1 campground with availability this weekend
Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland offer limited options for equestrian camping based on available data. Horse campers will find the most flexibility through dispersed sites, as none of the established campgrounds in the dataset explicitly mention horse-specific amenities such as corrals or dedicated equestrian campsites. While Prineville Reservoir State Park provides camping facilities with full hookups, drinking water, showers, and toilets, the reservoir offers multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. The campground receives positive reviews for its clean facilities and scenic views, with the reservoir serving as the main attraction when water levels are sufficient.
Trails near these campgrounds connect to the broader Ochoco National Forest trail system, though specific bridle trails are not detailed in the source data. Dispersed camping options exist in the area, including Sisters Rodeo Dispersed Camping and sites along Forest Road 4606, which may provide more flexibility for those traveling with horses. These free dispersed sites typically offer fewer amenities but allow camping with larger rigs and pets. Visitors should note that fire restrictions vary seasonally, and campers must pack out all waste as these areas have no trash facilities. Horse campers should come prepared with their own water and feed, as these sites lack dedicated equestrian facilities. The area offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution and provides access to central Oregon's extensive trail networks.
"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. "
Available this weekend
from $24 - $152 / night
"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."
"I’m learning the ropes of truck life while working full time, so the proximity to Bend is a big plus."
"Easily accessible, close to town, spread out, and has cell service (Verizon)."
"Rght next to Fair-when it is in town!"
"Camp host was nice, easy access to sites. Showers/bathrooms clean but dated."
"There is an on site pool and outdoor gathering place, a general store, propane vending, a dog walking path and large property behind the park to take pets with a reminder to clean up and pack it out."
"From the put-put golf course near the check-in, to the store and the lovely lake, this is a great place for kids as well as adults."
from $43 - $78 / night
"Located a short walk from Steelhead Falls. Very quiet at night. Many trail and lots of signs of wildlife."
"A lot of horse trailers come into the dispersed camping area to park and ride their horses, and I've seen a lot of larger bog rig horse trailers parked at the camp sites near the front."
"We really like this spot because you can walk into town but far enough outside that it has a lot of privacy. The PRT trail system is close by, Three Creeks and the 3 Sister."
"This location is within a few miles of Sisters which is very touristy. Coniferous forest road, dry, high elevation. Near bike trails, horse trails and hiking."
Traveler14 days per stay, 28 days per year, I picked up maps for Deschutes National Forest at the office in Bend. This location is within a few miles of Sisters which is very touristy. Coniferous forest road, dry, high elevation. Near bike trails, horse trails and hiking.
ScoutLots of sites to park. There are long term campers. Spoke to a few who worked in Sisters & could walk/ride bikes to work. As it got later, rain started & ground worried me. At about same time, people were driving by honking horns, yelling. It’s across from businesses/ homes & appears campers are unwanted. I get it but rents are freaking crazy & as I said, people WORKED for a living. Their areas weren’t nasty. There’s stores, laundry, gas nearby. I gave it a low score because I’m a single F in a SUV & felt uncomfortable. I also didn’t want to get stuck in wet sand. I’m sure males would be fine. I continued on to Bend.
LegendSpent two nights here in space B5. Even though the campground said there was a slight slope to the space I found it almost unnoticeable. The reservoir was very very low. Nice walking along the shore. Showers were very clean. Kind of the only downside was about the last three or 4 miles into the park was very winding and narrow with a 25 mile an hour speed limit because of the sharp turns.
GuideWhen we got there the place was nice. Unfortunatley, there was some major fires going around the area and we got some smoke the next 3 days. But, of course, that was not the campgrounds fault. It was too bad so we did do some biking, swimming and bar B Qing. The campground was full and clean. They say you can get 2 bars of signal on your phone, but no one there seemed to be getting any signal. I had a Star Link so that wasn't a problem for me.
All the sites seemed to have electricity, but not all had a dump. The camp host was friendly and helped me find where to dump the Motorhome. It was about 1.5 mi away at the upper level of the campground called Jasper Point. Steep and winding paved road that was fine for my 30' MH.
GuideGreat campground. Good hiking and swimming. Some of the RV spots have sewer, but in case you are not at one the Jasper point campground has two RV dumps 2 miles down the road. No cell service but check in has WiFi or if you just drive back up main road you will get cell service.
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
GuideI came here for an event and it was quite nice having full hookups for the long weekend
GuideBeautiful setting, lots of mature trees, clean bathrooms. However, the shower isn’t individual private stalls but rather like stalls in a public toilet.
If you are here to do activities (disc golf, fishing) the high price tag might be justified. But for just stopping through - $60, for small sites didn’t feel worth it.
TravelerLocated a short walk from Steelhead Falls. Very quiet at night. Many trail and lots of signs of wildlife.
Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland span approximately 850,000 acres in central Oregon, with elevations ranging from 2,500 to over 7,000 feet at peaks like Lookout Mountain. The diverse terrain transitions between ponderosa pine forests and open grasslands, creating distinct environmental zones for camping. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during the day, dropping to 40-50°F at night, with limited rainfall.
Fishing at Reynolds Pond: The pond offers catch-and-release fishing for surprisingly large trout. "Catch and release fishing at the on-site pond for trout the size of steelhead," notes a visitor to Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort. Near Reynolds Pond Recreation Site, anglers can fish year-round with proper licensing.
Hiking near Steelhead Falls: Short trails connect to waterfall views within walking distance of dispersed camping areas. "Located a short walk from Steelhead Falls. Very quiet at night. Many trail and lots of signs of wildlife," reports a camper at Terrebonne West Camp Dispersed. The falls trail is approximately 2 miles round-trip with moderate difficulty.
Mountain biking access: The region provides entry points to extensive trail systems. "The PRT trail system is close by, Three Creeks and the 3 Sister," mentions a reviewer about Chipmunk Mountain Basecamp. These trails connect to broader networks throughout Ochoco National Forest.
Dark skies for stargazing: Minimal light pollution creates exceptional night viewing conditions. "This is another Oregon state park gem... This is also a dark sky park and if the moon is not bright the stars are amazing," shares a camper about Prineville Reservoir Main Campground. The reservoir area received dark sky designation, making it ideal for astrophotography.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming spots provide relief during hot summer months. "Large grassy areas, big roped off swimming hole. It can get blazing hot, a few stickers so wear river shoes for swimming," advises a Prineville Reservoir visitor.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer structured learning activities. "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!" remarks a camper. Junior ranger programs typically run weekends during summer months.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Check current regulations before planning campfires. At Sisters Rodeo Dispersed Camping, a visitor notes, "When it became 'no fires allowed' a ranger went to every camp site with people and asked if he could leave the information papers about what would be allowed vs not allowed during the 'no burn' time."
Limited equestrian facilities: While the area allows horses on many trails, designated horse camping is scarce. A camper at Sisters Rodeo Dispersed Camping observed, "A lot of horse trailers come into the dispersed camping area to park and ride their horses, and I've seen a lot of larger big rig horse trailers parked at the camp sites near the front."
Dispersed sites require self-sufficiency: No services are available at free sites. "No water, power, sewage, bathrooms, showers, or anything else available. You bring it in, and you take it out," reminds a Sisters Rodeo camper.
Consider developed campgrounds for amenities: Family-friendly facilities make extended stays more comfortable. "The campsites aren't very big but they have a nice layout that makes you feel like you have your own space. The restrooms are nice with showers available as well," notes a reviewer about Prineville Reservoir.
Check for dedicated swim areas: Safe swimming spots are valuable for families with children. "Large grassy areas, big roped off swimming hole... There is a boat marina plenty of parking for trailers. Great Lake for all water sports," reports another Prineville visitor.
Look for educational programs: Some locations offer structured activities for children. "The park even has an amphitheater and cabins with workshops for kids," mentions a visitor to Mitchell City Park, noting additional recreational options.
Consider fairground options: County fairgrounds sometimes provide full hookups at reasonable rates. "Nice clean place to park RV or camper. Has all the amenities," notes a reviewer about Jefferson County Fairgrounds RV Park.
Luxury RV resorts available: Higher-end accommodations exist for those seeking full services. "Very nice, well maintained campground, pond to fish in, mini golf, pool and on site small store," shares a visitor to Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort. Their sites include full hookups with cable TV and WiFi access.
Dump stations limited at dispersed sites: Plan waste management carefully. "All to ourselves. One jeep came out after we set up and 2 trucks went past us in at 20:30. Lovely sunset nice place to let dog run," mentions a camper at Reynolds Pond Recreation Site, highlighting the privacy but noting no services available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland is Prineville Reservoir Main Campground — Prineville Reservoir State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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