CLYDE HOLLIDAY STATE RECREATION SITE
Think of Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site as an oasis. Its tall, willowy cottonwood trees provide shade and serenity. Each campsite is clothed with a variety of trees and other plants to give you that private, secluded feeling. The park borders the beautiful John Day River and is surrounded on all sides by some of Oregon's most pristine wilderness areas. You're as likely to have wildlife neighbors as human ones: the majestic Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer are frequent visitors. You can experience the thrill of seeing steelhead rush upriver to spawn. The park lies in the shadow of the Strawberry Mountain Range just a short drive away.
Located in the city of John Day, Oregon, this recreational area was established as a state park in 1953. The site is named after Clyde Holliday who served on the State Highway Commission and played an instrumental role in developing parks throughout Oregon.
The land for the recreation site was donated by Grant County with assistance from local civic organizations. It covers approximately nine acres along U.S Route 26 near Mt Vernon and offers visitors access to fishing spots at nearby rivers such as South Fork John Day River.
In its early years, it primarily functioned as a roadside picnic spot but has since evolved into one of Eastern Oregon's most popular camping destinations due to its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife including deer that often roam freely within sight of campers.
Over time facilities have been added or improved upon; today there are tent sites available alongside RV hookups complete with electricity supply while amenities include restrooms equipped with hot showers plus drinking water sources spread across various points around the campground.
1. Tent Camping: Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site offers spacious tent camping sites with picnic tables and fire pits.
2. RV Camping: The park has full-hookup RV campsites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length, complete with electricity, water supply, sewer services and a central dump station.
3. Yurt Rentals: For those who prefer glamping (glamorous camping), the site also provides yurts for rent which are equipped with basic furniture like beds or bunk-beds along with heating facilities.
4. Group Campsites: There is an option of group campsite reservations as well where larger groups can stay together on one large plot of land within the recreation area.
5. Cabins: Some state parks have small cabins available for rental too but it's best to check directly if this facility is provided at Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site.
6. Hiker/Biker Camps: These are special areas set aside specifically for people traveling by foot or bicycle without vehicle support.
All these options come equipped with access to restrooms/showers and easy accessibility to recreational activities such as fishing spots, hiking trails etc.
The park offers a variety of boating options. It is located near the John Day River, providing ample opportunities for water activities such as canoeing and kayaking. However, there are no boat ramps within the site itself; visitors will need to use nearby public or private facilities to launch their boats into the river.
Enjoy fishing in a scenic river setting, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. A valid Oregon angling license is required.