Free Guide to Northwest Camping
Mule Shoe Recreation Area
Campground Description: The Mule Shoe campground is a small part if the Mule Shoe Recreation Area. Mule Shoe was built in cooperation with the Bureau Of Land Management, the State of Oregon and Wheeler County. It is operated by the Bureau of Land Management. The Mule Creek Campground is very primitive. This RV camping and tent camping site is situated along the John Day River just a few miles upstream from the start of the John Day Scenic Waterway. The primary attractions in the area include fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking and sightseeing. This area of Oregon is predominately made up of basalt rock and cliffs, juniper trees, sage and occasionally a Tamarack or Lodge Pole Pine tree. Fishing licenses and limited shopping is available in Spray, 11 miles east on Highway 19. Reservations are not possible. Open Year round.
Number of Sites: Six for RVs or tents and 3 walk-in for tents. The RV sites will accommodate almost any length RV.
Electricity: No
Water: No
Sewer: No
Cost: $5.00 per night with a 14 day limit
Waste Water Dump Station: No
Directions: From Prineville, Oregon - Follow Highway 26 east for approximately 46 miles to the town of Mitchell. At Mitchell, turn north onto Highway 207 and follow for approximately 25 miles to the intersection of Highways 207 and 19. At the intersection, turn west (right) and follow for approximately 2 miles. Mule Shoe is located on the south side of the highway between mileposts 80 and 81. From John Day, Oregon - Follow Highway 26 westbound for approximately 37 miles to the junction of Highways 26 and 19. Turn north (right) onto highway 19 and follow for approximately 42 miles (through Spray) to the entrance to Mule Shoe Campground. Mule Shoe is located on the south side of the highway between mileposts 80 and 81.
Fishing: Some of the best in Oregon! Fish for small mouth bass, trout, and seasonally, fish for Steelhead! Ask in Spray at the general store for bait, lures and knowledgeable information. A boat launch is available in Mule Shoe as well as additional areas between Mule Shoe and Spray. Check the Oregon State fishing rules and regulations - this portion of the John Day does not normally allow motorized boats.
Astronomy Opportunities: Absolutely terrific! The nearest source of light pollution is over one hundred miles away. While the skies are somewhat obstructed to the south due to the surrounding terrain, the east and west views are basically clear. The exact location for computerized telescopes is 119.96745° W, 44.80707° N
Nearby Golfing: Nothing nearby
Contact Information:
Bureau of Land Management
Prineville District Office
P. O. Box 550 - 3050 NE Third
Prineville, OR 97754 541-416-6700 Bureau of Land Management
