Ochoco National Forest
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Campgrounds in Ochoco
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The reservoir is not great for swimming - pretty mucky and full of algae. Good amenities at the campsites though.
Smith Rock State Park doesn't allow car/van/RV camping, but Skull Hollow does and it's only 15 min from the park.
Skull Hollow is a good basecamp for Smith Rock climbers and other adventurers. The sites are quite large, especially towards the end of the loop. Expect a terrain of juniper and sagebrush, a firepit, picnic table and great star gazing! There is no running water so be sure to pack in your own.
History of Ochoco National Forest
The Ochoco National Forest’s history is as diverse as it’s land with historic trails and old timey cabins and railroads. The land was originally a part of Deschutes National Forest, but was cut off from it back in the early 20th century and Ochoco National Forest was formed.
The geographical boundaries go hand in hand with the cultural history – cattlemen fought with sheepmen, so instead of letting them go to war over specific boundaries set up by the respected groups, Washington decided to divide the land, making Ochoco National Forest its own entity in 1911.
In the following decades, the resources of the land were cut, harvested, and mined, all the while people were beginning to realize that treating the land in this way was not the most optimal due to the scars left. Today, industrial mining and the lumber industries have faded into the past and respectful recreation is the present and future