Painted Hills
Mitchell, OR
Rounded hills banded red, gold and black in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Short trails start from the overlook; colours are strongest after rain and in low light; entry is free.
- Nearest town
- Mitchell, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.6502, -120.2673
- Editor's pick
- ★
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. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ochoco Divide CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Painted Hills · 22 pitchesDrinking water
- Walton Lake CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Painted HillsTentsCaravans
- Allen Creek Horse CampCampsite18 mi from Painted HillsFree
- Shelton Wayside CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Painted HillsTentsCaravans
- Bear Hollow CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Painted HillsTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Deep Creek CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Painted HillsTentsCaravansDrinking water
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Painted Hills?
Painted Hills is in Mitchell, OR, at GPS 44.6502, -120.2673. It is about 37 mi from Prineville.
Can you camp near Painted Hills?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Burnt Ranch Road Primitive Camping, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Painted Hills?
Painted Hills is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Smith Rock, the Painted Hills and John Day Fossil Beds.
What is there to see near Painted Hills?
Places worth a stop nearby: Thomas Condon Paleontology Center (31 mi), Blue Basin (32 mi), Smith Rock State Park (47 mi) and Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site (67 mi).
When is the best time to visit Painted Hills?
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)