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 State Park adventure.

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

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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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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. The Hipcamp is on the South Shore of East Lake Pets allowed, toilets on site, campfires permitted when burn ban is not in place. This being the 5th year, things are excellent and I certainly don't have any issues to deal with. 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 not to the point yet of saying no big dogs. Talk to me if you think your "big dog" might not fit in. 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 loud music. I have changed quiet time to 9:00 PM. You need to listen to the chaos/stressful 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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Picnik Place

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Bend, OR

Hi and welcome to Picnik Place! This is a 20 acre farm, so there is plenty of land to roam free and explore, as well as having your privacy from the primary residents. With this spot, you are nestled under a juniper tree with a lava rock backdrop and can watch the sun dip below the volcanos in the distance. This spot is very simple and tucked away. There is an off-grid solar power hook-up that you can use, but it will not be enough power to run the AC and toaster oven at the same time! While feeling remote and removed from the Bend tourism, it only takes 15 minutes to get downtown, where there are ample restaurants, shops, coffehouses, etc. It takes 7 minutes to get to Trader Joe's and Home Depot, and 10 minutes to get to St. Charles Hospital.

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Buzzard's Roost

25 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Prineville, OR

Just five miles east of Post Oregon on highway 380, 1/4 mile on Pine creek and Antelope res. Rd (NF 17) Buzzard Roost Private Campground is a great getaway located in the surrounding areas of great fishing, Hunting, Biking, Hiking and just plain kicking back and enjoying Mother Nature. This is a new campground and was only open last year for a short while while in between developing the sites . It was chosen by a very reputable RV manufacturer and had a Television commercial shoot using Buzzards Roost Private Campground as the main site. There are twenty five active dry camp sites and twenty two pull through spaces for RV clamping. Please enjoy your stay

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Escape at the Deschutes

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Three Rivers, OR

Nestled in the embrace of Deschutes National Forest, our property beckons outdoor enthusiasts to a haven of adventure. Surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscapes of Central Oregon, this campsite offers a gateway to nature's wonders. Awaken to the crisp mountain air and immerse yourself in the tranquility of towering pines, with landmarks like the majestic Three Sisters and the iconic Deschutes River weaving through the terrain. Explore scenic trails by day, whether you're hiking or mountain biking, and unwind under the starlit sky by night. Your escape to nature's beauty begins here, amidst the splendor of Central Oregon. Site Highlights: *Extended stays welcome* -Full service sites -50 Amp service (30 Amp RV/trailer please have step-down adapter) -Gravel driveway -Electric, sewer, water and garbage included -Nice, quiet setting -Wildlife sitings such as elk, deer, rabbits, birds and squirrels -Quick access to the Cascade Lakes Highway -Short commute to Sunriver Village

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Festival Fun

22 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Redmond, OR

We recently relocated to Redmond and LOVE being here! It has allowed us the opportunity to enjoy everything Central Oregon has to offer and we hope you too can experience and enjoy it as much as we do. It's all about making memories. It's also perfect for Fall/Winter fun and avoiding the summer crowds. Simply stay on our 5 acre property with complete hook ups if you're looking to avoid the bustle of downtown and it's hotel prices! Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent out in the pasture, near the canal that runs through the property. We are a perfect location to the fairgrounds for the Farewell Festival and Equinox festivel. We are 4 mile to the festival sights in Redmond and 20 min to Bend. We offer shuttle rides to and from the festivities so just enjoy the ride, enjoy to show and come home for a relaxing evening under the stars. If you are bringing an RV or trailer with have hookups for electric. We are close to Bachelor for skiing, Smith Rock for hiking, Sisters for shopping, too many lakes to name and 20mins to all Bend has to offer and so much more!

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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. 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 has two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. Also includes an outdoor shower/compostable toilet, BBQ with picnic area, and propane fire pit. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Also includes shared compostable toilet and individual propane fire pit. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Propane tanks are also included. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

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Big Rock Ranch

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Terrebonne, OR

Nathaniel and Raina Potter purchased this 30-acre ranch in 2016 and aptly named it "Big Rock Ranch." The modest ranch layout with the wildly immodest views of a giant rock outcropping jutting out of coyote butte was the immediate draw and continual wonder to Nathaniel, Raina, and all who visit. Big Rock Ranch runs cattle in the irrigated pastures and chickens for meat and eggs. Stay at Big Rock Ranch...Stay in a 12x14 ft canvas tent on a working regenerative family farm in the high desert. Enjoy views of a 300+ ft Tuff rock formation, Cascade Mountains, and irrigated pasture views all from the tent. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, outfitted with propane burners and a sink. Eat meals from the tent deck or the picnic table under native junipers surrounded by sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native grasses and tuff boulders. Collect farm fresh eggs and greens seasonally with the opportunity to enjoy meat raised at the ranch. One queen bed in a canvas tent, one folding cot, and access to a 2-person tent if needed to accommodate a family or two couples. Bedding is NOT supplied beyond the queen bed. Recreation Activities: Limited hiking available onsite but only 8 minutes from Smith Rock State Park for hiking and climbing. Only 25 minutes from Lake Billy Chinook for water recreating. Just 15 minutes from mountain biking at Skull Hollow. A 10-minute drive to swimming in the Deschutes River at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve. Bend and Sisters are both 30-minutes away. Night rates are offerings to our family and ranch.

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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. NO TENTS sorry

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Central Oregon Private Oasis

15 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Redmond, OR

We bought the property almost 2 years ago and are in the process of revamping the yard and outdoor spaces. To include weed removal and rock relocating haha. It’s been a labor of love so please excuse our mess as we do this. We live on property and would love to tell you where to go for local experiences that may not be as well advertised. We are 3.3 miles away from Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center, 13 miles from Hayden Homes Amphitheater, and 11 miles from Smith Rock State Park. No matter the time of year there is always something to do. We have hose water available to fill tanks or just drink. We have an outhouse on site. We have generator available for rent. Small items available to purchase for those forgotten items. Oregon is a 21 and older state. Everyone needs to be 21 years old to smoke cigarettes, marijuana, or drink alcohol so please obey state laws. That being said feel free to partake just be respectful with your cans and butts. Most nights only 1 night stay is required however there are some blocked out days or extended stays (only a couple times a year)

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Camping under the Stars

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Culver, OR

We are sharing our property with guests who have good reviews and are invited to the property. Our strict rules about --NO FIRES-- is strictly in effect all summer long. We do provide some outdoor propane firepits which work great for heat and marshmallows !! We love our property close to the lake and the great grasslands, and also love to share it with responsible groups for camping. Please note that we are only sharing our property and that this is not a full-time campground or RV park with any specific layout. There are no services offered, other than a Bathroom which is serviced regularly. Come camp with us, we look forward to hosting you and your friends/family.

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Twisted Juniper Ranch

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Bend, OR

Come stay in a traditional Mongolian Yurt on this majestic 2.4 acres of land located on a butte with southern exposure facing Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and Three Sisters Peaks. Enjoy the great views while soaking up plenty of sunshine during the days and excellent star gazing at night. Juniper dominate the landscape with an abundance of black lava, the densest lava found in Central Oregon. There are local mule deer that travel thru the ranch foraging on sagebrush and juniper berries. This campsite is located close to plenty hiking/biking trails and state parks. Whether you enjoy rock climbing, fly fishing, hiking, rock hounding, or spending the day shredding on Mt Bachelor there are activities for everyone nearby. We have a flock of 5 free range chickens that you are likely to encounter, they are very friendly. 6 miles-Tumalo State Park 20 miles-Smith Rock State Park 10 miles-Redmond Airport 32 miles-Mt. Bachelor 3 miles-Deschutes River 9 miles-downtown Bend

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Alex E.’s Land

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Bend, OR

White Wolf Ranch is an organic vegetable farm situated on 80 acres with beautiful views of the cascade mountain range. Walk through the numerous trails among the juniper trees and sage brush. Play games and have picnics on the 2 acres of manicured lawn and even pick vegetables for your dinner from the greenhouses. This is a beautiful oasis in the high desert. 9 minute drive from Bend, Or or a short walk down to The Bite in Tumalo. Come enjoy a truly magical camp site on our farm.Please let us know if you would like to include vegetables for your stay, we also have camp chairs, yard games, paddle boards, etc all available at an additional charge.

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.