Bucking Horse Ranch

I'm really glad we went in a Jeep; the road was seriously steep and rocky. I was a little concerned that we'd have a hard time finding the place, since the conversation with Robert about directions was long and winding. But it turned out to be pretty straightforward once we turned off 26.

I would definitely return, and definitely recommend this spot. The views are magical.

Breathtaking! Easily my favorite camp spot ever. I think I really enjoyed having the space all to ourselves. That was the bonus! I would definitely look to book without the a site without others there so you experience it in the quiet.

Directions aren’t tricky - you just have to take notes when you speak with Robert. He’s a kind man and was very descriptive. I wouldn’t feel comfortable driving a sedan or car without 4x4 especially when it rains but definitely do able! Just prepare for a slow (slow!) climb. And be sure to arrive before dark there’s almost no way you could do that drive (the first time) without daylight.

Lovely spot - definitely booking again!

Robert is an excellent host and we're grateful to have experienced his ranch. He was kind and welcoming and provided directions to his place. It's a bit of a trek up the hill, but manageable. The view from the top is about as good as it gets. The land is pristine, well cared for and still retains just enough wild to feel like you're stepping into another world. Highly recommended.

Beautiful for stargazing and getting away! Close to Painted Hills and Mitchell.

We were hiking and traveling to explore the John Day fossil bed area and Robert's piece of land was a perfect location. You do need a good 4x4 to go on a dirt road for about 4 miles once you get onto cougar mountain road to the camping location but it is totally worth it. It was a beautiful piece of land that comes with incredible views and its dead quiet. There are no signs to get there along the dirt road, so we had to trust Robert's directions to get there and also trusting our natural sense of finding places.. I recommend going to the campground way before the sunset before it gets dark. Otherwise it will be super hard to find. If you want to experience a true getaway experience from the city and camping in the middle of beautiful nowhere, this is it!

This property is UNREAL! It is absolutely on the top of the world and is worth the drive up there.
That having been said, some of the grandeur was lost because whoever came before us didn't think it was important enough to pack out their trash, so critters had gotten in to it and it was all over the middle of the campground. (Pack it out all!) Even though he did not cause it, it would have been cool for Robert to have tidied up (we sent him a text - close to cleaning up ourselves but used TP was over the line).
Make sure to get detailed directions days/weeks before you head out. We attempted to call Robert from town as instructed (walked up & down main street for signal) and then only found the place because we asked for directions in the restaurant and a diner happened to live on the road & 2) once on the road, we got led up the 3mi of gravel road by a neighbor. We never would have found it on our own and we did not hear back from Robert until the next day.
All in all, the site was worth it. It's beautiful. We will plan further ahead next time & hope there isn't trash strewn around. Maybe we'll even meet Robert (never saw him!)

Lots of views, plenty of privacy, close to the painted hills. We loved our stay and would come back here again.

Breathtaking views and unstoppable stargazing. I literally thanked my lucky stars for finding this place — the bumpy roads, 2 flat tires (our fault - we sh have not waited to replace our tires!!), and spotty cell service were eclipsed by the amazing vistas and lovely camping site. Cannot wait to try and come back here in future years but with a big Ford 4x4!!!!

This place blew our minds! Where you END UP is worth the trip, but HOW you get there may be stressful for some. Make sure you concentrate on the directions given by Robert. We are college-educated and good listeners, and we still needed the help of two neighbors to get us to the right spot. Facilities are rustic—I would have appreciated at least a cloth cover to drape the outhouse, since other campers were nearby. However, the view was spectacular!! It was so peaceful to look down and see the tiny details of the Painted Hills below—sometimes it reminded me of the Grand Canyon! It can get windy, so be sure to tie your tent or canopy down. Bring enough water. Truly, the views from this highest point in the area took our breath away. We stayed at 4 Hipcamps on this trip and this one had the BEST VIEW by FAR!