Camping in Ochoco National Forest

77% (11 reviews)

Central Oregon hosts high mountains, thick pine forests, and lots of wilderness.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Ochoco National Forest

100%
(19)

The Enclave

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Mitchell, OR
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. This remote sanctuary, known for its tranquility and stunning natural beauty, has also become a hotspot for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings. Glowing orbs, pulsating lights, and other mysterious aerial phenomena have been frequently reported, adding an element of intrigue to your stargazing experience. 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 minimal light pollution and dramatic 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. Shuttle service available. Please inquire.
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$35
 / night
95%
(132)

Haystack Ranch

17 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Spray, OR
My family has owned the ranch since 1977. We bought it from my parents a few years ago to keep it in the family. We love living here, and although it is just the two of us working it, we are slowly getting it to what we want it to be. The house we live in is over 100 years old and used to be a stage coach stop back in the late 1800's to early 1900's, You can still see some of the old stage coach roads on the property, and we are trying to preserve those the best we can. Also in the early 1900's this ranch used to be the place to go on the fourth of July. People from all over would bring their prize horses to compete in a horse race for the name of the fastest horses around While others would bring picnic baskets to set back on the knoll in one of our fields to watch. Learn more about this land:We are a 500 Acre working ranch located in Beautiful East Central Oregon, We are Between The stunning Painted Hills, and Umatilla National Forest. Just a few miles away from the Gorgeous John Day River, where Rafting, Tubing, Fishing, Swimming is always a welcome retreat. A few miles above us is Bull Prairie Lake and the wonderful Umatilla National Forest where hiking, sight seeing and wildlife viewing is always available.
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$35
 / night
97%
(116)

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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$32
 / night
97%
(99)

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. You can arrange vehicles or tents to not be in view or block any view from house way above. 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.
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$20.50
 / night

Camping in Ochoco National Forest guide

Overview

About

You could spend weeks in the Ochoco Mountains and never see everything. Crooked River National Grassland leads up to majestic mountains. Peaks reach as high as 7,000 feet above sea level here. Everywhere you look, Mother Nature shows off her resplendent colors. Explore green pastures, verdant trees, deep blue rivers, and brown canyons.

Start with The Island. This plateau rises out of the confluence of the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. Steins Pillar is a remnant of the volcanic activity that once dominated this area. It stands as a tower above the forest floor in the mountains.

Another unique treat is the herd of wild horses that roam freely. Choose from plenty of hiking trails in this national forest. If you'd rather drive, some areas have backcountry roads.

Choose from 27 campgrounds in this wilderness area. They vary from tent sites and RVs to yurts and cabins. Consider Walter Lake campground for a rustic retreat near a remote fishing lake.

77%
11 ratings · 7 reviews
  1. Ochoco National Forest