at individual sites. RVs must be self-contained. The closest dump station is about 30 minutes away (e.g., Maryhill State Park in Washington or The Dalles, Oregon).
• Solar Charging Stations: A modern convenience, "solar charging stations all over the park" are available for charging essential devices, a significant benefit given the lack of cell service.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is often ready for sale on-site, making it easy to enjoy a campfire.
• Dog-Friendly: The campground is pet-friendly, including a fenced dog area (about an acre) and readily available doggie poo bags.

Features / Highlights

• John Day River Access: The campground sits directly on the John Day River, providing "perfect" opportunities for fishing, swimming, and floating. The river is "beautiful and flush full of fish and crayfish!"
• Stunning Canyon Views: Campers are surrounded by "incredible views of the rising chisel of canyon walls" and the "scents of sage and juniper," offering a truly immersive high desert experience.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a "treasure trove of hiking and biking trails," with routes for various skill levels. Reviewers note "plenty of trails for hiking and biking" both within and around the campground, including the scenic Pinnacles Trail and Lost Corral Trail. Loaner bikes and bike workstations are also available.
• Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including "rattlesnakes and cougars" (though campers advise leaving them alone), deer, ducks, Canada geese, red-winged blackbirds, swallows, butterflies, and lizards. Golden eagles also soar above the hills.
• Excellent Stargazing: With minimal light pollution in this remote canyon, the night sky is "stunning" and "beautiful," offering fantastic opportunities for stargazing.
• Unplug and Disconnect: The lack of cell service at the campground is a major highlight for those truly wanting to "unplug" and disconnect from daily digital life.
• "Desert Oasis" Feel: Many visitors describe Cottonwood Canyon State Park, and by extension, Lone Tree Campground, as a "lovely desert oasis," providing a refreshing and peaceful natural retreat.
• Historic Elements: The presence of an "old barn" from a former cattle ranch adds a touch of history and character to the campground's setting.
• Seasonal Appeal: While summers can be hot, some reviewers recommend it as a "perfect during the winter" camping destination with "clear skies and beautiful sunny weather" and cold nights.

Contact Information

Address: Lone Tree Campground, Cottonwood Canyon State Park, 99989 Highway 206, Wasco, OR 97065, USA

For inquiries regarding Lone Tree Campground and Cottonwood Canyon State Park, you can contact the park office.

Park Office Phone: (541) 394-0002 or (541) 739-2322 x0

For reservations (April-October), visit ReserveAmerica.com.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For us Oregonians, Lone Tree Campground in Cottonwood Canyon State Park stands out as an exceptional destination that truly embodies the diverse landscapes and outdoor opportunities our state offers. It's a place where you can experience the rugged beauty of the high desert canyon and the vibrant life of the John Day River, all within a well-managed and thoughtfully equipped state park.

The unique appeal lies in its "primitive" yet comfortable camping experience. While there are no individual site hook-ups, the provision of clean vault and flush toilets, hot showers, and centrally located potable water makes for a very manageable stay. Crucially, the "wooden windbreaks" at each site demonstrate the park's foresight in enhancing comfort in a sometimes-breezy environment, a detail highly appreciated by local campers. The availability of "solar charging stations" further bridges the gap between primitive and practical.

Beyond the amenities, the recreational opportunities are immense. The John Day River itself is a constant draw for "fishing, swimming, floating." The extensive network of "hiking and biking trails" caters to all levels, inviting exploration of the canyon's stunning vistas and unique ecosystem. For those craving a true digital detox, the lack of cell service is a significant "highlight," allowing for genuine "unplugging" and a deeper connection with nature and fellow campers.

Whether you're seeking a family-friendly spot with a fenced dog area, an angler's paradise, a hiker's haven, or simply a "quiet, serene oasis" to stargaze under "amazing" night skies, Lone Tree Campground delivers. It's a testament to Oregon's commitment to preserving wild spaces while making them accessible for unforgettable local adventures, making it a perfect spot for your next natural escape.

Lone Tree Campground

Oregon 97823, USA