Camping near Central Oregon

Camping near Central Oregon offers a mix of stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and unique campgrounds. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

• Fishing: Head to Prineville Reservoir Campground for great fishing opportunities. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is full, and the fishing is good. I have seen ospreys diving into the lake hunting."
• Hiking: Explore the trails around Ochoco Lake County Park. A visitor shared, "This campground is well-maintained. The bathrooms are clean. The showers are hot and the host was friendly and helpful."
• Wildlife Watching: At BLM John Day River - Priest Hole, you can enjoy the sights of deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "We have deer and squirrels and lizards every day. It was so fun to watch the squirrels play."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery at Painted Hills Dispersed. One review states, "The Painted Hills are so beautiful. The hikes and trails are so well thought out and maintained."
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at Ochoco Lake County Park. A visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms are clean. The showers are hot and the host was friendly and helpful."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness at Palisades Campground. One reviewer said, "It was very quiet. The pit toilet was very clean and serviced daily."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: At Priest Hole Recreation Site, be prepared for a more primitive experience. A camper noted, "There is one bathroom available, but we didn’t use it."
• Road Conditions: Accessing some campgrounds can be tricky. One reviewer at Painted Hills Dispersed warned, "The road to the campground goes through private ranch lands then up into the forest."
• Crowded in Peak Season: Popular spots like Prineville Reservoir Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor mentioned, "It's a very popular Oregon State Park and I'm sure summer requires advance planning."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Ochoco Lake County Park is a great option. One camper said, "Tent sites by the lake's edge. Very Clean bathrooms with code for campers."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A family at Walton Lake enjoyed, "We enjoyed kayaking and fishing our days away!"
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. One camper at Big Bend Campground mentioned, "Great campsite, camping right on the river was beautiful."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Ochoco Divide Group Site noted, "The grounds and facilities are well kept with vault toilets and spigots with running water."
• Be Ready for Generators: Some campgrounds allow generators. One camper at Walton Lake said, "Some of their sites, you can’t actually park at the site, cause they’re on a hill."
• Plan for Water Access: Not all campgrounds have water hookups. A visitor at Palisades Campground mentioned, "The only potable water is at the most southern campground, Big Bend campground."

Camping near Central Oregon, Oregon, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to rugged trails. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground, and you'll have a great time!