Six miles up a gravel road off U.S. Hwy 20 near Juntura in eastern Oregon is Chukar Park Campground on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land along the North Fork Malheur River. Popular with hunters, fishers.
“Situated throughout most of Oregon, BLM campgrounds are typically located along rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs offering a variety of recreation opportunities. Able to accommodate both tent camping and small to medium recreation vehicles (no RV hookups),” states the BLM website.
Chuker Park is located in the high desert at 3,080-feet elevation. Numerous cottonwood and evergreens provide lots of shade.
The North Fork Malheur River runs along one side of the campground and varies in volume depending on how much water is released from the dam.
Open all year, $5/night/vehicle. Each of the 18 camp sites has a picnic table and grill. Drinking water is available from May-October. Vault Toilets. Pets allowed on leash. RV limit 28 feet.
(Remember with ‘American the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass’ camping is 50-percent off stated fees–or $2.50 at Chuker Park.)
Directions: From US Hwy 20 at Juntura in eastern Oregon go north for 6 miles on a well-maintained graveled Beulah Reservoir Road to the campground on left.
— Photos and text: Julianne G. Crane