Camping at Pine Creek Conservation Area
Camping is allowed and regulated at Pine Creek Conservation Area. The Robinson Campground is maintained by Pine Creek staff for tent, car, or RV camping. Recreationists planning to camp must utilize the online reservation system to reserve a site. It is located south of the highway from the east side kiosk and parking on the Jennies Peak road, about 9.5 miles east of the John Day River Bridge and 10 miles west of Fossil. Robinson Campground is a primitive site. Tribal staff are working to improve roads, sites, features (picnic tables, fire pans, signs) in the coming years. Potable water is not available at the campground, and campers are advised to bring their own water. The Campground is behind a locked gate, and only those with a reservation will get vehicular access to the campground.
Primitive backpacking or horse-packing backcountry camping is authorized at no cost if at least one mile from the highway and county road. Camps should be out of site of the administrative road-trail system on the property. Campers must practice “Leave No Trace” ethics, and all personal items must be packed out, including trash. All visitors, camping or not, must register upon entering and leaving the property by filling out the cards at the kiosks on the property or by using the Daily Access Permit form.
Rattlesnake Cabin, pictured on the left, is planned for rental to individuals or groups sometime in 2023. It is located 14 miles in the backcountry from the Campground.