mdi-tent Reserve

Clyde Holliday
State Recreation Site

Near John Day, Oregon, United States
mdi-tent Reserve

Park Overview

Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site is an oasis along the sparkling John Day River and a base camp for exploring the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and the region's many historical sites.

The park features a year-round picnic area and a small seasonal campground with two tepees available for rent. The park's tall, willowy cottonwood trees provide shade and serenity. Surrounded on all sides by some of Oregon's most pristine wilderness areas, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the majestic Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer. Fall visitors can experience the thrill of seeing steelhead rush upriver to spawn. A nature trail begins near the tepee parking area and follows the tree-shaded riverbank, leading to a small pond perfect for wildlife viewing. 

Seasonal Camping

Sites feel secluded, thanks to trees and vegetation. Note: Mosquitoes are especially active during May–July.

Campsites and teepees are reservable up to six months in advance. Find reservation link at the top of the page. 

  • 31 electrical sites with water
  • Hiker/biker camp
  • Hot showers and flush toilets
  • Firewood and ice sales
  • RV dump station
  • Horseshoe pits
  • Outdoor amphitheater with summer interpretive programs

Tepee Camping

Clyde Holliday is the only campground with reservable tepees. The two tepees have a wooden bench, space heater and vinyl covered sleeping pads for 8 people.

What's Nearby

Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site preserves the site of a gold rush-era Chinese community center, trading post and herbal apothecary. Rangers give free guided tours of the original building and artifacts inside from May – October; sign up early at the visitor center on site.  

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument protects fossils of extinct mammals, plants and insects that lived 30 million years ago. The Visitor Center and Sheep Rock Unit are about 35 miles west of the park.
 
Other noteworthy historic sites nearby include Sumter Valley Dredge, Frenchglen Hotel and the Pete French Round Barn.
mdi-alert-outline General Advisory
mdi-alert-outline General Advisory
mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-tent Open for camping Mar 1 – Nov 30 mdi-cellphone Call for reservations: 800-452-5687
Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 541-932-4453
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Amenities & Features

History

The land was purchased in 1971 from Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Holliday and by a transfer from the Department of Transportation in 1976.

Brochures and Maps

mdi-file-pdf-box Clyde Holliday campground brochure and map

Photos