Best Dispersed Camping near Central Oregon
Dispersed campers throughout Central Oregon need to follow specific rules to keep these free sites accessible. Prineville Reservoir's surrounding public lands provide basic camping with no facilities - you won't find water sources or bathrooms, so come prepared. The standard Leave No Trace practices apply strictly here, with campsites required to be at least 200 feet from water and roads. BLM land in the area has a 14-day limit within any 28-day period, so you can't stay indefinitely. Many of the dirt roads leading to good spots get pretty rough, making higher clearance vehicles necessary in most areas. Fire bans frequently take effect during dry months, so always check current restrictions before planning to have a campfire. Since there's no garbage collection, you'll need to haul out everything you bring in. These more remote spots give you much more space between neighbors than developed campgrounds. Before heading out, it's worth calling the local ranger district to confirm which forest roads are open and what current regulations apply to your specific area.
