Eclipse Boondocking Spots near John Day, OR

[Al F]

Eclipse Boondocking Spots near John Day, OR

Here is a link to a map of Malheur NF showing places the NF Service as suggested for good eclipse viewing locations.

NOTE: there is a fire ban, no charcoal or wood fires.  Also be aware there could be lightning caused forest fires.  Be on the lookout for smoke and if necessary don't delay in leaving if a fire is near by. 

Below are some boondocking locations we have visited. We are boondocking in the area.  Use Google Earth or Google Maps, or any other app which shows satellite views to see details of the areas. 

In Malheur NF, near John Day, OR, actually just a few miles SW of Long Creek, OR there are some boondocking spots we have visited. How long they will be available is anyone’s guess. They were empty as of Saturday morning 8/12/2017. All of these are along or near FR-3955. There is about 8-10 miles of good all weather gravel (dusty) road for access. Directions to the area: From Long Creek, go south on US-395 to MM-104, turn right on FR-3950 go ~6 miles, turn left on FR-741 and go about 2 miles to FR-3955. FR-741 ends at FR-3955. Turn right on FR-3955 and all the sites noted below are west of FR-741 along FR-3955.

First-- the NF has identified what they call an SUV accessible site, called FR-250/Rock Pit. GPS: 44.555685 -119.314231. The Verizon signal on my phone was 3G with 2 bars. There is a very large open, fairly level field surrounding the rock pit with room for 20-50 rigs and tents, depending on how close together you park. Just south of the pit there is a level area under the trees with room for 4-5 rigs. It was empty as of Friday morning 8/11/2017 I would imagine this place will be packed with people come Sunday & Monday 8/20 & 8/21.

Also along FR-3955 east of the Rock Pit are a few fairly level open spaces along the road, also a couple of small fields that are level. These are not established camping areas, and I doubt the NF wants people to make new camping areas, but then again this is the eclipse, and disbursed camping is allowed, soooo make your own decision.

Additionally between the Rock Pit and FR-741 there are two hunters camps:

1.  is at the junction of FR-741 and FR-3955. GPS: 44.544533 -119.26461 Weak Verizon 3G with 1 bar. Room for 2-4 rigs, but it is not very level. Under trees so you will have to drive a little ways, ¼ mile or so to view the eclipse.
2. is along FR-3955 at GPS: 44.55015 -119.30157. Verizon is 3G with 2 bars. This spot is fairly level with room for 3-5 rigs. It is under trees, so again you will have to walk or drive to see the eclipse.

Lastly, if you don’t mind driving on a narrow forest road, wide enough for an RV, but some bushes may brush the sides of your RV, there is a really nice large hunters camp under large ponderosa pine trees. Room for 3 RV’s under the trees and room for many more in the sunny field. Directions: go about ½ mile west of the Rock Pit on FR-3955, FR-719 goes south (left) about ¾ mile to GPS: 44.554185 -119.336455.