Starr Campground ~ Malheur National Forest

Flickr album link: Starr Campground

The Starr Campground is located on Highway 395 just a short drive south of John Day, Oregon and the majestic national monument fossil beds that go by the same name are only about one hour away. Going an equal distance south on this highway from the campground will take visitors to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great place to be during the migration seasons. In between these two destination is the Malheur National Forest, which covers a mountainous region where all sorts of outdoor adventures abound. The Starr Campground definitely is an advantageous spot for setting up a basecamp in a central location and with the highway right next door, it is easy to access points of interest for many miles around.

Not everybody favors roadside campgrounds, but there actually is not a lot of traffic on Highway 395 during daytime hours. Very few vehicles are seen on this road at night, simply because there is no nightlife to be found and the chances of colliding with with large wild animals in the pitch black dark are relatively high. The locals tend to take to the roads by day for this reason, which in turn guarantees some peace and quiet when slumbering under the stars at night.

The Starr Campground is nestled in a deep pine forest high up in the mountains, which is as cozy as can be during the summer season. This campground is divided into two sections and one is located a greater distance from the roadside where solitude can be found. The campground features chargrills, fire pits, cleared vehicle pads and basic sanitation facilities. No water is available onsite, so stocking up heavy is advisable to do.

​The Starr Campground is the gateway to the picturesque Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, which beckons to be explored. Just like the name of the wilderness suggests, this is a prime time spot for seasonal wild berry picking. There are several unique hiking trails heading into the deep pine woods and mountain meadows, where a wide variety of wildlife can be seen. The Starr Campground is also a great place to be during the spring wildflower season, so be sure to keep this cozy spot in mind when touring this end of the Malheur National Forest!
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