Lower Burnt Ranch

The dog was almost bitten by the largest Northern Pacific Rattlesnake I've ever seen., Lost a tire coming down the final steep decline into the camping area, entry step to our travel trailer was damaged as well. I suppose if you had a beater RV, you didn't mind dinging up, or flat proof kevlar armored tires this would be OK. The problem is this site is just not worth it in my opinion. With the numerous rattlesnakes, don't think I would even tent. The final road down to the camping area is one lane with no way to turn around, if an RV was to be coming up the same time you're going down someone going to be backing out a long way
Other than that it is a fine site, have a snake bit kit and a rapid exit plan, enjoy. This review is my opinion based on towing down a heavy 30-foot travel trailer, a Van Camper would be ideal for this location. Just be aware of the issues I've raised have your dog trained in rattlesnake avoidance as well as yourself. Rattlesnakes don't seek to harm but have a dangerous defense mechanism, large rattlesnake was encountered, close to the river in the tall brush, If my wife or dog had the bad luck to take that path to the river... bad news. The second was a much smaller one at 11 pm

Lower Burnt Ranch (BLM) is one mile further along the road from “Burnt Ranch (BLM)”. The road in is down hill and dirt. The camping area is relatively flat and close to the John Day river (see pictures). Any size RV could fit in this dispersed camping area – if you can brave the road in. A few hundred feet beyond the camping area is the boat launch. The river was quite high from spring run off and launching even a small boat would be a challenge. Boat launching requires a permit (fee). There is a vault toilet about ½ way between the camping area and the boat launch. Free for up to 14 day stay. No cell reception.