Prineville Reservoir State Park provides limited options for visitors with horses near Mitchell, Oregon. The main campground features multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, cabins, and glamping yurts, though no dedicated horse corrals are available on the property. The campground maintains clean facilities with showers, toilets, and drinking water, while the park's layout offers some areas suitable for temporary horse containment near campsites. Many campers report enjoying the multi-use aspect of the park with ample space for various recreational activities.
Jefferson County Fairgrounds RV Park offers potential horse camping options during events only, located in Madras approximately 70 miles from Mitchell. This facility features large gravel parking areas suitable for horse trailers, electric hookups, and water access points that serve both RVs and horse needs. The fairgrounds provides access to nearby riding opportunities with relatively flat terrain suitable for horses of various experience levels. Camping is available exclusively during scheduled fairground events, requiring advance planning for equestrians seeking overnight accommodations with their horses.
"Near the painted hills of Oregon! Not much to it, but there are restrooms with running water. Caught a ride from here to the hills for sunset. Mitchell is a nice little town in central Oregon."
"This small four site RV “Park” located in a public park in the town of Mitchell, Oregon is perfect if wanting to visit John Day National Monument."
$24 - $106 / night
"This is another Oregon state park gem... best to visit offseason if you are not a boater, jet skier or love motor noise. I go every spring and get a spot overlooking the lake/reservoir. "
"It's a very popular Oregon State Park and I'm sure summer requires advance planning. The weekend we were there was pretty full and our site was at the top of the B loop. "
"Camp host was nice, easy access to sites. Showers/bathrooms clean but dated."
"Rght next to Fair-when it is in town!"
RangerNear the painted hills of Oregon! Not much to it, but there are restrooms with running water. Caught a ride from here to the hills for sunset.
Mitchell is a nice little town in central Oregon.
GuideNot sure what some people are complaining about. This small four site RV “Park” located in a public park in the town of Mitchell, Oregon is perfect if wanting to visit John Day National Monument. Very close to the painted hills and the road to Fossil. For only $25 with electric and water, it's a steal, especially after boon-docking for a few days. Close to a small store that carries a lot of stuff. Plus the Tiger Town Brewing—all any camper needs. Right ? Would definitely stay here again.
RangerFirst come first serve spot in Mitchell. Grocery store, cafe and brewery within walking distance. Nice lay over spot with easy access to the painted hills. Sites are close and tight getting into the spot with a trailer….but doable. Friday night of July 4th weekend we were the only ones in the campground. We would stay again if passing through here.
LegendFlush toilets (across the street), water, swing sets and plushy grass for your tent, all for $10. They even have an RV area (more of a parking lot) with water and electric hookups. If you're in the John Day area and all the other campgrounds and booked, this is a decent place to spend a few hours and sleep. There's absolutely no privacy since you're right on the road, but at least it's a bit of a drop down to the grass. You can tell the town is trying, and there's some funky/fun play structures scattered about, though you feel kind of like you're camping in someone's front yard. Mitchell Oregon has some restaurants and antique stores that looked fun but they were all closed by the time we got there. At a minimum, this is a good place to stop, stretch your legs, use the restroom and play a bit, and okay if you need a place to sleep before heading somewhere else and the state park up the road is booked.
Pros: Cheap ($10), decent facilities (watered grass, covered eating area).
Cons: Bathroom across the dusty road. Right in the middle of town/wide open area.
RangerI had planned on staying at the Mitchell City Park until I read the other review about this location. It gave me HUGE pause. I'm glad I found the review because when I did check it out there's no way I would have stayed there. It's basically a dirt parking lot with tight, side by side slots. There's power and water, but the water was off as someone had backed over the piping. The other reviewer was also right about the bathroom. It's right across the street and in constant use. If you want a place to camp around The Painted Hills Unit, stay at Ochoco NF park. It's still close and way, way nicer.
TravelerThis is another Oregon state park gem... best to visit offseason if you are not a boater, jet skier or love motor noise. I go every spring and get a spot overlooking the lake/reservoir. Ice and firewood available. Hot showers and nice bathrooms. This time of year I sleep in my car and so having full bathroom facilities is nice. A great horned owl visited the tree next to my site at 1:00 am and hooted away. Very nice. This is also a dark sky park and if the moon is not bright the stars are amazing. There is a hike you can take along the shore of the reservoir - 4 miles out and back. Great geology as well.
LegendWe were able to score a couple of nights here in Early May. It's a very popular Oregon State Park and I'm sure summer requires advance planning. The weekend we were there was pretty full and our site was at the top of the B loop. Monday, however, the park cleared out to much fewer campers. The lake was actually mostly full and the views were beautiful. Some of the amenities were boating, of course, lake views from some sites, a nice dog park along with the normal state park fare. We'll definitely make another trip!
GuideThis was less of a campsite and more of a place to stay. Youre next to the only public bathrooms between Bend and John Day so prep to stay up all night as trucks roll in and out. Very few food options or grocery stores so come prepared. Right on a road. Close to painted hills, but I'd still try to find better camping.
GuideThis popular lakeside campsite is perfect for your water-based adventures. The reservoir is really pretty and has great fishing. Some of the campsites have really nice shade, while others have stunning views over the lake. The cabins are super nice and reasonably priced too.
Prineville Reservoir State Park combines water recreation with diverse overnight accommodations approximately 70 miles from Mitchell, Oregon. The reservoir sits at 3,234 feet elevation within the high desert landscape characterized by juniper trees and basalt formations. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while nights cool significantly, creating distinct camping conditions between seasons.
Stargazing sessions: Prineville Reservoir is designated as a dark sky park where astronomical viewing thrives when the moon isn't bright. "This is also a dark sky park and if the moon is not bright the stars are amazing," notes Amy B. about Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Shoreline hiking: Explore the reservoir's edge on foot through established trails showcasing the region's geological features. "There is a hike you can take along the shore of the reservoir - 4 miles out and back. Great geology as well," reports Amy B., highlighting accessible day activities beyond water sports.
Educational programming: Park rangers conduct regular nature talks and demonstrations during peak season. "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!" says Rayne C. about the structured learning opportunities.
Family-friendly swimming areas: The designated swim zones provide safe recreation spaces with clear boundaries. "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. at Jefferson County Fairgrounds RV Park.
Fish cleaning facilities: Anglers appreciate the purpose-built stations for processing their catch. "They have the best fishing dock and cleaning station that I have yet to see. We had great luck catching many crappie here which made great fish tacos for our Camp dinner," shares Kelly N.
Seasonal variations: Spring visitors experience different advantages compared to peak summer crowds. "This is another Oregon state park gem... best to visit offseason if you are not a boater, jet skier or love motor noise. I go every spring and get a spot overlooking the lake/reservoir," recommends Amy B.
Navigation challenges: Standard GPS directions may lead to incorrect routes in this rural area. "Make sure to look at a map before headed out because GPS will take you on a dirt road adventure to your campsite," warns Kelly N. from Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Tent placement options: Fairground camping provides flexibility for non-RV setups. "Bike touring thru and they have some shade for your tent, grass, nice showers, about all u need passing thru. Tent spot $15 and just set up wherever in the grass, nice grass," reports John about the camping areas.
Horse accommodation limitations: While equestrian camping options exist near Mitchell, most facilities lack dedicated horse corrals. During events at Jefferson County Fairgrounds, riders must create temporary containment or use trailer ties for horses, with advance reservations required.
Utilize grassy recreation spaces: Open areas provide play zones away from campsites. "Large grassy areas, big roped off swimming hole it can get blazing hot a few stickers so wear river shoes for swimming or at least getting there," advises Ashley B. about Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Consider alternative accommodations: Cabins provide comfort for families seeking more amenities. "One of The nicest glamping trips I have had! The cabins were amazing and the tent sites looked great too. Stay in the cabins on the hill above the lake! Seriously!" recommends Travis H.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: High desert conditions mean significant day-to-night temperature changes requiring layered clothing systems and appropriate sleeping gear for children.
Utilities access: RV sites offer standard hookups with gravel parking pads. "Nice clean place to park RV or camper. Has all the amenities," confirms Sarah W. about the setup at the fairgrounds.
Seasonal availability: Not all sites remain open year-round, requiring advance planning. "Not all cabins and tent sites are open year round. The rangers were great and very helpful," notes Kelly N. about seasonal closures affecting reservation options.
Parking configuration differences: Site exposure varies between facilities. "RV folks on gravel in the sun," notes John, highlighting the contrast between tent and RV parking areas at Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mitchell, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mitchell, OR is Mitchell City Park with a 2.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mitchell, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Mitchell, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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