Location: On the south side HWY 19 between mileposts 80 and 81. Between Service Creek and Spray.
Open: All year round, no reservations.
Spaces: BLM maintained, well developed campsites. 6 for RV’s or tents and 4 walk-in for tents. The RV sites will accommodate almost any length RV.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings. No electricity, water, waste dump station, campfires must be contained in a metal firepan and ashes hauled out with trash, an annual Fire Closure is in effect from June 1 to September 30 (no fires or charcoal are permitted during this time period).
Description: Mule Shoe campground was built in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, the State of Oregon and Wheeler County. The park is operated by the BLM. This RV and tent camping site is situated along the John Day River just a few miles upstream from Service Creek. The primary attractions in the area include fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking and sight seeing. Fishing licenses and limited shopping is available in Spray, 11 miles east on Highway 19.
Recreation: Fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife observation, and some of the best fishing in Oregon! Fish for small mouth bass, and seasonally, fish for Steelhead. A boat launch is available at Mule Shoe as well as additional areas between Mule Shoe and Spray. Check the Oregon State fishing rules and regulations. There are some terrific astronomy opportunities because the nearest source of light pollution is over one hundred miles away. While the skies are somewhat obstructed to the south due to the surrounding terrain, the east and west views are basically clear. The exact location for computerized telescopes is 119.96745° W, 44.80707° N.