Looking for an adventure where you can explore Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Oregon tent camping excursion.
2021: Open with capacity limit due to COVID-19. If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. There are several thousand climbs in the park. More than a thousand are bolted routes. We also offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter and beaver. Note: Some climbing areas are closed or have limited access from about Jan. 15 to Aug. 1 to protect nesting raptors. Drones are also not allowed during this period. Check the park advisories on this page for exact dates and affected areas. Due to the uniqueness and fragile aspect of the park, park rangers enforce the animal leash law and ask all park users to stay on trails. Bivouac Camping Camping is open early spring through late fall, as weather allows. Walk-in bivouac area for tents (No reservations) Showers (overnight guests only) RV camping, sleeping in vehicles and open fires are not allowed
$8 / night
Unlike most of the other campgrounds along the Crooked River, this 14.5-acre campground is set back some from the Lower Crooked Back Country Byway, providing some isolation. Campground facilities include fourteen mostly broad, spacious campsites, vault toilets and an accessible fishing pier. All but one of the campsites are at river level and accessed by a single-lane road.
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted. Potable water is available year-round at the upriver Chimney Rock Campground, 0.8 miles north on State HIghway 27. Cell phone service is not available in the campground. Watch for bicyclists: the section of State Highway 27 between Prineville and Bowman Dam is designated as the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway.
The site takes its name from nearby rock outcrops composed of basaltic lava which form the steep, formidable cliff faces across the river from the campground. ADA Access: Accessible fishing pier and trail.
Along the Chimney Rock segment of Central Oregon's Crooked Wild and Scenic River, Chimney Rock campground offers a relaxing woodland setting amongst Western Juniper trees and beneath massive Columbia River rock formations. Fly-fishing and hiking on the nearby Chimney Rock trail offer day-long recreational fun. Enjoy plenty of easy river access along the adjacent Crooked River Back Country Byway, State Highway 27.
Chimney Rock Campground is open year-round and is equipped with 16 campsites and vault toilets. No reservations are accepted; site is first-come, first-served only. Water is available in the campground and an accessible fishing platform is located near the campground entrance. When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles. Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination.
Check out the campground's namesake butte located prominently above highway 27 opposite the campground. Access to the trailhead is across the highway at the Chimney Rock Trailhead. For a different view, visitors can ride the 18-mile Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway from Prineville to Big Bend Campground. Designated in 2018, this moderate route takes riders from picturesque farms to towering cliffs.ADA Access: Fishing platform and vault toilets are accessible.
Ochoco Forest Camp is nestled in the Ochoco Mountain range near the 6,926-foot Lookout Mountain, which is known for its unusual rock formations. The pavilion offers a large group picnic area and several campsites. A small meadow and group fire ring with BBQ is popular for weddings and family reunions. Wild horses are sometimes seen near the camp and surrounding area.
The shelter is close to the Lookout Mountain Trail, which climbs to the top of the mountain and offers terrific views of the Cascades and meadow wildflowers in the spring. This trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. However, horses are not allowed at the pavilion and campground. Anglers can also go fishing for trout in nearby Walton Lake.
Much of the area is dominated by old-growth Ponderosa pine. Wildlife include Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer, as well as several bird species that include white-headed woodpecker, belted kingfisher, spotted sandpiper, cinnamon teal, American coot, Steller's jay, yellow-headed blackbird and Brewer's blackbird. Wild horses are commonly seen in the area. Excellent hiking, mt biking, and horse riding is available on the trails nearby.
Walton Lake offers a variety of activities for day-use visitors. There is a swimming beach, fishing pier and boat ramp, and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. There is exellent trail hiking and mt. biking at Lookout Mt and Round Mt. trails.
$125 - $200 / night
The Ochoco National Forest is located in Central Oregon, north and east of the City of Prineville. It encompasses 850,000 acres of rimrock, canyons, geologic oddities, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain as well as the North Fork of the Crooked River. At 155,000 acres, Crooked River Grasslands is one of the largest tracks of preserved grassland in the U.S. Visitors can find a variety of evidence of a ‘failed’ homestead attempts on the Grasslands: stone shelters, tools, cans, log cabins, barns and water troughs still remain. Please note that these items are protected by the Antiquities Act and must not be removed to preserve the historic integrity of the area.
Walton Lake Sno-Park is located off of Forest Service Road 22 and provides access to a variety of winter activities. There are two parking areas; the lower provides immediate access to the network of cross-country ski trails, and the larger upper area that provides immediate access to the warming hut and restroom. The greatest concentration of snowmobile trails on the Ochoco National Forest can be accessed from the upper parking lot. Additionally, there is a small hilly area next to the upper parking area that is good for sledding and tubing. Walton Sno-Park is ideal for snowmobile enthusiasts, as well as anyone who is looking to participate in more than one kind of winter recreation and does not mind roads that are maintained less in the winter. Be advised: Plowing of the FS 22 Road only occurs approximately once per week and there are few adequate places to turn around, so access may be difficult. In addition, early season plowing extends outside the road bed to allow room for the snow that accumulates throughout the season, so please be aware and drive with caution. View a map of Nordic ski trails at Walton Sno-Park . View the Snowmobile Trail Map .
Located on the northern edge of Mill Creek Wilderness, this campground is located within walking distance from the Wildcat North Trailhead. There are many standing dead trees here so be careful where you wander and where you set your camp. Whistler Springs rockhounding site is located within the campground shortly downhill from the restroom that has a tendency to draw enthusiasts. For visitors who are interested in either hiking in preserved wilderness areas, or scavenging for some beautiful stones this is a great place to spend some time. Visit our Rocks & Minerals page for more information on rockhounding. View a vicinity map of Mill Creek Wilderness and trails NOTE : The road getting to the campground, as well as the road within the campground, are both very rough. Recreational vehicles and trailers are not recommended.
Traveler
The best thing this park has going for it, is also a negative. The campground is in Sisters, OR., which is a great little town in Central Oregon, a jumping off location for lots of outdoor activities. Sisters also is yupped up with several cafes, bistros, art galleries, breweries, and tap houses too numerous to list here. It's also the home of Preston Thompson Guitars! The negative is that US Hwy 20, a main East/ West artery and vein for Oregon runs right through the middle of Sisters, and within just a few yards from this campground. So, you do get a lot of highway noise. However, the speed is low there and so that helps.
The campground manager was the friendliest manager that I've ever met. She makes it feel like home for you and genuinely wants you to like the park as much as she does. Mind you, she is probably a city employee as the the campground is part of Creekside City Park. But, she treats it as hers, and she wants you to come back. We had a FHU unit which rocks after spending several nights on the Oregon Coast in State Parks w/o FHUs.
The sites are close to one another, and the road around to the sites serpentines throughout the campground. Be mindful if you pull off in your rig in front of the office, as that gravel parking lot also serves as a drive out for the dump station. You very well could block off someone who wants to leave the dump station. I had an altercation with such a RVer because a Class A pulled right behind me, blocking the guy in, while we were getting directions from the manager. But, he saw it all as my fault and that is where the rub was. He wasn't very nice about being blocked in, even if it was for about a minute, and certainly ruined my day.
TravelerI have stayed here a couple times on motorcycle trips around Oregon. There are lots of sites that have been used and it's a great place to spend a night or two. It's close to Sisters so you can grab what you need.
You're close to the Rodeo grounds so you can hear what's going on if there are any events there. Overall, great free place to camp if you're in the Sisters, OR area.
GuideNice open spot with some shade. Quiet and close to town. May get busy during day with riders. A good parking spot.
GuideLong term campers and trash. Some interesting folks for sure. Prob harmless but camp at own risk.
Traveler
Friday night rest stop boondocking. 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.
Ranger
Never again, hovering campground hosts kept the place clean but they made us feel like we were on the watch list. Campers left the campsite and no joke, the hosts were in raking the dirt as the people were vacating.
Guide
A good open area with lots of nice smelling juniper. Theres parking at the few trailheads or off the road. The best spot, with some nice features such as lava rocks, is the 3rd right from the main road. Some folks may be particular about their "spot". No toilet, trash nor water but good trails. About 20 mins into town. Didnt see any snakes but was checking just in case. Prob best for RV or car camping. High desert gets to 40s at night this time of year.
Scout
This spot was close enough to town that we could call an Uber to Hayden Homes after we set up, then Uber back when the concert finished. The main red dirt road is gorgeous with various pull offs spaced decently far apart. I saw one or two neighbors to the left and right of our spot but it was far enough that our spot felt private. Really quiet and felt remote while still accessible to town and had cell service.
Traveler
We stayed here twice with a short gap between our 2 times. Comfortable park, very clean. Big rig friendly especially in the center areas without trees. If you're using Starlink this would be a good choice. Able to do laundry both times we stayed (credit card instead of quarters!). Full hook ups (we paid $50 per night). Good location for visiting Redmond and Bend.
Traveler
We were only there one night. We had a pull through which was nice. Sites were gravel and there was grass in the park, also nice trees. Sites were fairly close together. Nicely stocked shop available. Pool looked nice but we didn't use it. We could smell cigarette smoke which was unpleasant so the park must not be smoke free. Part of why we only give it 3 stars. We felt like it was on the spendy side but park was easy to get to and camp staff seemed pleasant.
Legend
Found this small spot after searching entire area for a last minute campsite. Multiple fires around south of City Of Bend so not many choices tonight. Very quiet spot, only one camper close by but can't see them from thus site. There is a fire ring built by rock but no open fires allowed. Great last minute spot.
Guide
Arrived afternoon on Labor Day to find an empty campground. Sites are large, but not very level for an RV.
Guide
Although it's in the middle of the desert, this campground has amazingly soft parade grounds for for tons of outdoor games. The trails around the golf course and the views of the canyon and river are amazing. There is local restaurants and taphouses within a few minutes drive. There is a pool available to you for your stay that has a snack bar directly adjacent to it. If you are bringing an RV or travel trailer, I recommend bringing blocks for your stabilizers as some of the sites have a decent slope to them.
Guide
EDIT: We had a park ranger stop by and inform us that this location is closed to passenger vehicles. No passenger vehicles are allowed past the boulders. We are currently parked at the one and only camp slot that passenger vehicles are allowed, so this is a 99% dispersed camping location that you have to walk to your camp site location. The Park Ranger also reminded me that all BLM land is a 14-day stay for recreational camping only, and if you are living out of your RV, you are liable to be harassed more often then others.
Original Review: We parked in a space close to the main road. Minus the sounds from it, the place is very peaceful. There's lots of sage bushes, and trees are plenty but not clustered. There is a lot of wildlife in the area if the animal bones are anything to judge by. There are a lot of ant colonies and other burrowing creatures in the area as well. If you choose to walk off designated paths, watch your step, or you might end up in a shallow hole like I did. Some spots are more solar friendly than others, but none of the trees are overbearingly tall to completely block out the ability for it. Flies aren't too bad compared to other places, and honestly, I'm not sure if the ones we are dealing with are from here or left over from our 1 night stay at another location. The river is only a shortish walk away, and field mice do live in some of the boulders in the area.
Scout
Was by myself on motorcycle. Clear directions, plenty of tables, leveled spaces for tent. Gets cold at night.
Road here was a graded packed dirt, so a but bumpy but 2WD would make it no problem. Enjoyed my stay
Guide
Camp host was nice, easy access to sites. Showers/bathrooms clean but dated.
Guide
We enjoyed our stay here. We had a nice space with decent trees for shade and putting up some lights. We could easily drive in to Madras...or to the Crooked River Canyon to go bungee jumping!!!! We also took a nice drive out east in the hills. Firewood was a bit steep, at $8/bundle.
Guide
While staying here in August 2024: -Dog friendly -No hookups -2 bars on Verizon -No shade -Madras, OR only 10 minutes away. -1 acres fenced in dog park in Madras OR (15 min. drive) -Used my credit card at the automated self pay station (super convenient). -fairly clean bathroom (toilet only). -From travel trailers to Teslas, they all have made down the road and plenty of room.
Situated on the banks of the Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, Mecca Flat Campground is located just a mile and a half from Oregon State HIghway 26 near Warm Springs. The site features 13 individual campsites and one group use area. The southern terminus of the 7-mile long Trout Creek Trail can be accessed directly from the campground.
Know Before You Go:
All campsites, including the group use area are open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis; no potable water is available. The 1.6 mile Mecca Flat Road is narrow with few pullouts; use caution particularly when pulling a trailer. Access the nearby non-motorized Trout Creek Trail which fronts the Deschutes Wild and Scenic River for 7 miles where it terminates at Trout Creek Campground. Cell phone service is not available in the campground. Goathead, also known as puncturevine, is present in the area; protect your pets and bicycle tires Point of Interest:
The Deschutes Railroad ran on portions of the nearby Trout Creek trail and Mecca Flat Road for several decades, competing with the Oregon Trunk Railroad before abandonment in the early 20th century. Look for the historic, now-abandoned tunnel near Highway 26 - but stay clear of this degrading and unstable structure.
Guide
Good spot for fly fishing,stargazing, camp spots all pretty close together.
Guide
This spot is great for watching a meteor shower, gets a little windy and not too much shade during the day.
LegendOur GPS and Waze wanted to take us to the Fair& Expo main gate, but we followed the website instructions to the RV park portion of the fairgrounds adjacent to the Juniper Golf Course. Check-in was quick and easy. We proceeded to pull through site B-1 with FHUs for our two-night stay. The fairgrounds have nice cement sites to include a spot to park your tow vehicle or toad. Utilities are placed in the back center of the pad. The water pressure was good at about 50 psi. We got 4 bars on Verizon and the Wifi was above average for a park this size, i.e. you can check email and surf but not stream. There are no trees around the sites, so no issues with satellite. The sites in the B loop and this CG in general are close together. It was a pleasant surprise to find that they have a laundry, which is located in the office building where you register. There are also restrooms and showers there as well. As we were in site B-1 near the RV park entrance, we took our dog for walks to the left where there were trails into the adjacent state land(identified by a sign on a tree). The site had a picnic table and nice little standup grill. We enjoyed our stay at this CG.
TravelerLoved these dispersed sites close to the town of Bend. Extensive mountain biking trials throughout as well.
Traveler
Loved this spot. Across the river we watched wild horses. In the river there were birds. During the day rafters come down.
No water available unless you boil river water.
The road down was STEEP! I really overheated my motorhome breaks. Plus a scary, low and narrow tunnel at the bottom.
Guide
There aren't a ton of free camping options near Redmond. This is a great option. Only 2-3 spots for vans/small RVs. The other spots are clearly for tent camping. Would definitely recommend for a few days. I will say the vault toilets are disgusting- so plan accordingly. The hike is a great combination of short and pretty :-)
GPS: 44.410140, -121.293505
RangerThere was a fair amount of shady traffic c but all was well during my night stay with my dog. Good place to crash near bend in the woods.
GuideNice small quite campground. Enjoyed the miles of hiking with TH right at the campground. A very friendly deer kept visiting us during our stay. Enjoyed cooling off in the small creek that runs through the edge of campground.
GuideA nice gravel rd with no major ruts or holes. Navigable with a van all wheel drive. Drove in about a mile+to find an empty spot. Most already taken. Seems to be a mix between a mobile and a stationary group of campers. A good spot close to Bend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland is Smith Rock State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, with real photos and reviews from campers.
