Camping across Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland ranges from basic sites to more developed campgrounds. Skull Hollow Campground has minimal facilities but sits close to good hiking trails where you can stretch your legs. Smith Rock State Park Campground draws many climbers who come for the tall rock walls, though it fills up fast in summer months. Watch for deer and birds around your camp, and keep food locked up so animals don't come looking for a free meal. Some camping areas have regular bathrooms and drinking water, while others are pretty bare-bones with just a fire ring and flat spot for your tent. Fire bans happen often in dry months, so check current rules before planning to have a campfire. You'll need reservations for Smith Rock, particularly from May through September when it gets busy. Remember you can't stay longer than two weeks at any one site in the area. Many campers find spring and fall much more pleasant here—fewer people and not too hot or cold. The camping in this part of Oregon works well whether you want quiet time or outdoor activities.
$10 - $25 / night
"A downside is the proximity to the highway and the resulting noise."
"Tiny little campsite with spots right next to each other. 10 walk up tent sites, most are right along the water. Everyone is so close together you get to know your neighbors pretty well."
$50 / night
"An easy 30 minute drive from Oregon's Painted Hills, the Ochoco Divide campground is a great home base for exploring the area."
"If you're staying here it's for it's location. It's right on the edge of Ochoco national Forest and is about thirty minutes from the Painted Hills."
$25 - $125 / night
"We showed up on the 4th of July and got the last walk up site! Pros: the drinking water is amazing and is run on a solar pump!"
"Walton lake is just gorgeous. The only thing I don’t like is that some of their sites, you can’t actually park at the site, cause they’re on a hill. BUT it’s the perfect place to recharge."
$26 - $152 / 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. "
$15 - $30 / night
"There are a lot of trails nearby! Hiking, Bike and atv trails. There is also access to the "road" that leads to the top of Grey Butte."
"Great spot to camp with a quick drive to Smith Rock. We had fun hiking many of the trails within the area. Several TH right next to campground. Very quiet and peaceful campground."
$7 - $20 / night
"Trail access to Steins Pillar and a Twin Pillars. (We didn’t take either one, unfortunately.) We’d definitely return next time we pass through central Oregon."
"It’s $15 a night, they offer firewood, $5 day use fee if you wanna hike the two pillars trail. There are 17 good sized campsites, drinking water and 4 vault toilets."
$7 - $15 / night
"It sits right on the edge of the Wildcat wilderness area, a beautiful and rugged piece of nature."
"Enjoyed cooling off in the small creek that runs through the edge of campground."
"Plenty of trails for any hiking/walking level. Great spot for photography, meditation, exploring solo or with company."
"It's no wonder it's one of the seven wonders of Oregon. It's a quick drive from Bend, and to see the Wallowa burn aftermath is humbling."
"We did see many trucks and 4wd vehicles drive into the woods, but not other big campers. Great little spot for the night or even a few nights. Peaceful and beautiful and lots of paths to walk along."
$8 / night
"Day 4 - Pacific North Quest (South Sister) This classic Eastern Oregon gem is located just north of Bend on the Crooked River."
"Smith Rock always surprises me- here you are, driving through the farmlands of Central Oregon and BAM. There is Smith, rising out of the ground."
GuideNumerous,Easy parking,and level spots to park camp trailer. Short drive into Painted Hills fossil monument to view at sunset. Some cattle around and a handful of other campers.
LegendGeneral: Large state park with two campgrounds. This review focuses on the Deschutes River Campground. Three sections: A and C have electrical hookups, and B is the tent campground. We stayed in B.
Site Quality: Paved camper pads of varying length, although not all could accommodate very large rigs (it is a tent campground after all), but our 18’ campervan had no problem. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Ample water spigots and gray water disposal bins are located throughout the campground.
Bath/Shower: The lower B loop has one bathroom with four stalls and two sinks (with soap and paper towels) and a larger bath/shower house. Did not use the shower, but it looked to be more than adequate.
Activities/Amenities: We chose this campground because of access to the Tam-a-lau Trail. This moderately difficult trail climbs 600’ in about a mile, but the views are spectacular. Boating and fishing are popular, and there is a small swimming area (although the geese were in abundance here). Other amenities include: a playground, a pet exercise area, a nice program area, an extensive recycling bin, a fish cleaning hut, ice, and firewood for sale. The campground map indicates there is a laundry facility in the C Loop, but I did not explore this.
Even on a weekend in June, the B loop was not full, so we enjoyed a quiet stay (unless you consider the birds)!
RangerGreat place to rest up and resupply. This RV Park offers full hookups, restrooms, showers, dumpsters and a dog park. It's centrally located close to everything. The spots are gravel and level. Each with a picnic table and small grill. The Host is very friendly and helpful. I would stay here again. I'm a Full time RV'er pulling a 20' travel trailer
ScoutStayed two weeks in this location and enjoyed it. This forested area is surrounded by upscale homes with horses. Very enjoyable location. Went to Sisters for services.
TravelerQuiet place in the giant Ponderosa pines up on the mountain. Great view from the entrance looking out on the valley. No complaints!
ScoutGreat option near sisters. Plenty of sites to pick from. I stayed there on a week night so weekends may be more crowded. A couple sites seem to have long term residents on it, but that’s maybe 5 out of 100 plus sites (not an accurate count, just an observation) since it’s a massive area. Multiple ways to get into the area. So roads can get confusing if you go to deep.
ScoutI stayed here for two nights towards the end of June. Nice spot near the power lines. Unsure how many total spots there are but the half circle I was in could fit 2-3 cars if grouped together. Very windy at times. But level ground. Access was off the highway and required higher clearance due to ruts in the road.
GuideThis is a pretty nice place to stop if you can get away from the electrical pylons with their incessant buzzing and crackling. I followed another reviewer’s advice and pulled off from Highway 26. The road in is pretty heavily ruttted, but I was able to drive my RWD 3500 van off to the side enough to get to a turn off, and find a spot far enough away that I didn’t hear the powerlines. Walking around, there is definitely a lot of trash, and what looks like glass from a broken car window, which is a little nerve-racking, I saw one other truck, not too far away, but they left early in the morning, so I had the place to myself. It was somewhat overcast, so I didn’t get the best sunrise or sunset, but it was still a very pretty place to stay.
GuideI came here for an event and it was quite nice having full hookups for the long weekend
Dispersed camping options abound in the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, with elevations ranging from 2,500 to 7,200 feet creating varied camping experiences. Many sites sit beneath ponderosa pines, with summer daytime temperatures often exceeding 85°F while nights cool to the 40s even in July. Seasonal road conditions affect accessibility, with higher elevation forest roads typically open from late May through October.
Hiking at Steins Pillar: Access trails directly from Wildcat Campground & Day Use Area, where campers find multiple hiking options. "Wild cat sits right on the edge of the Wildcat wilderness area, a beautiful and rugged piece of nature," notes Christopher C. The campground offers access to Twin Pillars Trail with "miles of hiking with TH right at the campground," according to Ann W.
Fishing for trout: The 15-mile drive to Ochoco Lake County Park rewards anglers with productive waters. Christopher C. describes it as "one of my most favorite places to visit. It has opportunity for hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and slower boating." Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with Brad E. noting, "Lake is pretty when full."
Rock climbing: The world-famous climbing routes at Smith Rock State Park Campground draw climbers year-round. Kristin G. mentions "The hiking is fantastic and the climbing is world-renown." The walk-in campground setup creates "a nice outdoorsy kind of communal vibe but it's still private, depends on where you pitch your tent," says Makena B.
Solitude in spring and fall: Late season camping in the Ochoco National Forest provides better chances for isolation. At Ochoco Lake, Mike W. advises it's "Better in Off Season. This is located just out of Prineville and can get a lot of local traffic in the summer months." October and early May typically offer fewer crowds and moderate temperatures.
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote nature of camping in this area creates exceptional night viewing opportunities. At Prineville Reservoir Main Campground, Ashley B. notes it offers "beautiful full sky view for star gazing." Amy B. adds it's "a dark sky park and if the moon is not bright the stars are amazing."
Forest camping without reservation stress: First-come sites provide flexibility for last-minute trips. Kevin R. describes Ochoco Divide Group Site as "very clean and the vault toilets well looked after and not stinky!" Karla B. adds it has "nice campground host. Lots of area between campsites. Fire pits, picnic tables. Paved campground road, graded gravel sites."
Limited water access at dispersed sites: Many camping areas in Ochoco National Forest require self-sufficiency. Lisa H. notes at Ochoco Divide, "there is no water available, so you need to bring all you need." At Smith Rock, the amenities are minimal but include "real bathrooms with running water, charging stations, showers, and a sink for dishes," according to Katie L.
High elevation temperature swings: Pack for both warm days and cold nights, especially at higher elevations. Jeff C. reports Ochoco Divide sits at "Altitude: 4730 ft" with "Days sunny low 80's nights upper 50's." Kevin R. adds, "Camp ground is high up over 4700 feet so even in the summer it tends to get a little chilly at night."
Dust and wind challenges: Open sites can become dusty and windy. At Skull Hollow Campground, Patrick D. warns "The sites can be effected by wind and most certainly the sun." Matt T. shares that temperatures can get "quit cold at night, around freezing when I was there despite being in the 70's during the day."
Quiet water activities: Look for calm waters suited to beginners. Ochoco Lake offers "easy access to the water" according to Lyneine C., while Abby F. notes "10 walk up tent sites, most are right along the water" providing convenient shore access for children.
Well-maintained bathroom facilities: Family camping goes smoother with clean facilities. At Painted Hills Dispersed, campers appreciate the basic amenities near natural attractions. Laura M. advises "No amenities here, please pack out your trash and human and dog waste," making it important to prepare accordingly.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience for children. Ann W. at Wildcat Campground mentions "A very friendly deer kept visiting us during our stay," while Amanda B. describes the "deer, one of those baby deer in my pictures was running and fell and slid, it was crazy. Then ran to mama to nurse."
Generator restrictions: Plan for power limitations at many campgrounds. Mark W. at Ochoco Lake notes "Since there are no RV services be prepared to hear some generators running occasionally. Quiet hours 10PM-7AM. Water is available but may not be close enough for a hose to your RV."
Level site availability: Some campgrounds offer better options for larger vehicles. At Prineville Reservoir, Kelly N. notes they have "boat access and cabins" along with hookup sites, though she warns to "look at a map before headed out because Gps will take you on a dirt road adventure to your campsite." Jeff C. adds that at Ochoco Divide their "28 ft travel trailer easily fit with room to spare. Easily circled campground once to find a space."
Access road conditions: Road quality varies significantly throughout the forest. Laura M. found at dispersed sites "the roads were too pot holed and rough for us in our 26ft class c" but notes "Great little spot for the night or even a few nights. Peaceful and beautiful and lots of paths to walk along. Easy access from the main road too."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near Ochoco Reservoir?
Ochoco Lake County Park is the primary camping option directly adjacent to Ochoco Reservoir. This campground offers boat-in and drive-in access with reservable sites, potable water, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly, making it suitable for various camping styles. For those seeking alternative options in the vicinity, Prineville Reservoir Main Campground is located nearby and provides similar amenities with the addition of a beautiful lake setting. The reservoir area is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming during summer months. Most sites at Ochoco Lake County Park are reservable, but some may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The camping season typically runs from late spring through early fall, weather permitting.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Ochoco National Forest?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Ochoco National Forest, providing a peaceful alternative to developed campgrounds. Crooked River National Grasslands Dispersed Camping offers open grounds away from everything, with decent stargazing opportunities. These sites are accessible via dirt roads, and having a vehicle with some clearance is helpful when conditions are muddy. Another option is Little Hay Creek Rd Dispersed, which is big-rig friendly. When dispersed camping in Ochoco, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 200 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when possible, and pack out all trash. The standard stay limit is 14 days within a 30-day period.
Where are the best campgrounds in Ochoco National Forest?
Ochoco National Forest offers several excellent campgrounds for visitors. Walton Lake is a standout option with boat-in and drive-in access, featuring reservable sites, potable water, and toilet facilities. The campground is also big-rig friendly, making it ideal for RVers. Another excellent choice is Ochoco Divide Group Site, which provides a spacious area for larger camping parties. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Wildcat Campground offers a day-use area and camping facilities surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest. Most campgrounds in Ochoco National Forest are open seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, depending on weather conditions and elevation.
Keep Exploring
