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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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USA Parks
Oregon
Central & Eastern Region
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site
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Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site © Only in Oregon / CC BY 2.0
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site © Only in Oregon / CC BY 2.0
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site © Only in Oregon / CC BY 2.0
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site © Only in Oregon / CC BY 2.0
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CLYDE HOLLIDAY STATE RECREATION SITE
CLYDE HOLLIDAY STATE RECREATION SITE
Mount Vernon, Oregon   97865
(lat:44.4161 lon:-119.0888) map location

Phone: 800-551-6949
Reservations: 541-932-4453
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.
History of the Area
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.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
CampingPrimitiveyes
Camping
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.
Boating
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.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a scenic river setting, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. A valid Oregon angling license is required.


Location
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site is

Picnicking
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site offers picnic tables, barbecue grills and a covered pavilion for picnicking. It's surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Trails
1. Riverfront Trail: This is a short, easy trail that runs along the John Day River and offers beautiful views of the waterway.

2. Interpretive Nature Trail: A self-guided nature walk with informational signs about local flora and fauna; it's an educational experience for both kids and adults.

3. Birdwatching Path: An ideal path for bird lovers as this area hosts numerous species throughout different seasons.

4. Picnic Area Loop: A leisurely walking loop around picnic areas offering scenic spots to rest or have lunch amidst greenery.

5. Riverside Fishing Access Trails: These trails provide access points to river banks where visitors can enjoy fishing activities in designated zones.

6. Campground Paths: Several small paths crisscross through camping sites providing campers quick routes towards amenities like washrooms, playgrounds etc within campground vicinity.

7. Wildflower Walkways: During spring season these pathways are adorned by blooming wildflowers making them visually appealing walks.

8. Paved Bike Route: Though not strictly hiking,this paved route allows cyclists & hikers alike to explore park's periphery while enjoying panoramic vistas of surrounding landscape.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 5 very clean park, by D Lines
park review stars; one to five We stayed here on our way to Wallowa State park. Had a few bugs, but not too bad,, even got to see a fountain, actually it was a broken water pipe, fixed in a very short time,just for sprinklers, Most of the sites were easy to get into, of course some were harder, but that is to be expected. will stay again if over that way.
September 23 great great quiet park. by D. Humphreys
park review stars; one to five My brother sister and I stayed for 3 days 2 nights and I would have to say it was the Quiet park I have ever stayed in. The camp host was real great and freindly. They also have showers, firewood, ice. clyed holiday has great walking trails for everyone and nice lil fishing holes right of the trails. I give them 5 stars and will be comeing back year after year.
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Directions
1. Start by getting on I:84 E/US-30 E from SW 6th Ave and SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
2. Continue driving east on I:84 for approximately 200 miles until you reach Exit 147 toward Mt Vernon/John Day.
3. Take Exit 147 onto US:26 W towards John Day/Mt Vernon and continue for about 20 miles.
4. Turn right onto OR:402 N/Main St in Mount Vernon and drive north for around half a mile before turning left to stay on OR-402 N/Westside Rd/N Main St (signs for Prairie City).
5. Follow this road as it turns into Bridge Street/Old West Scenic Bikeway/OR Hwy No19 S/S Canyon Boulevard through downtown John Day.
6. Continue southbound along South Canyon Boulevard/OR Hwy No19 S/Canyon Creek Road/East Fork Road/Ritter Hot Springs Road/Bates Highway/Hwy no7S/Tollgate/Prairie City:John day highway.
for approximately another hour or so.

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Oregon
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Oregon State Parks

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