High Desert
river Camping
adventure
Experience Oregon's John Day River
Enjoy the high desert landscape and meandering water along Oregon's longest free-flowing river.
Looking for an outdoor family adventure that will build memories to share for the rest of your life? Or a group activity or corporate retreat that offers beautiful high desert scenery, rafting, smallmouth bass fishing, kayaking, hiking, and camping combined with excellent gourmet food? How about a chance to get away to rest and refocus on a women's only retreat? Or an angler's trip built entirely around catching as many smallmouth bass as possible? Whatever your flavor, we have the perfect trip for you.
Come join us and drift the peaceful waters of the John Day River corridor. This river offers Class I-II whitewater, perfect for scenic rafting and kayaking. You can wet a line in search of the many smallmouth bass in the river and we can teach you to kayak in our easy to master, sit-on-top kayaks.
Start the summer off right with the fresh air, sunshine, and wildlife of the high desert. You'll make special memories camping along the shore under the stars, far from city lights. Spend your time at camp playing games, eating great food, getting to know your fellow adventurers, or just finally finishing that book.
This trip operates on the traditional territory of the ancestral lands of the Tenino, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and the Numu (Northern Paiute).
WHEN
May-July
Trip Length
3-8 days
WHO
Age 3+
Women's only trips open to age 13+ and those who identify as female
WHERE
John Day River near Mitchell, OR.
Nearest airport is Bend/Redmond (RDM)
Lodging
Camping in tents along the river shore. All equipment provided.
RIVER RATING
Mellow: Class I-II rapids
ALL TRIPS INCLUDE
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Experienced guides
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Transportation to and from the Redmond/Bend Airport (if needed).
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We can arrange pre-trip hotel accommodations in Redmond or Prineville the night before the trip (if needed). We also offer the option of meeting at the river the night before the trip begins to get an early start on your trip.
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Three delicious meals a day, prepared by our excellent camp chef. Great desserts and snacks too!
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All camping equipment: tents (2 people per tent unless otherwise arranged), sleeping pads, sleeping cots, dry bags, fishing equipment, solar showers, camp toilet etc.
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All boating and safety equipment, including life jackets and satellite phone.
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30-50+ bass per day depending on the amount of dedicated fishing time (catch and release). Oregon fishing license required.
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We can also arrange post-trip hotel accommodations in Redmond or Prineville the last night of the trip if you are catching a flight out the next day.
YOU BRING
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Personal clothes and toiletries.
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Oregon fishing license (if applicable)
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Camera or phone for capturing the memories
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Alcoholic beverages (non-alcoholic beverages will be provided)
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Tips for guides
WHAT TO EXPECT
The John Day River in spring and summer is typically warm and dry. In the event that we do get some precipitation or cold weather, we will still continue with our trip . Please check the weather before your arrival and pack appropriately.
Arrowhead staff will do all the camp and kitchen set up, as well as all the cooking. If you're interested in learning boating, fishing, or camp craft skills, we'd love to teach you anything you want to learn!
Frequently asked questions
Is this a good trip for families with children?
Yes! We recommend this trip for any families with children starting as young as three years old. If you have a child younger than that, give us a call and we'll see if it's a good fit.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! We can accommodate almost all food allergies and dietary restrictions. After you have booked your trip, we'll send you a questionnaire where you can tell us any dietary restrictions you may have based on preference, religion, or allergies.
What should I pack?
Once you have booked your trip we will send you a detailed packing list based on your trip's season and location. Our goal is to provide any specialty river or camping gear you may need, so you don't have to go out and purchase anything new for your trip.
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Swimsuit -
River clothing (quick dry items) -
Camp clothes (warm cozy layers for cool evenings) -
Hiking shoes -
River sandals -
Toiletries -
Sunglasses and hat -
Camera -
Personal medications -
Book or journal
What are you doing to protect against COVID-19?
For information on our current COVID-19 practices, please see our COVID-19 page.
Is it ok if I've never been camping before?
Yes! No experience is necessary for any of our trips.
Are there bathroom and shower facilities?
On the river we use a camp toilet system called a groover, which will be set up near camp. We set up a privacy tent around the toilet and strive to give you the best view possible while you relax and take care of business. Many folks find that using the camp toilet is easier, cleaner, and far more scenic than they expected.
What is the cancellation policy?
For complete cancellation policy info please visit our cancellation policy page.
Will I have internet access and cell phone reception?
In some areas you may get a few bars on your phone, but you should not plan on reliable phone or internet access. In the event of an emergency, we take a satellite phone on all trips.
What are the risks I should be aware of?
On any river expedition, there are inherent risks. We work hard to plan ahead and prepare for incidents that may occur.
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Water safety -
Wildlife -
Sunburn -
Illness
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Wear lifejackets and follow guide instruction while swimming -
Don't touch or approach wildlife, take photos at a distance -
Apply sunscreen early and often -
Wash hands frequently