Camper submitted image from Lower Crooked River - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Lower Crooked River - 2
Official

Dispersed Camping

Lower Crooked River

Lower Crooked River offers a dispersed camping experience near Prineville, Oregon. The terrain consists of riverbanks and rocky outcrops, providing a natural setting for campers. Nearby attractions include the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville Reservoir State Park, where visitors can explore hiking trails and water activities.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Crooked Wild and Scenic River

Along the Chimney Rock segment of Central Oregon's Crooked Wild and Scenic River, Chimney Rock campground offers a relaxing woodland setting amongst Western Juniper trees and beneath massive Columbia River rock formations. Fly-fishing and hiking on the nearby Chimney Rock trail offer day-long recreational fun. Enjoy plenty of easy river access along the adjacent Crooked River Back Country Byway, State Highway 27.

Know Before You Go:

Chimney Rock Campground is open year-round and is equipped with 16 campsites and vault toilets. No reservations are accepted; site is first-come, first-served only. Water is available in the campground and an accessible fishing platform is located near the campground entrance. When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles. Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination.

Point of Interest:

Check out the campground's namesake butte located prominently above highway 27 opposite the campground. Access to the trailhead is across the highway at the Chimney Rock Trailhead. For a different view, visitors can ride the 18-mile Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway from Prineville to Big Bend Campground. Designated in 2018, this moderate route takes riders from picturesque farms to towering cliffs.ADA Access: Fishing platform and vault toilets are accessible.

Fee Info

$8 per night; $2 per extra vehicle (tow vehicles excluded) with a maximum of two vehicles allowed per site.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Lower Crooked River is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Prineville, Oregon: Drive 16.4 miles south on State Highway 27; the campground will be on your right.

Address

Prineville District Office 3050 NE 3rd Street
Prineville, OR 97754

Coordinates

44.13544 N
120.81416 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Features

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add a Feature

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Lower Crooked River needs a permit.


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Hidden treasure

The river isn't the Metolius, but refreshing and fun for a float. So lovely and hot! We escaped the coast for sun and got it. Will def return.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there cell phone reception at Lower Crooked River?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.