Map showing campground location near Prineville, Oregon

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Wildcat Campground & Day Use Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Accessible via an easy dirt road, Wildcat Campground sits in the Ochoco National Forest outside Prineville and runs from mid-May through mid-November at $7 to $20 per night. The campground has 17 sites, four vault toilets, drinking water from a cold spring on site, and camp hosts present during the season. RVs are limited to 25 feet. Hikers can reach both Steins Pillar and Twin Pillars from the trailhead here, with a $5 day-use fee for trail access. Nearby, Stein's Pillar Area Dispersed — Ochoco NF provides an alternative for those who prefer dispersed camping. Wildcat works well for tent campers and smaller rigs looking for a managed site with water and trail access in central Oregon.

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Map & DirectionsWildcat Campground & Day Use Area is located in Oregon near Prineville

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.44017633 N
120.57832928 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 15 min from Bend, OR
3 hrs 14 min from Albany, OR
3 hrs 16 min from Salem, OR
3 hrs 46 min from Portland, OR

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Wildcat Campground & Day Use Area

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5 Stars

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1 Star

5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Jeff D.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2020

Beautiful, and quiet

Great secluded little USFS campground in a quiet forest. We had the place to ourselves in mid-September, other than a couple very pleasant camp hosts. Easy dirt road in. Fresh cold spring water on site. Trail access to Steins Pillar and a Twin Pillars. (We didn’t take either one, unfortunately.) We’d definitely return next time we pass through central Oregon.

Amanda B.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Hidden gem!

This was our first time staying here, but definitely not the last. I’m totally impressed with this place, it’s beautiful and was really quiet when we were here. It’s $15 a night, they offer firewood, $5 day use fee if you wanna hike the two pillars trail. There are 17 good sized campsites, drinking water and 4 vault toilets. I wish I had known about this place sooner.

(20) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What scenic views and photo opportunities are available at Wildcat Campground?

Wildcat Campground offers beautiful forest surroundings that create a picturesque setting for photography enthusiasts. The area features hiking trails to notable landmarks including Steins Pillar and Twin Pillars, both offering excellent photo opportunities of dramatic rock formations. The quiet, natural environment provides classic forest scenery with opportunities to capture wildlife, vegetation, and peaceful woodland settings. The campground itself, set in a serene forest, also makes for lovely landscape photography.

Where is Wildcat Campground located in Prineville, Oregon?

Wildcat Campground & Day Use Area is a secluded USFS (U.S. Forest Service) campground located in a quiet forested area near Prineville, Oregon. The campground is accessible via an easy dirt road. Its peaceful setting makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking a more remote camping experience away from crowds while still remaining accessible. The campground serves as a gateway to nearby trails including routes to Steins Pillar and Twin Pillars.

What amenities and facilities are available at Wildcat Campground in Prineville?

Wildcat Campground features 17 good-sized campsites spread throughout the property. Amenities include drinking water from a fresh cold spring on-site, making it convenient for campers to access clean water. The campground charges a $15 nightly fee for camping and offers firewood for purchase. For day visitors, there's a $5 day-use fee for those wanting to access the hiking trails. Camp hosts are sometimes present to assist visitors. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, perfect for those seeking a more traditional forest camping experience.

Are there RV hookups at Wildcat Campground?

Wildcat Campground does not offer RV hookups. The campground is more suitable for tent camping or self-contained RVs that don't require electrical, water, or sewer connections. While RVs can access the campground via the dirt road, the facilities are primitive without the modern conveniences many RV travelers expect. For those bringing RVs, be prepared for dry camping. Consider bringing sufficient water and ensuring your batteries are charged, as there are no power sources available for RV use.

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