John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla

P.O. Box 823
Rufus, OR 97050

John Day Dam is 216 miles upstream from the mouth of the Columbia River and located at Exit 109 off Interstate 84 in Oregon. The project consists of a navigation lock, spillway, smolt monitoring facility, powerhouse and fish-passage facilities on both shores. Many recreation opportunities are available along the shores of Lake Umatilla and on the John Day River, such as boating, fishing, swimming and sail boarding.

Directions

From The Dalles, 25 miles east on I-84.

Reviews

John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla campground remains a clean, well-maintained, and peaceful spot with spacious RV sites and friendly staff. It offers convenient access from I-84, fishing, boating, and natural river views. Improvements to bathroom cleanliness and availability have been noted, although the tent area restroom facilities require attention due to overcrowding. Windy and hot conditions persist, typical for the season. Amenities like a visitor center and fish elevator enhance the experience.

Clean and well-maintained grounds and facilities

Friendly and helpful camp hosts

Spacious, paved pull-through sites with river views

Easy access from I-84 and proximity to town amenities

Visitor center and fish elevator on site

Overcrowded and unsanitary bathroom facilities in tent area

Windy and hot weather conditions

Limited shade

Noise disturbances from nearby highways and trains

Limited cell service and occasional infrastructure aging

748 reviews

5 stars

372

4 stars

209

3 stars

106

2 stars

1 stars

Ronald E

Campground:Lepage Park

Loop:Lpar

Site:

Reviewed 4 days ago

Easy access from I-84. Windy and hot, but to be expected in late July. No issues with campsite or staff

MARK S

Campground:Lepage Park

Loop:Lpar

Site:

Reviewed 4 days ago

Although it was extremely windy, all else was well exept for the obvious and disgusting bathroom availability for the over 150 people camped in the tent area. one bathroom with only two toilets and the urinals closed down. They were disgusting inside. Porta potties would be an easy fix to relieve the pressure of usage given the number of campers.

Mick H

Campground:Plymouth Park

Loop:Ppar

Site:

Reviewed 5 days ago

Very nice place host great bathrooms clean. The town is close has a small grocery store. I would suggest stopping before you get there. The dam has a fish elevator and a visitor center.

DeeDee C

Campground:Plymouth Park

Loop:Ppar

Site:

Reviewed 5 days ago

Awesome RV PARK

Cliff W

Campground:Plymouth Park

Loop:Ppar

Site:

Reviewed 6 days ago

Always clean. Camp host friendly and helpful.