The best star host camping near Prineville

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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.

99% (2.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Prineville

1. The Enclave, OR

100%
(31)
46mi from Prineville · 1 site · Tent, RV
Escape to Twickenham, Oregon, a hidden gem in Wheeler County's vast, dark sky zone. Prepare to be amazed by unparalleled stargazing, where the celestial canvas comes alive with breathtaking clarity. Our spacious campsite on a private 10-acre property offers unparalleled stargazing, where you can witness pristine celestial displays and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) that frequent the area. Wheeler County was recently highlighted in Investigation Alien, a Netflix documentary led by George Knapp. This area offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos and perhaps witness something truly extraordinary. The Enclave provides the perfect base for your celestial adventures with dramatic day views of the rimrocks, mountains, and open skies. Explore nearby wonders like the John Day Fossil Beds, Painted Hills, and the John Day River, or simply relax under the star-studded canopy. We're conveniently located just one mile from the Twickenham Bridge, a popular access point for John Day River float trips. The property features a 6,120 sq ft fenced garden and lavender crop – fresh produce, herbs, and lavender are available seasonally.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

3. Desert Rose Private Campground

97%
(17)
10mi from Prineville · 3 sites · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night

4. Casa Del lago 2 Lake Billy Chinook

97%
(19)
28mi from Prineville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: Pull up and let the vacation begin. The Lake Billy Chinook area has everything for the perfect camp trip. There is bike riding, boating, fishing, hiking, ATV riding, swimming, kayaking, lounging and enjoying nature. When you arrive just park in your site. We have 30-amp service but no RV septic hookup. The site is gravel so you may need to level your rig. We have a fantastic outdoor area complete with couch, loungers, BBQ and fire pit. The high desert offers some of the most amazing views of the Cascade Mountains with clear blue skies and some of the best star gazing around. Casa del Lago is a dark sky site. There is a fantastic view of Mount Jefferson from the couch and the sunsets are absolutely beautiful. During the Summer we usually enjoy beautiful sunny days and cool comfortable nights. You can hang out down at the lake and find a spot on the beach to have a picnic. You can also bring your boat or rent one at the Cove Palisades Marina and enjoy water sports. Hosts live in house on property. We are located 4 miles from the lake and are nestled in a rural country neighborhood.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night

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.

99% (2.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Prineville

1. The Enclave, OR

100%
(31)
46mi from Prineville · 1 site · Tent, RV
Escape to Twickenham, Oregon, a hidden gem in Wheeler County's vast, dark sky zone. Prepare to be amazed by unparalleled stargazing, where the celestial canvas comes alive with breathtaking clarity. Our spacious campsite on a private 10-acre property offers unparalleled stargazing, where you can witness pristine celestial displays and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) that frequent the area. Wheeler County was recently highlighted in Investigation Alien, a Netflix documentary led by George Knapp. This area offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos and perhaps witness something truly extraordinary. The Enclave provides the perfect base for your celestial adventures with dramatic day views of the rimrocks, mountains, and open skies. Explore nearby wonders like the John Day Fossil Beds, Painted Hills, and the John Day River, or simply relax under the star-studded canopy. We're conveniently located just one mile from the Twickenham Bridge, a popular access point for John Day River float trips. The property features a 6,120 sq ft fenced garden and lavender crop – fresh produce, herbs, and lavender are available seasonally.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

3. Desert Rose Private Campground

97%
(17)
10mi from Prineville · 3 sites · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night

4. Casa Del lago 2 Lake Billy Chinook

97%
(19)
28mi from Prineville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: Pull up and let the vacation begin. The Lake Billy Chinook area has everything for the perfect camp trip. There is bike riding, boating, fishing, hiking, ATV riding, swimming, kayaking, lounging and enjoying nature. When you arrive just park in your site. We have 30-amp service but no RV septic hookup. The site is gravel so you may need to level your rig. We have a fantastic outdoor area complete with couch, loungers, BBQ and fire pit. The high desert offers some of the most amazing views of the Cascade Mountains with clear blue skies and some of the best star gazing around. Casa del Lago is a dark sky site. There is a fantastic view of Mount Jefferson from the couch and the sunsets are absolutely beautiful. During the Summer we usually enjoy beautiful sunny days and cool comfortable nights. You can hang out down at the lake and find a spot on the beach to have a picnic. You can also bring your boat or rent one at the Cove Palisades Marina and enjoy water sports. Hosts live in house on property. We are located 4 miles from the lake and are nestled in a rural country neighborhood.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night

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The best star host camping near Prineville guide

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.