Priest Hole Recreation Site

Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway, Near Mitchell, Oregon

Priest Hole Recreation Site does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!

Overview

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:

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.