The best camping near Prineville Reservoir State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Prineville Reservoir adventure.

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Swim by day and stargaze by night at a sprawling high desert reservoir.

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Community favorites near Prineville Reservoir State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Prineville Reservoir State Park

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Prineville Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Prineville Reservoir State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Prineville Reservoir State Park

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Sunset/Sunrise on Cricketwood Farm

1 site · RV5 acres · Bend, OR

Bend is listed as one of the best towns in the country by residents and visitors; "an outdoor enthusiasts dream with a bit of urban feel." Float pristine rivers and lakes, rock climb or hike Smith Rock State Park or visit the High Desert Museum. Hipcamper's have easy access to mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, rock hounding, paddling, cycling, golfing and dining. We have 1 RV site with potable water, electricity and a picnic table. Pets are allowed. Guests love it here: "I had a wonderful stay. A beautiful and serene place. Easy to drive into Bend, yet away from the city hustle and bustle. Magnificent sunsets, and enjoyable walks through the surrounding countryside seeing and hearing birds and farm animals. Great hosts!"

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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.

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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.

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The Cool Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Tumalo, OR

We have large private driveway and 2 acre property off of any major roads. We have friendly dogs and chickens to provide daily fresh eggs. Behind our property is public land with some trails for walking and the paved loop around our neighborhood provides beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains and Smith Rock. *PLEASE NO OPEN FIRES OR CHARCOAL GRILLS. GAS GRILLLS FOR COOKING ARE OK*

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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.

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Juniper Pines Private RV Camping

1 site · RV2 acres · Prineville, OR

Juniper Pines is our family's 2 acre, peaceful, rustic, uninhabited getaway in Central Oregon. It is 7 minutes North of The Prineville Reservoir and 12 minutes South of the Town of Prineville. The property is flat and situated on a corner, and is best suited for dry campers who want a peaceful experience away from others all to themselves as there is no host living on site. The center area is cleared of trees, has a rustic fire pit in the center, with trees surrounding the perimeter of the property. The adjacent property to the side has no buildings or tenants, adding to your sense of privacy, while the adjacent property to the rear has year round, live in quiet tenants. In the summer, we bring our boat, kayaks, paddle boards, jeep, and boat and use them in the surrounding waterways and on the nearby public use BLM land. Or bring your family's fishing poles and take the kids to the local Youth Fishing Pond or nearby Haystack Reservoir that are both stocked year-round with trout. There is plenty of room on the property to bring your kayaks or boat if you plan to use the local waterways. Be sure to try Grannies for local treats just a few minutes away, for special coffee drinks and food you are bound to love, or if you need ice or a quick breakfast burrito. Be sure to run into town and stop in at Tastee Treet, for the best milk shakes and burgers around! And- if you like micro brews or cider's in a very laid-back open-air fire side setting, stop by the Wild Ride Brewery in Prineville for a truly epic outdoor family friendly experience. While you are there, grab some delicious food at the on-site food carts! We haven't been able to use our property as much as we would like, so our family getaway camp spot is now open to share with others. We hope you enjoy this location, the privacy, and ability to camp with a larger group all by yourselves. I hope you get to enjoy all the things that we love to do without having to share outdoor space right next to others or struggle to find an open reservation!

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Experience Heaven

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents157 acres · La Pine, OR

8 campsites and 2 original Mongolian Gers. The season for the camp sites is from June 1st to October 15 and the Gers are all 12 months. Pets allowed, toilets on site, campfires permitted when burn ban is not in place. This being the 4th year, things have gotten a little out of hand. So let's regergitate some things and make sure everyone understands how it is. If you aren't capable of practicing the 5 P's, then you need to book somewhere else. Proper Preperation Prevents Poor Performance. If you can't get here and have your camp set up by 8:00PM, showing respect to the other Hipcampers that are already set up and enjoying the PEACE AND QUIET, then you need to book somewhere else or don't come until the following morning. No driving down to the campsites/the lake after 8::00PM. Period. Communicate with me. If you leave Portland at 5:00 PM with the intention of spending the night in Heaven then you need to alter your plans. No more than 4 adults at each campsite. I am almost to the point of saying no BIG DOGS. If you got big dogs, my suggestion is you go book someplace else. Talk to me. It is a given they willl need to be on a tethered throughout your time in Heaven. Take them for walks along the lake, not having them run thru everyone elses camp sites. No Yappers, no barking dogs, no yippers, no pain in the butts. Why would you drive by 46 grocery stores and forget to bring ice? No music. I have changed quiet time to 9:00 PM. You need to listen to music I suggest you start a band or become a DJ. What I want folks to get out of being here, whether they are camping or staying in the Gers is just to “take a break”. Relax, appreciate, assess and just listen. I hope what you hear is the sound of life and of course all the Angels that make up this special piece of Heaven. The chipmunks, the squirrels, all the different birds, the eagles, the osprey, the fish jumping, the deer roaming, the timber martins running thru the trees, the snowshoe rabbits and the occasional black bear. Then there is the silence. The best part of “Heaven”. So, while you are here, take a deep breath, close your eyes at the appropriate moment and ask yourself, am I on the right path? Is what I am doing fulfilling me? Am I showing my family and friends how much I love them? Do I really need all that crap I got? Where do I go from here? My intention was for each one you to not just go camping, or to stay in a Mongolian Ger but to have an “Experience” that just might lead you to a more fulfilling and happier life.

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Birdwatching Oasis

1 site · RV2 acres · Bend, OR

I wanted a peaceful place to call home. I found this property after a long search with a very patient and kind realtor. I fell in love with it almost immediately. The ponds bring wonderful wildlife that I enjoy watching and listening to….birds, frogs and many other animals. I wanted a property where I could have space to have horses or other farm animals if I chose to. I have not chosen to acquire them as of yet, but I like having the option. I love sharing this spot with others. The stars are incredibly brighter than most places and there is very little noise pollution as well. I call it my Little Desert Oasis. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Learn more about this land:I offer Standard RV plug in electricity and water. Sorry no toilet facilities at all. So you must have your own self-contained bathroom set up in your rig. No tent camping is it allowed. Trailers and vans with toilet are a perfect fit. It feels like country out here with horses, sheep llamas etc. small farms all around. Yet close to town, just a mile away from Highway 97 and about 3 miles away from Highway 20 near Tumalo. I think you will find the location convenient as it is only 15 minutes from the Redmond Airport, about 20 minutes to Sisters Oregon and downtown Bend is an easy 8 mile drive.There are pretty views of ponds joined by a creek and small waterfalls. The water features attract lots of wildlife! You will likely see deer, wild ducks, quail, hawks and many other types of birds. I even had a duck build a nest next to the pond last year and hatch a clutch of ducklings. There are several small Aspen trees and old junipers near the campsite next to the ponds. If the night sky and stars don’t take your breath away, the frogs will surely serenade you to sleep! There is a little view of the mountains as well. The site is centrally located for easy access to Highway 24 Highway 97. Trader Joe’s, Food 4 Less, Target, Starbucks and a outdoor shopping malls are only 5 miles away. Numerous restaurants are also only 5 miles from the home. There are more than a half a dozen breweries within 8 miles and 45 minutes to Mount Bachelor. The quaint little town of Tumalo is only 3 miles down the road. There you will find a cool taproom (The Bite) with outdoor seating, corn hole and yummy food carts. In addition, there is a great pizza joint and Tumalo Cider Bar. Tumalo State Park is less than 5 miles away. Riley Ranch Nature Preserve is also less than 5 miles away and well worth the trip!

The best camping near Prineville Reservoir State Park guide

Overview

About

Surrounding a 3,000-acre canyon reservoir in the arid high desert of Central Oregon, Prineville Reservoir State Park offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water sports, with multiple boat ramps and moorages for visitor use. Although the water is the main draw, the park also attracts those who prefer to keep dry, with a couple of moderate hiking trails and chances to spot birds and other wildlife, particularly once you get away from the popular day-use area. The International Dark Sky Park’s stargazing alone makes it worth staying the night at Prineville Campground, home to tent sites and full-hookup sites, plus a handful of log cabins.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations for the main campground open six months in advance, at 6am each day on the Oregon State Parks online system.
If you're unable to get a spot at the main campground, head to Jasper Point for its first-come, first-served campsites.
Quite a few primitive, drive-in, and boat-in campsites can be found along the reservoir. Check directly with park rangers for availability.
Other people’s cancellations can work in your favor. Check in with the park directly to see if any last-minute spots have opened up (openings under a day away are not bookable online).

When to go

Prineville Reservoir State Park is open year-round, but it’s at its most popular in the hot summer months. Due to its dark sky status, the park is particularly popular during the annual Perseid meteor shower in mid-August. If you want to beat the crowds and still take advantage of warm days, consider visiting in late spring or early autumn, when school is in session. While Oregon tends to be rainy this time of year, Prineville’s location east of the Cascade Mountains keeps things dry.

Know before you go

The high desert location means that while summer days can be quite hot, temperatures drop dramatically at night. Bring layers.
The campground has two accessible campsites and two accessible log cabins.
You can buy food and supplies in the nearby city of Prineville, about a 20-minute drive from the park.