Camping in Prineville, OR, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
Oregon
—
Prineville

97% (1664 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Prineville

Under $50

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100%

(26)

High Desert Juniper

1 site · RV2 acres · Prineville, OR

Learn more about this land:Residence with Cascade views, birds, bunnies, quail and lizards mixed in. Some privacy, close to Prineville Reservoir and 5 miles from downtown Prineville. House and shop are modern and well kept, site is almost flat with good tasting well water and of course juniper trees.

99%

(44)

Smith Rock Book Farm Camp

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Terrebonne, OR

Rest and relax on our beautiful slice of heaven just minutes from Smith Rock State Park; it’s a 15 minute walk ! We are building on the property and there may be some construction noise during the day, but the nights will be beautiful and peaceful. There is water, a toilet, and 120 electricity available. Warm showers are available at the park. BYOB (bring your own bedding) and camp in style in our quiet, private (and quite romantic!) 10x12 safari tent. Furnished with a comfortable new futon, end tables and a classy rug for comfort. It sleeps two very comfortably. The full size futon easily lifts into a lounger, perfect for reading. Tie the tent doors open during good weather and relax as you watch the wildlife in the field and the sun move over Smith Rock. Kick back next to a little gas fire pit on the tent platform as you watch the sunset over the Cascade mountains. DONT USE GOOGLE MAPS ! Pull into a large gravel driveway/parking spot by turning north off of NE Wilcox, just after some S-turns if you are driving east from Smith Rock State Park. It is easier to pull off NE Wilcox than approach the property from the actual address; typing the address into Google maps and following those directions is not the best way to get to the tent. The entrance off of NE Wilcox is marked by two large, big rock cairns with a wood signs and metal “3648” numbers. There are two pictures on this site of the best entrance off of NE Wilcox. When you pull in, you will see a farm shed then the tent on the right, and the pond with windmill on the left. Park you car and relax ! The tent sleeps 2 people…perfect for car campers who want a clean and roomy tent space. Vans and RVs are welcome too. *RVs, be aware the gravel drive is pretty narrow as it goes over the irrigation ditch. Small RVs will be just fine. Medium or large RVs won’t fit! Walk a sculpted gravel path up a little hill to the sparkling clean (and rarely used) PortaPotty. This is professionally serviced weekly. We are turning this land into a farm, and will periodically be out there during the day digging a pond (this winter’s activity), figuring out irrigation, and generally working (when we are not climbing). If we see you we’ll be sure to say hello! Feel free to roam around on our acres of juniper woodland all around the tent site. You’ll find quail, many other small birds and see geese flying by. Early mornings and dusk are a great time to watch the deer in the field and you may have the great luck of spotting a wild turkey or two!. At night you may hear coyotes singing, the neighbor’s cows mooing and various small mammals running around. We’re told there are no rattlesnakes in the neighborhood (yea!), but you may see a non-poisonous bull or Gardner snake in the field. We even have a family of marmots living at the far end of the property. Look for them in the big rock piles April- September in the early hours. Marmots hibernate all winter. *Keep all food in tightly closed containers and please don’t leave food in the tent during the day (your car is the best place for that). Pack your trash out. This is a Residential neighborhood and voices really carry tot he neighbor’s house; so please, no raves and quiet time after 9ish. Respect the property boundaries.

100%

(9)

Desert Rose Private Campground

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Prineville, OR

Welcome to our family's Private Campground - The Desert Rose. A boondocking site for you and your family to enjoy! We have a Yurt, a cabin, 3 RV/Travel trailer pads and 2 tent sites created here and plenty of room for everyone to have their own space yet be all together. You can book the entire campground, or just one of the units. Whether it's just you, or you're bringing a crew, we know you'll love it here! Our favorite hikes in the Central Oregon area is Smith Rocks and Chimney Rock. The Prineville reservoir is roughly a 12 minute drive and the starry nights here are something to behold. Up the road is the most unique petting zoo that we recently found! Find it and you might just be able to hold a baby kangaroo! Boondocking site means there is no hook-ups or running water so you'll want to bring in your own water and heat if you're here in the colder months. Your four legged furry family members are welcomed! They must be accompanied at all times and not left on the property alone. The dog run is for you to keep closer tabs on them while relaxing, not for leaving them while going into town or enjoying the area. The dirt is very soft and it wouldn't take very long for them to dig under to get out and go looking for you. The cabin or yurt is also not a pet storage area - with no power or AC, pets are not allowed to be left alone in the dwellings.

B:30 Desert Destination

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR

Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, featuring a propane stove and propane BBQ. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away. The group tent site is on two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

100%

(20)

Cascadia Farm Sanctuary

5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Pronghorn, OR

Learn more about this land: Enjoy a small working hay farm and animal sanctuary outside beautiful Bend, Oregon. We have amazing sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing on this 40-acre property. We have 11 goats and 2 Llamas, and we plan to enlarge our herd this year and take in other unwanted farm animals as needed. Note: This is an adults-only location. No children or dogs are allowed on the property. We have recently added two open-air A-Frames to the two campsites for your enjoyment. Both come with Gas firepits, lofts, and hammocks. We also have a new wood-burning sauna as an added feature and costs $20 per person for the duration of your stay.

12 top campgrounds near Prineville

Booked 1 time

Countryside RV

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Prineville, OR

Experience the tranquility of our Countryside RV Hipcamp, nestled on our charming 5-acre hobby farm just outside Prineville, Oregon. During your stay, immerse yourself in the serene rhythms of country life. Delight in observing ducks and muskrats gracefully swimming in the creek, or marvel at the sight of horses and cows peacefully grazing in the lush pasture. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll down a picturesque country road, soaking in the rustic beauty of the surrounding landscape. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and indulge in the peaceful ambiance of our countryside retreat.

High Desert Juniper

1 site · RV2 acres · Prineville, OR

Learn more about this land:Residence with Cascade views, birds, bunnies, quail and lizards mixed in. Some privacy, close to Prineville Reservoir and 5 miles from downtown Prineville. House and shop are modern and well kept, site is almost flat with good tasting well water and of course juniper trees.

Wits End RV Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Redmond, OR

Welcome to our spacious RV camp spot in Redmond, OR, conveniently situated just 5 minutes from town and a mere 10 minutes from the renowned Smith Rock. Whether you prefer solitude or are joining a sizable group of RVs, our site accommodates your needs.

Cray Cray Farm

1 site · RV7 acres · Bend, OR

Our farm is a 7 acre farm just outside city limits in Bend, Oregon. We raise chickens and goats year round, with other animals during the summer. We have a canal on three sides of our property, so you can hear running water as if you were camping on the river. There is a beautiful view of the mountains from your spot and you are less than 15 minutes away from Downtown Bend. There are so many amazing things to do in Central Oregon that are less an hour away including hiking, mountain biking, floating the river, and much more.

Desert Rose Private Campground

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Prineville, OR

Welcome to our family's Private Campground - The Desert Rose. A boondocking site for you and your family to enjoy! We have a Yurt, a cabin, 3 RV/Travel trailer pads and 2 tent sites created here and plenty of room for everyone to have their own space yet be all together. You can book the entire campground, or just one of the units. Whether it's just you, or you're bringing a crew, we know you'll love it here! Our favorite hikes in the Central Oregon area is Smith Rocks and Chimney Rock. The Prineville reservoir is roughly a 12 minute drive and the starry nights here are something to behold. Up the road is the most unique petting zoo that we recently found! Find it and you might just be able to hold a baby kangaroo! Boondocking site means there is no hook-ups or running water so you'll want to bring in your own water and heat if you're here in the colder months. Your four legged furry family members are welcomed! They must be accompanied at all times and not left on the property alone. The dog run is for you to keep closer tabs on them while relaxing, not for leaving them while going into town or enjoying the area. The dirt is very soft and it wouldn't take very long for them to dig under to get out and go looking for you. The cabin or yurt is also not a pet storage area - with no power or AC, pets are not allowed to be left alone in the dwellings.

100%

(2)

deer acres

3 sites · RVs5 acres · Redmond, OR

We are located only 2 miles from the lower Deschutes river, fly and spin fishing are allowed ,also swimming and rafting. Rock climbing is just 5.1 miles away at Smith Rock. We have two R.V. spots on 5 acres with full hook up electric, water, and septic. We provide fire pit BBQ, picnic table on grass lawn. NOTE: fire pit use is guided by city or state regulations.

B:30 Desert Destination

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR

Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, featuring a propane stove and propane BBQ. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away. The group tent site is on two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Booked 1 time

Camp Blakeley

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Redmond, OR

Centrally located to Central Oregon's favorite destinations and attractions, our campsite offers the perfect blend of convenience and serenity. Situated on a privately owned 4-acre homestead, you'll enjoy proximity to grocery stores, gas stations, and retail outlets, all while surrounded by the tranquility of nature. Campsite Features: Campsite 1: Offers a 50 amp electric hookup and a shared water source. (Please note: No bathroom or showers provided.) Campsite 2: Features a deck with a BBQ and a shared water source. (Again, no bathroom or showers provided.) Both campsites boast a shaded grassy area adorned with old-growth trees, providing a peaceful retreat. Additionally, Campsite 2 includes a deck where you can bask in the sunshine while grilling up a delicious meal on the gas BBQ. As evening falls, gather around the small fire pit under the stars, surrounded by comfortable seating. Bring along some friends and experience all that Central Oregon has to offer. Nearby attractions include: Grocery stores, gas stations, and retail outlets just 5 minutes away Smith Rock State Park a mere 10-minute drive RDM Airport accessible in 11 minutes Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center a short 12-minute drive Bend, Oregon, a vibrant city, reachable in just 28 minutes Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the wonders of Central Oregon while enjoying the comforts of our serene campsite. Book your stay today and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Smith Rock Book Farm Camp

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Terrebonne, OR

Rest and relax on our beautiful slice of heaven just minutes from Smith Rock State Park; it’s a 15 minute walk ! We are building on the property and there may be some construction noise during the day, but the nights will be beautiful and peaceful. There is water, a toilet, and 120 electricity available. Warm showers are available at the park. BYOB (bring your own bedding) and camp in style in our quiet, private (and quite romantic!) 10x12 safari tent. Furnished with a comfortable new futon, end tables and a classy rug for comfort. It sleeps two very comfortably. The full size futon easily lifts into a lounger, perfect for reading. Tie the tent doors open during good weather and relax as you watch the wildlife in the field and the sun move over Smith Rock. Kick back next to a little gas fire pit on the tent platform as you watch the sunset over the Cascade mountains. DONT USE GOOGLE MAPS ! Pull into a large gravel driveway/parking spot by turning north off of NE Wilcox, just after some S-turns if you are driving east from Smith Rock State Park. It is easier to pull off NE Wilcox than approach the property from the actual address; typing the address into Google maps and following those directions is not the best way to get to the tent. The entrance off of NE Wilcox is marked by two large, big rock cairns with a wood signs and metal “3648” numbers. There are two pictures on this site of the best entrance off of NE Wilcox. When you pull in, you will see a farm shed then the tent on the right, and the pond with windmill on the left. Park you car and relax ! The tent sleeps 2 people…perfect for car campers who want a clean and roomy tent space. Vans and RVs are welcome too. *RVs, be aware the gravel drive is pretty narrow as it goes over the irrigation ditch. Small RVs will be just fine. Medium or large RVs won’t fit! Walk a sculpted gravel path up a little hill to the sparkling clean (and rarely used) PortaPotty. This is professionally serviced weekly. We are turning this land into a farm, and will periodically be out there during the day digging a pond (this winter’s activity), figuring out irrigation, and generally working (when we are not climbing). If we see you we’ll be sure to say hello! Feel free to roam around on our acres of juniper woodland all around the tent site. You’ll find quail, many other small birds and see geese flying by. Early mornings and dusk are a great time to watch the deer in the field and you may have the great luck of spotting a wild turkey or two!. At night you may hear coyotes singing, the neighbor’s cows mooing and various small mammals running around. We’re told there are no rattlesnakes in the neighborhood (yea!), but you may see a non-poisonous bull or Gardner snake in the field. We even have a family of marmots living at the far end of the property. Look for them in the big rock piles April- September in the early hours. Marmots hibernate all winter. *Keep all food in tightly closed containers and please don’t leave food in the tent during the day (your car is the best place for that). Pack your trash out. This is a Residential neighborhood and voices really carry tot he neighbor’s house; so please, no raves and quiet time after 9ish. Respect the property boundaries.

Cascadia Farm Sanctuary

5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Pronghorn, OR

Learn more about this land: Enjoy a small working hay farm and animal sanctuary outside beautiful Bend, Oregon. We have amazing sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing on this 40-acre property. We have 11 goats and 2 Llamas, and we plan to enlarge our herd this year and take in other unwanted farm animals as needed. Note: This is an adults-only location. No children or dogs are allowed on the property. We have recently added two open-air A-Frames to the two campsites for your enjoyment. Both come with Gas firepits, lofts, and hammocks. We also have a new wood-burning sauna as an added feature and costs $20 per person for the duration of your stay.

100%

(2)

Pacific Star Ranch LLC.

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Redmond, OR

4 RV spots with full hookup's we also provide dry camp and tent sites for availability please call (530) 570-2114) Come be our guest at our 20 acre private gated horse and hay ranch with beautiful Mountain View’s amazing sunrises and sunsets! Safe & Private with gated code entry, Picnic tables with large lawn area & barbecue. Restroom with shower (to be completed by end of April 2024🤠 Just around the corner from Deshutes River for swimming, rafting and fishing, golfing at Eagle Crest Resort beautiful lakes nearby Endless hiking, biking, and horse back trails, waterfalls, skiing and snow sports Close to downtown Redmond shopping, restaurants, taprooms, brewery’s, wine tasting.. 20 minutes to Bend, Tumalo, Sisters, Madras, Prineville, and Terrebonne

99%

(95)

Working Ranch just outside Bend

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Bend, OR

Located 9 miles east of Bend our 40 acre ranch is full of open fields and juniper forest. We have cows, chickens, geese and ducks that live on the ranch and you will most likely see them roaming around the fields. The nights are quiet with the exception of frogs and crickets and offer a full night sky without light pollution.

Star Hosts in Prineville

99%

(44)

Smith Rock Book Farm Camp

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Terrebonne, OR

Rest and relax on our beautiful slice of heaven just minutes from Smith Rock State Park; it’s a 15 minute walk ! We are building on the property and there may be some construction noise during the day, but the nights will be beautiful and peaceful. There is water, a toilet, and 120 electricity available. Warm showers are available at the park. BYOB (bring your own bedding) and camp in style in our quiet, private (and quite romantic!) 10x12 safari tent. Furnished with a comfortable new futon, end tables and a classy rug for comfort. It sleeps two very comfortably. The full size futon easily lifts into a lounger, perfect for reading. Tie the tent doors open during good weather and relax as you watch the wildlife in the field and the sun move over Smith Rock. Kick back next to a little gas fire pit on the tent platform as you watch the sunset over the Cascade mountains. DONT USE GOOGLE MAPS ! Pull into a large gravel driveway/parking spot by turning north off of NE Wilcox, just after some S-turns if you are driving east from Smith Rock State Park. It is easier to pull off NE Wilcox than approach the property from the actual address; typing the address into Google maps and following those directions is not the best way to get to the tent. The entrance off of NE Wilcox is marked by two large, big rock cairns with a wood signs and metal “3648” numbers. There are two pictures on this site of the best entrance off of NE Wilcox. When you pull in, you will see a farm shed then the tent on the right, and the pond with windmill on the left. Park you car and relax ! The tent sleeps 2 people…perfect for car campers who want a clean and roomy tent space. Vans and RVs are welcome too. *RVs, be aware the gravel drive is pretty narrow as it goes over the irrigation ditch. Small RVs will be just fine. Medium or large RVs won’t fit! Walk a sculpted gravel path up a little hill to the sparkling clean (and rarely used) PortaPotty. This is professionally serviced weekly. We are turning this land into a farm, and will periodically be out there during the day digging a pond (this winter’s activity), figuring out irrigation, and generally working (when we are not climbing). If we see you we’ll be sure to say hello! Feel free to roam around on our acres of juniper woodland all around the tent site. You’ll find quail, many other small birds and see geese flying by. Early mornings and dusk are a great time to watch the deer in the field and you may have the great luck of spotting a wild turkey or two!. At night you may hear coyotes singing, the neighbor’s cows mooing and various small mammals running around. We’re told there are no rattlesnakes in the neighborhood (yea!), but you may see a non-poisonous bull or Gardner snake in the field. We even have a family of marmots living at the far end of the property. Look for them in the big rock piles April- September in the early hours. Marmots hibernate all winter. *Keep all food in tightly closed containers and please don’t leave food in the tent during the day (your car is the best place for that). Pack your trash out. This is a Residential neighborhood and voices really carry tot he neighbor’s house; so please, no raves and quiet time after 9ish. Respect the property boundaries.

Cascadia Farm Sanctuary

5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Pronghorn, OR

Learn more about this land: Enjoy a small working hay farm and animal sanctuary outside beautiful Bend, Oregon. We have amazing sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing on this 40-acre property. We have 11 goats and 2 Llamas, and we plan to enlarge our herd this year and take in other unwanted farm animals as needed. Note: This is an adults-only location. No children or dogs are allowed on the property. We have recently added two open-air A-Frames to the two campsites for your enjoyment. Both come with Gas firepits, lofts, and hammocks. We also have a new wood-burning sauna as an added feature and costs $20 per person for the duration of your stay.

99%

(48)

Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

1 site · RV, Tent320 acres · Mitchell, OR

This 320 acre plot of land on which you can hike anywhere has been in our family since 1993. Large, graveled spot for tents or two vehicles with excellent view for miles and miles and night star gazing. Primitive outhouse. Juniper forest with sage brush... basically high desert vegetation. We only allow one reservation per night, although there is lodging (reserved) at the log home almost out of sight up above you. 320 acres to hike and roam. Mitchell is 10 miles away with well stocked grocery and feed store, restaurants, small brewery, and tire shop. We give directions fairly quickly. Road is wide, but steep at top. 4 wheel drive is recommended. Very close to the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National monument, Ochoco National Forest is seven miles. John Day River for swimming, rafting about 20 minutes. If you can book, it means you can drive on up with out contacting us. As you drive in if at night, you will see a light on the outhouse.

High Desert Juniper

1 site · RV2 acres · Prineville, OR

Learn more about this land:Residence with Cascade views, birds, bunnies, quail and lizards mixed in. Some privacy, close to Prineville Reservoir and 5 miles from downtown Prineville. House and shop are modern and well kept, site is almost flat with good tasting well water and of course juniper trees.

B:30 Desert Destination

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR

Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, featuring a propane stove and propane BBQ. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away. The group tent site is on two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Dog-friendly getaways

97%

(32)

Cray Cray Farm

1 site · RV7 acres · Bend, OR

Our farm is a 7 acre farm just outside city limits in Bend, Oregon. We raise chickens and goats year round, with other animals during the summer. We have a canal on three sides of our property, so you can hear running water as if you were camping on the river. There is a beautiful view of the mountains from your spot and you are less than 15 minutes away from Downtown Bend. There are so many amazing things to do in Central Oregon that are less an hour away including hiking, mountain biking, floating the river, and much more.

Countryside RV

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Prineville, OR

Experience the tranquility of our Countryside RV Hipcamp, nestled on our charming 5-acre hobby farm just outside Prineville, Oregon. During your stay, immerse yourself in the serene rhythms of country life. Delight in observing ducks and muskrats gracefully swimming in the creek, or marvel at the sight of horses and cows peacefully grazing in the lush pasture. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll down a picturesque country road, soaking in the rustic beauty of the surrounding landscape. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and indulge in the peaceful ambiance of our countryside retreat.

Wits End RV Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Redmond, OR

Welcome to our spacious RV camp spot in Redmond, OR, conveniently situated just 5 minutes from town and a mere 10 minutes from the renowned Smith Rock. Whether you prefer solitude or are joining a sizable group of RVs, our site accommodates your needs.

Desert Rose Private Campground

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Prineville, OR

Welcome to our family's Private Campground - The Desert Rose. A boondocking site for you and your family to enjoy! We have a Yurt, a cabin, 3 RV/Travel trailer pads and 2 tent sites created here and plenty of room for everyone to have their own space yet be all together. You can book the entire campground, or just one of the units. Whether it's just you, or you're bringing a crew, we know you'll love it here! Our favorite hikes in the Central Oregon area is Smith Rocks and Chimney Rock. The Prineville reservoir is roughly a 12 minute drive and the starry nights here are something to behold. Up the road is the most unique petting zoo that we recently found! Find it and you might just be able to hold a baby kangaroo! Boondocking site means there is no hook-ups or running water so you'll want to bring in your own water and heat if you're here in the colder months. Your four legged furry family members are welcomed! They must be accompanied at all times and not left on the property alone. The dog run is for you to keep closer tabs on them while relaxing, not for leaving them while going into town or enjoying the area. The dirt is very soft and it wouldn't take very long for them to dig under to get out and go looking for you. The cabin or yurt is also not a pet storage area - with no power or AC, pets are not allowed to be left alone in the dwellings.

High Desert Juniper

1 site · RV2 acres · Prineville, OR

Learn more about this land:Residence with Cascade views, birds, bunnies, quail and lizards mixed in. Some privacy, close to Prineville Reservoir and 5 miles from downtown Prineville. House and shop are modern and well kept, site is almost flat with good tasting well water and of course juniper trees.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(4)

Prineville Reservoir State Park

Prineville, Oregon

67%

(9)

Ochoco National Forest

Mitchell, Oregon

Smith Rock and the Crooked River from the Top of Misery Ridge Trail

97%

(25)

Smith Rock State Park

Terrebonne, Oregon

95%

(70)

Deschutes National Forest

Camping near Prineville guide

Overview

Set on the Ochoco River, Prineville was originally established as a timber town back in the 1870s. Today, it serves the Crook County area and features plenty of gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and supply shops, making it an ideal place to stop for supplies before heading out to the Ochoco Lake State Park or the Ochoco National Forest. However, you may wish to stick around to visit Ochoco Wayside State Park, hike up to Barnes Butte, or learn about local history at the old-timey Bowman Museum.

Where to go

Ochoco National Forest

Prineville sits on the western end of the Ochoco National Forest, a nearly million-acre expanse of trees, canyons, rivers and lakes. Camping opportunities abound here, with dispersed camping and campgrounds throughout the forest plus plenty of private options.

Deschutes National Forest

Spread out over nearly 200 acres, this massive forest offers ample opportunity to hike, bike, fish, and kayak. Popular attractions within the forest include Newberry National Volcanic Monument and Mount Bachelor.

Warm Springs

Owned by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, this sunny part of the state is characterized by rugged, arid landscapes and plenty of wild mustangs. It's also home to a number of attractions, including the Museum at Warm Springs.

When to go

Prineville is at its busiest in July and August, when kids are on summer vacation, though this time of year can be a bit hot for some people, with highs in the upper 80s and little to no rainfall. For more pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, the spring and fall shoulder seasons (in May and June and September and October, respectively) are ideal for many campers, with daytime highs in the upper 60s or 70s.