244 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Central Oregon's high desert landscape surrounding Prineville features diverse camping options managed by multiple agencies. The Prineville Reservoir State Park offers full-hookup sites, cabins, and yurts along the shoreline, while BLM-managed campgrounds along the Crooked River provide more rustic experiences. Several first-come, first-served sites like Big Bend Campground and Palisades Campground sit along the river corridor below Bowman Dam. Skull Hollow Campground near Terrebonne serves as a popular base camp for Smith Rock State Park visitors, offering primitive camping with vault toilets but no water. Ochoco Lake County Park, just minutes from downtown Prineville, provides water access with basic amenities for both tent and RV campers.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Prineville area. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winter can bring snow and freezing conditions, particularly in the Ochoco Mountains east of town. Many riverside campgrounds fill quickly during fishing season, especially on weekends. As one camper noted, "I stayed in mid-June and got the last campsite on a Friday night out of all the campgrounds, so it fills up fast." Cell service varies dramatically throughout the region, with limited to no coverage in many canyon areas. Water availability is inconsistent at primitive sites, with one visitor reporting, "The best place to get potable water and dump is the Crook County RV Park just 20 minutes down the road on the outskirts of Prineville."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the area. Campsites along Prineville Reservoir offer swimming access, with one reviewer appreciating that "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." The Crooked River campgrounds are particularly popular with anglers and those seeking quieter experiences. Dispersed camping options in the Crooked River National Grasslands provide free alternatives with minimal facilities but excellent stargazing opportunities. Visitors frequently mention the contrast between busy summer weekends and peaceful weekday or off-season stays. Spring brings wildflowers but also potential for muddy conditions on unpaved access roads, with some requiring higher clearance vehicles.
"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."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"We love going to Prineville Reservoir State Park because it isn't too big- lots of grassy spaces, great boating and beach area."
"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. "
from $26 - $152 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"This is one of our favorite campgrounds in Oregon. We did have a harder time backing in our 35ft trailer due to the more narrow road but over all wasn’t that bad."
"Very solid, typical Oregon state campground."
from $32 - $128 / night
Check Availability"Close to everything in the cute town of Prineville, on a scenic road bike route, across the street from the Crooked River and Rimrock Park with an elaborate frisbee golf course."
"It is located right next to the fairgrounds and the town is really cute.  it is a little spends $$$"
"The road is very near all the campsites, but we counted maybe one car an hour. The pit toilet was very clean and serviced daily. We had Verizon and had rare to no cell service. "
"Each campsite has a fire pit, a picnic table, and it's right next to the river. There are no services, so no electricity or water; you have to bring in everything you need."
"Our 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."
"We were traveling and getting near the end of our day when we called to see if this RV spot had anything for us. Everything around is full. There is a special exhibit nearby that people travel to."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"This is the first campground after descending from the Prineville Reservoir. It is the only campground of the several along this section of the Crooked River with a campground host and water. "
"There is a trail that goes to the base of the dam for the Prineville Reservoir from the Campground. "
"Sites 1&2 and 8&9 are walk in spots, site 2 is the most private of the walk in's. None are far to walk, but not for a van or trailer."
"Most of the sites provide privacy and are not too close to the other sites. The campground fills up quickly in the summer months, but is fairly open in the fall/winter."
TravelerI've been here a few times and loved it. Now I'm going back to camp for a few days. It's perfect. May of 2026 - hardly any mosquitos compared to the rest of the area. No one else there and plenty of space when I was there. Hopefully its the same today when I go back. I'm sure its busy during the summer but its a dream right now
GuideThis is a lovely state park that is well manicured. We have a Transit van, but boon dock. There were not RV sites available so we got a tent site. The site was very tidy. The bathrooms were immaculate. We only stayed the night. Rangers do patrol the area routinely (about every 30 minutes). The park was a very calm place to be while we were there (1 day). Definitely would return. If you use satellite, some sites have trees while others have a bit more clear sky. Also, the bathrooms are very walk-able from many of the tent sites as the site is compact. Would definitely camp here again.
GuideAdding a more balanced take after staying here overnight.
We’ve seen a few very positive reviews of this area, but our experience landed somewhere more in the middle — honestly leaning a bit rough around the edges.
The site felt somewhat grungy and under-maintained in places, with scattered belongings that made it seem like a few long-term or semi-permanent campers may be using it. There was also enough trash that I ended up picking some up just out of respect for the area.
In terms of layout and access:
We were in the off-season, and even then there were still several people dispersed throughout the area. Driving through, we also noticed multiple pullouts near the road and closer to the Lava Lands Visitor Center that looked like people were camping in informally — though I’m not sure what the actual rules are there when the visitor center is open vs. closed seasonally.
Location-wise, it’s basically right off the highway. That means:
For us, it worked as a simple overnight stop, but it didn’t feel like a place to settle in. I wouldn’t choose it for a campfire evening or anything slow-paced. With a kid, it also didn’t quite feel like the most comfortable or secure environment for lingering beyond a night’s sleep.
Good for transit. Not really a destination.
ScoutThis site is right by Newberry Volcanic National Monument, South of Bend . It is easily accessed from northbound 97. If you are southbound, you’ll have to double back. It is a pine-wooded area with lots of pretty level sites. Dirt road is in relatively good shape.
GuideNot overcrowded, I was alone almost the whole week. However it’s not as clean as some reviews say. Seems to be a bit of a dumping ground. I had to clean up my campsite from previous campers.
GuideElk Horn is really beautiful place to camp at. Camp sites are very clean and the camp host is on top of everything. They only have toilets no showers. It’s a first come first serve. There is no reservations. The river is really nice and cold. And what’s really cool is that area has extremely large rocks where people can jump off of. It’s pretty deep. Just need to be safe about it. I recommend everyone to go check that campground out also. Me and my family love camping. But we also love to free camp a lot better. Elkhorn has really great prices for there sites. I recommend that everyone come and check this little peace of paradise out.
GuideLarge wrap around parking lot with bathrooms on both ends. Sno-park permit may be required depending on the time of year, but daily permits are like $4. No one car around checking them. Super close to Mount Bachelor!
GuideThis is the third BLM campsite in a string of about six or seven. It's a beautiful campsite area. The last mile to get in is a little steep and a little rough, but totally doable. There are a couple of pull-through campsites big enough for my 32-foot rig. I saw two pit toilets. Each campsite has a fire pit, a picnic table, and it's right next to the river. There are no services, so no electricity or water; you have to bring in everything you need. There is enough clear sky for Starlink and enough for solar. I highly recommend this place—it's beautiful.
GuideBeautiful campground. A few pull through sites and pit toilets. That’s about it, but I can for the forest serenity, and lucky to be the only one here. Lots of tree cover with a few openings so solar will not be effective, but open enough for starlink.
Prineville offers dispersed camping options in high desert terrain between 3,000-4,500 ft elevation. The area contains a blend of sagebrush, juniper woodlands, and volcanic landscapes with temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night. Camping regulations vary by land management agency, with BLM sites requiring campfires in established rings and Forest Service areas allowing more primitive experiences.
Fly fishing opportunities: The Crooked River below Bowman Dam offers excellent trout fishing, particularly in Palisades Campground. "The river ran a bit muddy. Loved the rock formations. Wind picks up in the afternoon," notes one camper at Palisades Campground.
Hiking to viewpoints: Several trails lead to panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Near Skull Hollow Campground, visitors appreciate "lots of hiking near the campground, and equestrian trails. And of course it's very close to the amazing Smith Rock SP."
Night sky observations: The region has minimal light pollution, creating ideal stargazing conditions. A visitor to Prineville Reservoir State Park mentioned, "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."
Spacious riverfront sites: Many campgrounds feature direct water access. At Cobble Rock Campground, "Riverside spots are great, half ass private so hard to beat compared to other camps along the river. A little Dusty front the gravel road but tolerable."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained amenities despite the remote locations. A camper at Tumalo State Park Campground appreciated the "heated individual showers, clean bathrooms, and quick access to firewood are a big step up from the usual camping basics."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to observe native species. One visitor to Palisades noted, "We saw a marten and waterfowl. The river is flowing and shallow with rocky shores; great for Fly fishing, kayaking, or floating."
Limited water availability: Many campgrounds require bringing your own supplies. A camper at Big Bend Campground noted, "The best place to get potable water and dump is the Crook County RV Park just 20 minutes down the road on the outskirts of Prineville."
Quick site fill rates: Weekends between May and September see high demand. "We arrived late in the evening and accidentally ended up at the free side of the camp... It was totally fine, we missed having a picnic table, but still there was a grill spot," reported a visitor at Skull Hollow when the main campground filled.
Temperature extremes: Summer days often exceed 90°F, while nights drop significantly. One camper observed Skull Hollow is "hot and dry, no water and is kinda expensive," while another mentioned, "Very little shade, I'd imagine it's miserably hot in the summer."
Choose designated swimming areas: For safer water recreation, select sites with established swim zones. A visitor at Prineville Reservoir Main Campground reported, "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."
Seek educational programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities for children. A camper noted, "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!"
Consider accessibility needs: Various campgrounds provide different levels of access. At Cobble Rock, "River Ada access is somewhat feasible if your adventurous and have a strong helper. Or if your a bad ass in a chair you can strong arm the technical moves to get up and down."
Dump station locations: Plan your waste disposal strategy before arriving. For Ochoco Lake County Park, "Since there are no RV services be prepared to hear some generators running occasionally. Water is available but may not be close enough for a hose to your RV."
Parking challenges: Some campsites have limited maneuvering room. At Deschute County Expo RV Park, "most of the spaces are really jammed together and people insist on parking their vehicles in front of their rigs instead of the parking areas, making it difficult to maneuver around the loops."
Off-season advantages: Consider spring or fall visits for better availability. "We pulled up on a Saturday afternoon to find a plentiful selection of sites! It is a nice quiet campsite and easy to get to with a camper," noted a visitor to Skull Hollow in the shoulder season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots in and around Prineville, Oregon?
Prineville offers diverse camping options for all preferences. Prineville Reservoir Main Campground provides spacious grassy sites with excellent boating access and a designated swimming area perfect for families. For a quieter experience, try Big Bend Campground along the Crooked River, which offers basic amenities including a hand pump for water. Other options include Ochoco Lake County Park just outside town, the Crooked River corridor campgrounds, and dispersed camping in Ochoco National Forest. For those seeking more remote experiences, Little Hay Creek Road offers dispersed camping opportunities east of Prineville. Most campgrounds in the area are busiest during summer months, so consider reservations when available or arrive early for first-come, first-served sites.
What activities and attractions can I enjoy while camping in Prineville, Oregon?
The Prineville area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Water enthusiasts will enjoy Jasper Point Campground at Prineville Reservoir, which features excellent water access and a scenic trail heading east from the campground. Fishing is popular throughout the region, with Stillwater Campground serving as an ideal fishing base. The Crooked River corridor offers multiple fishing spots, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Mountain biking and road cycling are popular, with the Oregon Outback cycling trail passing through the area. Prineville itself offers charming local shops, restaurants, and historic sites. For day trips, consider exploring the Ochoco National Forest, Smith Rock State Park, or the Painted Hills unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, all within reasonable driving distance.
What RV parks and facilities are available in Prineville, Oregon?
Crook County RV Park offers immaculately maintained facilities in the heart of Prineville. This well-kept park features Rivian destination chargers, convenient access to town amenities, and sits across from Rimrock Park with its disc golf course. The park's location along the Crooked River adds scenic value. For those traveling the Oregon Outback cycling trail, Antelope RV Park and Campsites provides a unique oasis in a part-ghost town setting. While sites are typically close together at developed RV parks in the area, most offer full hookups, clean facilities, and easy access to local attractions. Many parks in the region stay open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months.
Is there camping available at Prineville State Park?
Yes, camping is available at Prineville Reservoir State Park, which offers two primary campgrounds. The Prineville Reservoir Main Campground features grassy spaces, excellent boating facilities, and a designated swimming beach where dogs aren't permitted, keeping the area clean for swimmers. Jasper Point Campground offers water and power hookups with sites overlooking the reservoir on a first-come, first-served basis. The park has one of the best dump stations around according to campers. Both campgrounds provide access to the reservoir's recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and swimming. The park is popular during summer months, so arriving early for first-come, first-served sites or making reservations when possible is recommended.
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