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Macks Canyon Campground
Public Campground

Macks Canyon Campground

Rufus, Oregon
4.7 (20 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Macks Canyon Campground

Campground in Oregon.

Nestled in the rugged beauty of central Oregon, Macks Canyon Campground offers a genuine escape into the heart of the Pacific Northwest's dramatic landscape. This intimate public campground with just 17 sites provides the perfect balance between accessibility and solitude, allowing visitors to experience Oregon's natural wonders without the overwhelming crowds of larger facilities.

The campground's location places you in prime territory for exploring some of Oregon's most spectacular scenery. The John Day River, known for its stunning canyon walls and excellent recreational opportunities, is the focal point of this region. The river carves through layers of colorful geology, creating dramatic vistas that change character throughout the day as sunlight plays across the ancient rock formations. Whether you're drawn to the area for fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the views, the river provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Central Oregon is a region of remarkable contrasts. You'll find yourself surrounded by high desert terrain dotted with juniper and sagebrush, with distant views of volcanic peaks and ridges. The area experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique beauty and recreational possibilities. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing water from snowmelt. Summer offers warm days perfect for river activities and hiking. Fall transforms the landscape with golden light and cooler temperatures ideal for exploration. Even winter has its appeal for those seeking solitude and dramatic storm clouds rolling across the canyons.

The region surrounding Macks Canyon appeals to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers will appreciate the John Day River's reputation for steelhead and other fish species. Hikers and nature photographers find endless subjects in the canyon walls and surrounding high desert. Boaters and paddlers enjoy the river's gentle to moderate sections. Those seeking peaceful solitude and a connection to nature will find the campground's intimate setting and relatively quiet location perfect for reflection and relaxation.

The small size of this campground means you'll experience a more personal camping atmosphere. With only 17 sites, you're unlikely to encounter the noise and congestion associated with larger facilities, making this an excellent choice for families, couples, and solo travelers who value a quieter, more authentic camping experience. The genuine four-point-seven star rating from past visitors speaks to the quality of the experience and the thoughtful management of this special location.
17

Total Sites

4.7

Rating

20

Reviews

Park Details

Total Sites 17

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Rufus is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Oregon weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Rufus.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Rufus. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Macks Canyon Campground Reviews

Sign in to Review
G
Jay - Corp Overlanding

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Jay - Corp Overlanding

Located at the end of a BLM access road, this campground was located in a beautiful area and was well maintained. There You do have to pay and there are machines that accept card, so that was nice. I went with my two dogs and was the only one there. Plenty of river access as well. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the loud train that pass by ever once in a while. Open sky so... Located at the end of a BLM access road, this campground was located in a beautiful area and was well maintained. There You do have to pay and there are machines that accept card, so that was nice. I went with my two dogs and was the only one there. Plenty of river access as well. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the loud train that pass by ever once in a while. Open sky so no issues using my starlink.

G
James Dundas

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by James Dundas

Well maintained campground deep in the Deschutes valley. It has trail access and a convenient card reader, plus despite the long gravel drive through the canyon to get there, it's an easy weekend trip from Portland

G
James Dundas

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by James Dundas

Well maintained campground deep in the Deschutes valley. It has trail access and a convenient card reader, plus despite the long gravel drive through the canyon to get there, it's an easy weekend trip from Portland

G
Gage Hallen

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Gage Hallen

Macks Canyon is a great place to have a good time with your family and friends! You can go river rafting, fishing, camping or just picnic for the day. This is also a good place for rail fans to watch. Please be aware to bring all your necessary supplies and food it can be long drive down to the campground!

G
Gage Hallen

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Gage Hallen

Macks Canyon is a great place to have a good time with your family and friends! You can go river rafting, fishing, camping or just picnic for the day. This is also a good place for rail fans to watch. Please be aware to bring all your necessary supplies and food it can be long drive down to the campground!

G
SoloFemaleAdventurer

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by SoloFemaleAdventurer

Great Rec area and campground, visited Monday 10/25/21, to hike a nearby trail. Prices are still accurate as to what others have posted below. In addition Golden Age Passport holders get half price camping (excluding group sites), group site weekends are $35/night and extra vehicles are $2/each. Clear skies 41 low, low wind and sunny morning. Scenic campsite views. Check out is 2pm. Everything is... Great Rec area and campground, visited Monday 10/25/21, to hike a nearby trail. Prices are still accurate as to what others have posted below. In addition Golden Age Passport holders get half price camping (excluding group sites), group site weekends are $35/night and extra vehicles are $2/each. Clear skies 41 low, low wind and sunny morning. Scenic campsite views. Check out is 2pm. Everything is self service. Multiple trash bins on site. Max of 8 people per single site and 16 per group site. Camp sites include a picnic table and fire rings, although currently fires are banned. 20+ campsites, no one there when I toured it, but at 12am when I arrived at the nearby TH, I believe there were several campers down there. Most of the reservation tickets are old, so make sure to check if the site is actually reserved. Hunting is allowed in the area so please use caution at these times. There are two concrete handicap slab parking spaces in the boat launch area and one concrete slab handicap camp site close to the boat launch bathrooms. 4 vaulted toilets on site. Two boat ramps, one fully paved, one partially paved. Huge trailer parking area (over 20 spaces), basic car parking area of about 10+. Gnats out and about at the campground and swarming my face. There is an information kiosk in the middle of the rec site and the self service fee area is at the beginning of the campground. Road in is in awesome shape, mostly gravel with some small potholes and falling rock from the cliffs above,steep sections are paved, average speed 20 to 30mph.

G
SoloFemaleAdventurer

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by SoloFemaleAdventurer

Great Rec area and campground, visited Monday 10/25/21, to hike a nearby trail. Prices are still accurate as to what others have posted below. In addition Golden Age Passport holders get half price camping (excluding group sites), group site weekends are $35/night and extra vehicles are $2/each. Clear skies 41 low, low wind and sunny morning. Scenic campsite views. Check out is 2pm. Everything is... Great Rec area and campground, visited Monday 10/25/21, to hike a nearby trail. Prices are still accurate as to what others have posted below. In addition Golden Age Passport holders get half price camping (excluding group sites), group site weekends are $35/night and extra vehicles are $2/each. Clear skies 41 low, low wind and sunny morning. Scenic campsite views. Check out is 2pm. Everything is self service. Multiple trash bins on site. Max of 8 people per single site and 16 per group site. Camp sites include a picnic table and fire rings, although currently fires are banned. 20+ campsites, no one there when I toured it, but at 12am when I arrived at the nearby TH, I believe there were several campers down there. Most of the reservation tickets are old, so make sure to check if the site is actually reserved. Hunting is allowed in the area so please use caution at these times. There are two concrete handicap slab parking spaces in the boat launch area and one concrete slab handicap camp site close to the boat launch bathrooms. 4 vaulted toilets on site. Two boat ramps, one fully paved, one partially paved. Huge trailer parking area (over 20 spaces), basic car parking area of about 10+. Gnats out and about at the campground and swarming my face. There is an information kiosk in the middle of the rec site and the self service fee area is at the beginning of the campground. Road in is in awesome shape, mostly gravel with some small potholes and falling rock from the cliffs above,steep sections are paved, average speed 20 to 30mph.

G
SoloFemaleAdventurer

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by SoloFemaleAdventurer

Great Rec area and campground, visited Monday 10/25/21, to hike a nearby trail. Prices are still accurate as to what others have posted below. In addition Golden Age Passport holders get half price camping (excluding group sites), group site weekends are $35/night and extra vehicles are $2/each. Clear skies 41 low, low wind and sunny morning. Scenic campsite views. Check out is 2pm. Everything is... Great Rec area and campground, visited Monday 10/25/21, to hike a nearby trail. Prices are still accurate as to what others have posted below. In addition Golden Age Passport holders get half price camping (excluding group sites), group site weekends are $35/night and extra vehicles are $2/each. Clear skies 41 low, low wind and sunny morning. Scenic campsite views. Check out is 2pm. Everything is self service. Multiple trash bins on site. Max of 8 people per single site and 16 per group site. Camp sites include a picnic table and fire rings, although currently fires are banned. 20+ campsites, no one there when I toured it, but at 12am when I arrived at the nearby TH, I believe there were several campers down there. Most of the reservation tickets are old, so make sure to check if the site is actually reserved. Hunting is allowed in the area so please use caution at these times. There are two concrete handicap slab parking spaces in the boat launch area and one concrete slab handicap camp site close to the boat launch bathrooms. 4 vaulted toilets on site. Two boat ramps, one fully paved, one partially paved. Huge trailer parking area (over 20 spaces), basic car parking area of about 10+. Gnats out and about at the campground and swarming my face. There is an information kiosk in the middle of the rec site and the self service fee area is at the beginning of the campground. Road in is in awesome shape, mostly gravel with some small potholes and falling rock from the cliffs above,steep sections are paved, average speed 20 to 30mph.

G
Randall Biggs-Shaw

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Randall Biggs-Shaw

This was a lovely little camp sight. Although not for the faint of heart. 45 minute drive down a gravel road to reach out. The heat ( in the dessert so you know it would be hot) the bugs at night. But I would absolutely love to go again! Also an historic sight. Really neat history in the area probably older than you would think. It does have tables at every sight and it's reasonably priced. $12 o... This was a lovely little camp sight. Although not for the faint of heart. 45 minute drive down a gravel road to reach out. The heat ( in the dessert so you know it would be hot) the bugs at night. But I would absolutely love to go again! Also an historic sight. Really neat history in the area probably older than you would think. It does have tables at every sight and it's reasonably priced. $12 on the weekends (Fri Sat) and $8 on the weekdays (sun-thurs) And your standard issue camp bathrooms. There is no running water so you would have to bring plenty of it. The closest store is an hour or more away.

G
Randall Biggs-Shaw

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Randall Biggs-Shaw

This was a lovely little camp sight. Although not for the faint of heart. 45 minute drive down a gravel road to reach out. The heat ( in the dessert so you know it would be hot) the bugs at night. But I would absolutely love to go again! Also an historic sight. Really neat history in the area probably older than you would think. It does have tables at every sight and it's reasonably priced. $12 o... This was a lovely little camp sight. Although not for the faint of heart. 45 minute drive down a gravel road to reach out. The heat ( in the dessert so you know it would be hot) the bugs at night. But I would absolutely love to go again! Also an historic sight. Really neat history in the area probably older than you would think. It does have tables at every sight and it's reasonably priced. $12 on the weekends (Fri Sat) and $8 on the weekdays (sun-thurs) And your standard issue camp bathrooms. There is no running water so you would have to bring plenty of it. The closest store is an hour or more away.

G
Randall Biggs-Shaw

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Randall Biggs-Shaw

This was a lovely little camp sight. Although not for the faint of heart. 45 minute drive down a gravel road to reach out. The heat ( in the dessert so you know it would be hot) the bugs at night. But I would absolutely love to go again! Also an historic sight. Really neat history in the area probably older than you would think. It does have tables at every sight and it's reasonably priced. $12 o... This was a lovely little camp sight. Although not for the faint of heart. 45 minute drive down a gravel road to reach out. The heat ( in the dessert so you know it would be hot) the bugs at night. But I would absolutely love to go again! Also an historic sight. Really neat history in the area probably older than you would think. It does have tables at every sight and it's reasonably priced. $12 on the weekends (Fri Sat) and $8 on the weekdays (sun-thurs) And your standard issue camp bathrooms. There is no running water so you would have to bring plenty of it. The closest store is an hour or more away.

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