Within Ochoco National Forest, the Ochoco Divide Group Site sits at 4,730 feet elevation along Highway 26, providing a reservable base camp for groups exploring central Oregon's fossil country. The US Forest Service manages this single group site as part of the larger Ochoco Divide Campground complex, where ponderosa pines tower up to 150 feet overhead.
The group site spans a large area with space for multiple tents and vehicles, featuring three picnic tables and a substantial fire ring. "This campsite is HUUUGE. Lots of shady areas," reports Amelia A., who camped here with three tents and hammocks. The site's proximity to the highway means road noise carries through camp, particularly from vehicles climbing the grade. Several campers note the vault toilets stay remarkably clean, with one reviewer surprised they were "not smelly."
Campers use this location to access the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, about 30 minutes away, and the Painted Hills unit. The elevation brings cool nights even in summer—temperatures can drop to the upper 50s when days reach the low 80s. No water hookups exist, making this dry camping. "Also, dry camping, so bring your water jug and things to keep you cool," advises Amelia A.. Some camp hosts provide emergency water tanks, though campers shouldn't count on this service.
The $50 group site requires reservations and accommodates multiple vehicles for an additional fee. Cell service reaches one bar with Verizon. Mitchell sits 20 minutes east for supplies and dining at Tiger Town Brewing. The season runs May through October, with September bringing potential freezing temperatures despite warm days.
Description
Overview
The Ochoco Divide Group Site is a convenient place to camp while traveling across scenic State Highway 26 by bicycle or car. Resting at the top of the Ochoco Divide at an elevation of 4,700 ft., the group site is set on a hill away from the road as an extension of the general campground. Summertime in the Ochoco National Forest brings pleasant temperatures; the campground is closed during winter.
Recreation
The group site of the Ochoco Divide Campground is mainly used by touring cyclists. It is also a good place to take a relaxing stroll through the woods. There are opportunities for hunting, mountain biking and hiking in the national forest surrounding the facility. Several trailheads begin at the Bandit Springs rest stop about one mile from the campground on Highway 26.
Facilities
The group site is part of the main Ochoco Divide Campground. There is excellent quality drinking water throughout the main campground and near the group site. The group site can comfortably fit up to 12 people; no more than 35 are allowed. Parking is limited. Campers must park at the base of a small hill and walk up to the site. There is a large group size fire ring as well.
Natural Features
The scenery surrounding the campground alternates between thick Ponderosa pine forests and grassy meadows, though shortly beyond the campground the road descends into lower-elevation, arid canyon lands. One of the most unique geologic features of the Ochoco National Forest is the 'thunder egg,' Oregon's official state rock. Thunder eggs are small, colorful, round volcanic rocks similar to geodes that have been exposed over time. The U.S. Forest Service has designated specific sites for rock hounding.
Nearby Attractions
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is less than an hour away. Hike amongst the Painted Hills and famed fossils, take a journey through time at the museum at Sheep Rock or picnic beneath the beautiful mountain scenery. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOchoco Divide Group Site is located in Oregon near Mitchell
Directions
From Prineville, Oregon travel approximately 28 miles on State Highway 26. The campground is on the right at the top of the divide.
Address
3160 Ne 3rd Street
Prineville, OR 97754
Coordinates
44.500575 N
120.3871861 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/13/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/13/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Bend, OR
- 3 hrs 9 min from Kennewick, WA
- 3 hrs 10 min from Portland, OR
- 3 hrs 31 min from Salem, OR























