John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
26 nearby · 25 free and dispersed sites within 25 mi
Photo: NPS Photo / Scott Ritner
1 current alert
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationNo Water Available at the Clarno UnitThere is currently no water available at the Clarno Unit of the park. Please plan accordingly and bring water when visiting.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- Near the park
- 26 campgroundsWithin 25 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 25 sitesWithin 25 mi
Where to camp
Camping near the park 26
- Aerial viewPublic Land
Barnhouse Campground
11 mi · Mitchell, OR
- Public Land
John Day River Basin Developed Campgrounds
13 mi · Spray, OR
About John Day Fossil Beds
Large rhino-like brontotheres roam a semitropical forest. Dog-sized, three-toed horses dart between the trees. The cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stalk their prey. The climate cools and forests alter to dryer grasslands. Saber tooth cats and camels get…
Large rhino-like brontotheres roam a semitropical forest. Dog-sized, three-toed horses dart between the trees. The cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stalk their prey. The climate cools and forests alter to dryer grasslands. Saber tooth cats and camels get replaced by mountain lions and deer. Paleontologists learn more about the ancient animals and environment with every new fossil they discover.
Photos: NPS Photo · NPS photo
Things to do
- Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Bookstore and Park Store
Plan your visit
Getting there
John Day Fossil Beds encompasses 14,000 acres in three geographically separated units in Oregon: Sheep Rock Unit, Painted Hills Unit, and Clarno Unit. The Sheep Rock Unit is located between the towns of Dayville and…
Weather
Weather conditions at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are highly variable in this semi-arid desert landscape. Summer highs can climb into the 110's. Winters tend to be fairly mild, with occassional snow and ice…
Plan your visit
Hours
All outdoor recreation opportunities in the park are open daily, including all overlooks and hiking trails at the park’s three units: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno.
Getting there
John Day Fossil Beds encompasses 14,000 acres in three geographically separated units in Oregon: Sheep Rock Unit, Painted Hills Unit, and Clarno Unit. The Sheep Rock Unit is located between the towns of Dayville and Kimberly. The Painted Hills Unit is located 9 miles northwest of of the town of Mitchell. The Clarno Unit is located on Highway 218 twenty miles west of the town of Fossil.
Weather
Weather conditions at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are highly variable in this semi-arid desert landscape. Summer highs can climb into the 110's. Winters tend to be fairly mild, with occassional snow and ice and lows occasionally dipping into the single digits.
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