Thomas Condon Paleontology Center
Dayville, OR
The visitor center of the John Day Fossil Beds, with fossils of ancient horses, camels and sabre-toothed cats and a working lab behind glass. It is on OR-19 in the Sheep Rock Unit; entry is free.
- Nearest town
- Dayville, OR
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 44.5540, -119.6451
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fish House Inn and RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center · 7 pitchesMotorhomes
- Barnhouse CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center
- Lone Pine CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center
- Billy Fields CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center · 2 pitchesFree
- Muleshoe Recreation SiteCampsite24 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center
- Service CreekCampsite24 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology CenterTents
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is in Dayville, OR, at GPS 44.5540, -119.6451. It is about 35 mi from John Day.
Can you camp near Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fish House Inn and RV Park, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Smith Rock, the Painted Hills and John Day Fossil Beds.
What is there to see near Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
Places worth a stop nearby: Blue Basin (3 mi), Painted Hills (31 mi), Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site (35 mi) and Smith Rock State Park (75 mi).
When is the best time to visit Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)