Ochoco Forest Campground is a small campground (4 sites) situated along Ochoco Creek at the west end of the Ochoco National Forest. This is a pay site with a camp host present on site. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring, and the campground has one vault toilet, potable water and garbage service. The forest headquarters is on an adjacent property, and the old ranger's house is available for rent (constantly in use, so you have to plan well in advance to stay there!). There is also a very nice Group Pavillion that is available for rent with space for a few camper vehicles or trailers and a large flat area for tents. The Group Pavillion also has water, electrical outlets, a large barbeque pit, and vault toilet. On weekends, the main road which runs along the campground gets a fair amount of vehicle use as campers take their trailers and fifth wheels further into the forest for dispersed camping, but the noise tapers off by 9pm.
Ochoco Forest Camp offers good birding opportunities from mid-May into early September due to the mix of habitats. There is also a chance to observe feral horses, at least early in season or quieter weekdays.
From Prineville, Oregon, drive east on Highway 26 about 15 miles. Turn right at the signed junction to Walton Lake and Big Summit Prairie (County Road 123). Drive an additional 7 miles. Upon driving into the forest edge, you will notice an interpretive site with large paved parking area and vault toilet on the left. This is a good place for groups heading east into the forest to meet up. Just past this interpretive site, turn left onto Forest Service Road 2610 which is signed for Ochoco Forest Camp. Cross Ochoco Creek and at the second road on the right, turn right past the CCC era wood campground entrance sign. Drive about 200' and turn right into the campground. The Group Pavillion would be accessed by continuing straight from this junction, although it is gated if not in use.
Ochoco Forest Campground is about 22 miles (half an hour drive) east of Prineville.
July 10-14, 2017: Ochoco Forest Campground (Ochoco National Forest)
June 21-26, 2017: Ochoco Forest Campground (Ochoco National Forest)
May 19-22, 2017: Ochoco Forest Camp (Ochoco National Forest)
May 27-30, 2016: Ochoco Forest Campground (Ochoco National Forest)
April 29-30, 2016: Ochoco Forest Campground and upstream 200 meters east of the Group Camp, and one-quarter mile north of the Forest Service workshop buildings. (Ochoco National Forest)
June 12, 2015: Ochoco Forest Campground (Ochoco National Forest)