Camping at Pine Creek Conservation Area
Camping is available at Pine Creek Conservation Area at Robinson Campground. This primitive campground is maintained by Pine Creek staff for tent, car, or RV camping. To reserve a site, recreationists must utilize the online reservation system at wslands.org. Robinson campground is located 9.5 miles east of the John Day River Bridge (Clarno) and 10 miles west of Fossil. The gated entrance is just across the highway from the East Kiosk, within sight of Mile Marker 33. Pit toilets are available but potable water is not, and campers are advised to bring their own water. The Campground is behind a locked gate, and only those with a reservation will be provided with vehicular access to the campground (it is still open to foot traffic.) Tribal staff are continually working to improve the campground by adding amenities such as picnic tables, fire pans and signage.
Primitive backcountry camping (backpacking or horse-packing) is authorized at no cost. Camps must be located at least one mile from the highway and county roads. Camps should also be out of sight of the administrative road-trail system on the property. Campers must practice “Leave No Trace” ethics, and all personal items – including trash – must be packed out. All visitors, camping or not, must register upon entering and leaving the property by filling out the visitor registration cards at the kiosks or by using the online Daily Access Permit form.
Rattlesnake Cabin, pictured on the right, is planned for rental to individuals or groups sometime in the future. It is located 14 miles into the backcountry from the Campground.