Fishing along the Crooked River draws most visitors to Chimney Rock Campground, a BLM-managed site on the river's edge outside Prineville, Oregon. Sites sit directly on the water, and multiple reviewers confirm the fishing is a primary draw. The campground is small, with a mix of forested and open terrain, and the Chimney Rock trail crosses just opposite the sites, giving campers easy access to the canyon without moving the vehicle.
The campground stays well maintained. Reviewers visiting in both summer and November noted clean facilities and low site density outside peak season. Drinking water and toilets are available on-site, and trash service is provided, which keeps things tidy. Firewood is not available to gather at the campground, so picking it up in Prineville before arriving is worth the stop. Note that pets are not permitted.
Christopher C. describes it as "right across from the hiking trail that leads up the canyon," which gives a useful sense of the layout. Riverside sites produce ambient river noise at night, something campers who have stayed here mention as a consistent feature of the experience. Nearby, BLM Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River and Lone Pine Campground provide additional options along the same stretch if Chimney Rock is full. Anglers and anyone wanting direct river access with basic amenities will find this campground worth the drive.
Description
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.
Know Before You Go:
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.
Point of Interest:
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.
Fee Info
$8 per night; $2 per extra vehicle (tow vehicles excluded) with a maximum of two vehicles allowed per site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChimney Rock Campground is located in Oregon near Prineville
Directions
From Prineville, Oregon: Drive 16.4 miles south on State Highway 27; the campground will be on your right.
Address
Prineville District Office
3050 NE 3rd Street
Prineville, OR 97754
Coordinates
44.13544 N
120.81416 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/15/26
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/15/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/15/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/15/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 42 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 56 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 58 min from Eugene, OR
- 3 hrs 19 min from Salem, OR
