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Gold Dredge Campground

This is a peaceful campground set in an open Ponderosa pine stand along the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River.  Gold Dredge features 7 campsties and 1 accessible vault toilet.  There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home. 

Attractions in this area include photography, swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing.  Water levels are low in mid to late summer, which can impede use of boats.  The campground provides good access for big game hunting. In addition, the Oriental Trailhead is about 6 miles west, providing access to both OHV and wilderness trails. 

Current Conditions
Campground fees will be charged through November 15. The campground is not maintained but is still available throughout the winter. Access will be snowmobiles only once the road is inaccessible due to snow. Please call the North Fork John Day Ranger District for more information.

General Information

Late May

The campground is closed only by snow.  However, it is only maintained seasonally from Memorial Day until mid-November.  Since it is one of the lowest elevation campgrounds, it is earliest (and latest) to be free of snow.

  • Single site: $8/night (extra $5 fee per vehicle exceeding the two-vehicle-per-site allowance.)  
  • Group site: Site 6 is $25/night (no extra vehicle charge)
   

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 45.00185475

Longitude: -118.8179663

Directions

From Ukiah, Oregon travel west 1 mile to the Hwy 395 junction.  Turn left (south) on Hwy 395 and go about 15 miles, and then turn left (east) onto Forest Road 55.  Drive 7.7 miles east along the N. Fork John Day River to Gold Dredge Campground.

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

All sites

Last updated February 19th, 2025