Ochoco National Forest encompasses 850,000 acres of diverse terrain in Central Oregon, with elevations ranging from 2,500 to over 7,000 feet at its highest points. The forest features ponderosa pine stands in lower elevations and mixed conifer forests including Douglas fir, western larch, and lodgepole pine at higher elevations. Campgrounds throughout the forest typically remain open from May through October, with some areas accessible year-round depending on snowfall.
What to do
Hiking trails with water access: Mill Creek Wilderness offers multiple trails where campers can enjoy creek access during summer months. At Walton Lake Campground, the lake path provides an easy hiking option. "The lake is little but charming. There is a trail that runs around the lake which is a nice, easy hike," notes Heather W., who visited with her family.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide accessible fishing spots for all skill levels. "We enjoyed kayaking and fishing our days away!" says Halie M. about her anniversary trip to Walton Lake. The area stocks trout in several lakes and ponds throughout the season.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. Campers frequently report seeing deer, especially in early morning and evening hours. "We saw some deer, one of those baby deer in my pictures was running and fell and slid, it was crazy. Then ran to mama to nurse," shares Amanda B. about her stay at Walton Lake.
What campers like
Spaciousness between sites: Deep Creek Campground provides ample space between camping spots. Hollis F. describes it as having "nice space between sites" with "15 spaces" available. The campground layout allows for privacy while still maintaining a community feel.
Quiet camping experiences: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of less-visited areas. At Barnhouse Campground, visitors enjoy seclusion and minimal noise. "We loved staying at this gorgeous campground. It's close to John Day fossil beds and pretty remote. It was the perfect get away!" shares Barbi T.
Night sky viewing: Central Oregon's clear skies and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. "This is also a dark sky park and if the moon is not bright the stars are amazing," writes Amy B. about her experience at Prineville Reservoir State Park.
What you should know
Weather variations: Due to elevation differences, temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night, even during summer months. "Camp ground is high up over 4700 feet so even in the summer it tends to get a little chilly at night but not bad," reports Kevin R. about Ochoco Divide Group Site.
Insect preparation: Different campgrounds have varying insect populations depending on season and location. "Watch out for the bees, they were thick!" warns Amanda B. about her visit to Walton Sno-Park during late summer. Mosquitoes are most active near water sources at dusk.
Cell service limitations: Most forest campsites have limited or no cellular coverage. At Barnhouse Campground, Keltik S. reports: "We have Verizon and had zero cell service both in the campground as well as the surrounding areas, took a good 15 minute drive or more down the highway to get even a bar of service to show up again, so be warned!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Several dog friendly campgrounds in Central Oregon offer safe swimming areas for children. "The swim area is marked and dogs are not allowed in that area so you don't have to worry about dog messes where your kiddos are walking barefoot and swimming," explains Lesa H. about Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds have trails and roads suitable for children's biking. "My boys loved riding their bikes around the campground (which is small enough that you can see them even if they are on the other side of the lake)," shares Heather W. about Walton Lake Campground, noting it's "a good spot for families with kids."
Educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities for children. "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!" says Rayne C. about her experience at Prineville Reservoir State Park, making it ideal for families seeking learning opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions to remote sites: Access roads to some dog friendly Central Oregon campgrounds can present challenges for larger vehicles. For Painted Hills Dispersed camping, Laura M. advises: "There's some rutted parts of the road when you get off the paved road, just watch for that, especially after rains."
Site leveling requirements: Many forest campsites sit on natural, uneven terrain. "Our site had a slight slant so we needed a couple of leveling blocks," notes Andrew S. about Barnhouse Campground. Jeff C. shares similar advice about Ochoco Divide Campground: "needed 3 inch left side lift to level."
Campground loop navigation: RVers should assess campground layouts before committing to a loop. "Easily circled campground once to find a space," mentions Jeff C. about Ochoco Divide, while Cindy S. noted about Barnhouse: "Had no trouble getting our 30 ft Class A in there."
