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Best Campgrounds near Prineville, OR

1,116 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Prineville, Oregon (240)

    1. Skull Hollow Campground

    37 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 270-0094

    $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."

    2. Smith Rock State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 548-7501

    $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."

    3. Prineville Reservoir Main Campground — Prineville Reservoir State Park

    24 Reviews
    Prineville, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 447-4363

    $26 - $110 / night

    "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. "

    4. Ochoco Lake County Park

    14 Reviews
    Prineville, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 447-1209

    $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."

    5. Tumalo State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 382-3586

    $26 - $80 / night

    "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."

    6. Crook County RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Prineville, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (541) 447-2599

    "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 $$$"

    7. Deschute County Expo RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Redmond, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 585-1569

    $35 / night

    "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."

    8. Big Bend Campground

    10 Reviews
    Prineville, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "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.  "

    9. Palisades Campground

    7 Reviews
    Prineville, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "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. "

    "Right on the river with beautiful canyons surrounding you."

    10. Cobble Rock Campground

    6 Reviews
    Prineville, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "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."

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1116 Reviews of 240 Prineville Campgrounds

Guide to Prineville

Camping near Prineville, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails nearby. Campers at Smith Rock State Park Campground rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer saying, "Can get a little crowded in peak months, but you can't beat the price, and great amenities."
  • Fishing and Boating: The Prineville Reservoir Campground is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. One camper noted, "The lake is full, and the fishing is good. I have seen ospreys diving into the lake hunting."
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. A visitor at Skull Hollow Campground mentioned, "The cattle in the morning will sing to you at their feeding time from their nearby ranch."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Prineville Reservoir Campground highlighted, "Bathrooms and showers were clean and well kept."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. One camper at Crooked River Campground said, "Gorgeous High Desert with Jaw-Dropping Views, Lake and Hiking!"
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. A visitor at Tumalo State Park Campground shared, "Everyone was friendly. I would 100% stay again!"

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Deschutes River Campground noted, "The campground was loud, with a large group with lots of kids playing a game."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Skull Hollow Campground mentioned, "No electricity, no water, no dump station but very quiet."
  • Wildlife Rules: Be mindful of wildlife regulations. A camper at Smith Rock State Park Campground advised, "All cooking must be done in the designated area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Crooked River Campground mentioned, "There’s a playground, a fenced-in dog park, trail heads, showers, and a cute little camp store."
  • Space for Kids to Play: Choose sites with enough room for kids to run around. A camper at Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort said, "The sites have paved, flat pads that are surrounded by grass and spacious."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to establish quiet hours for younger campers. A visitor at Deschutes River Campground noted, "When quiet time started at 10pm, it was quiet."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A camper at Prineville Reservoir Campground mentioned, "Sites are mostly level, and the roads are wide."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A review for Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort highlighted, "All sites are paved. Space between sites is reasonable."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Crooked River Campground warned, "There is NO CONNECTIVITY! Even with our Wi-Fi booster, there was nothing."

Camping near Prineville, Oregon, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for you to enjoy in this beautiful part of the state.

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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