Cabins near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland sit between 3,000 and 4,500 feet elevation in Central Oregon's high desert climate. Summer days reach 85-95°F while nights cool to 40-50°F, making cabin accommodations practical for temperature fluctuations. Winter brings snow at higher elevations, limiting access to some cabin locations between November and March.
What to do
Lake activities: swimming, fishing, boating: At Prineville Reservoir State Park, the marked swimming area provides designated space away from boats. "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," notes Lesa H. The reservoir supports multiple water activities with specialized facilities.
Stargazing: designated dark sky park: Prineville Reservoir offers exceptional night sky viewing away from urban light pollution. Amy B. reports, "This is also a dark sky park and if the moon is not bright the stars are amazing." Optimal viewing occurs during new moon phases when celestial features appear most vibrant.
Educational programs: ranger-led activities: Several campgrounds offer structured learning opportunities about local ecology and wildlife. According to Rayne C. at Prineville Reservoir State Park, "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!" Programs typically run May through September on weekend evenings.
What campers like
Fish cleaning stations: Deschutes River Campground at The Cove Palisades provides well-designed facilities for anglers. Kelly N. observed at Prineville Reservoir, "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."
Solar-powered shower facilities: Hot water and clean facilities rank highly among camper priorities. TJ B. notes about The Cove Palisades, "This campground has one of the nicest restroom facilities yet. Hot solar powered huge shower rooms, kept very clean and nice flush toilets as well."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabin locations provide excellent wildlife observation points. Amy B. from Prineville Reservoir shares, "A great horned owl visited the tree next to my site at 1:00 am and hooted away." Morning and evening hours offer peak wildlife activity periods.
What you should know
Campground access challenges: Some GPS systems direct visitors incorrectly to cabin locations. Kelly N. advises about Prineville Reservoir, "Make sure to look at a map before headed out because GPS will take you on a dirt road adventure to your campsite."
Seasonal operating schedules: Operating dates vary significantly between properties. Deschutes River Campground runs "mid-May to mid-September" according to Patti S., while certain sections of Prineville Reservoir close during winter months. As Kelly N. explains, "Not all cabins and tent sites are open year round."
Tribal fishing permits: Certain lakes require specialized fishing licenses. Josh H. mentions that Lake Simtustus requires tribal fishing licenses, noting during a visit, "Fishing looks like it would be amazing but we visited during the Covid lockdown. They weren't issuing tribal fishing licenses."
Tips for camping with families
Geology exploration opportunities: The region features fascinating geological formations accessible from cabin locations. Amy B. shares about Prineville Reservoir, "There is a hike you can take along the shore of the reservoir - 4 miles out and back. Great geology as well."
Evening children's activities: Lake Simtustus RV Park and other cabin locations offer nighttime programming. BettyAnn A. describes one such event at Redmond-Central Oregon KOA, "The picture is a glo-lite parade they had for the littles Saturday night- very cute."
Kid-friendly water zones: Designated swimming areas provide safer environments for children. Ashley B. reports about Prineville Reservoir, "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."
Tips from RVers
Off-highway noise considerations: Traffic noise affects some cabin locations more than others. At Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort, Amy S. notes, "Very nice, well maintained campground, pond to fish in, mini golf, pool and on site small store. Biggest down fall is that it right next to highway so lots of traffic."
Site accessibility and terrain: Steep access roads present challenges at some locations. Jennifer R. describes The Cove Palisades as having "Steep and curving roads to get there, but a great little campground near the water."
Transport assistance: Some properties provide transportation help for challenging terrain. Paul Y. explains about Lake Simtustus RV Park, "200 foot drop from office to lakeside, but they provide golf carts at no extra charge to go up and down the hill!"
