Central Oregon's high desert landscape surrounding Prineville features diverse camping options managed by multiple agencies. The Prineville Reservoir State Park offers full-hookup sites, cabins, and yurts along the shoreline, while BLM-managed campgrounds along the Crooked River provide more rustic experiences. Several first-come, first-served sites like Big Bend Campground and Palisades Campground sit along the river corridor below Bowman Dam. Skull Hollow Campground near Terrebonne serves as a popular base camp for Smith Rock State Park visitors, offering primitive camping with vault toilets but no water. Ochoco Lake County Park, just minutes from downtown Prineville, provides water access with basic amenities for both tent and RV campers.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Prineville area. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winter can bring snow and freezing conditions, particularly in the Ochoco Mountains east of town. Many riverside campgrounds fill quickly during fishing season, especially on weekends. As one camper noted, "I stayed in mid-June and got the last campsite on a Friday night out of all the campgrounds, so it fills up fast." Cell service varies dramatically throughout the region, with limited to no coverage in many canyon areas. Water availability is inconsistent at primitive sites, with one visitor reporting, "The best place to get potable water and dump is the Crook County RV Park just 20 minutes down the road on the outskirts of Prineville."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the area. Campsites along Prineville Reservoir offer swimming access, with one reviewer appreciating that "the swim area is marked and dogs are not allowed in that area so you don't have to worry about dog messes where your kiddos are walking barefoot." The Crooked River campgrounds are particularly popular with anglers and those seeking quieter experiences. Dispersed camping options in the Crooked River National Grasslands provide free alternatives with minimal facilities but excellent stargazing opportunities. Visitors frequently mention the contrast between busy summer weekends and peaceful weekday or off-season stays. Spring brings wildflowers but also potential for muddy conditions on unpaved access roads, with some requiring higher clearance vehicles.
$15 - $30 / night
"There are a lot of trails nearby! Hiking, Bike and atv trails. There is also access to the "road" that leads to the top of Grey Butte."
"Great spot to camp with a quick drive to Smith Rock. We had fun hiking many of the trails within the area. Several TH right next to campground. Very quiet and peaceful campground."
$8 / night
"Day 4 - Pacific North Quest (South Sister) This classic Eastern Oregon gem is located just north of Bend on the Crooked River."
"Smith Rock always surprises me- here you are, driving through the farmlands of Central Oregon and BAM. There is Smith, rising out of the ground."
$24 - $106 / night
"We love going to Prineville Reservoir State Park because it isn't too big- lots of grassy spaces, great boating and beach area."
"This is another Oregon state park gem... best to visit offseason if you are not a boater, jet skier or love motor noise. I go every spring and get a spot overlooking the lake/reservoir. "
$10 - $25 / night
"A downside is the proximity to the highway and the resulting noise."
"Tiny little campsite with spots right next to each other. 10 walk up tent sites, most are right along the water. Everyone is so close together you get to know your neighbors pretty well."
$24 - $80 / night
"This is one of our favorite campgrounds in Oregon. We did have a harder time backing in our 35ft trailer due to the more narrow road but over all wasn’t that bad."
"Very solid, typical Oregon state campground."
"Close to everything in the cute town of Prineville, on a scenic road bike route, across the street from the Crooked River and Rimrock Park with an elaborate frisbee golf course."
"It is located right next to the fairgrounds and the town is really cute.  it is a little spends $$$"
$35 / night
"Our GPS and Waze wanted to take us to the Fair& Expo main gate, but we followed the website instructions to the RV park portion of the fairgrounds adjacent to the Juniper Golf Course."
"We were traveling and getting near the end of our day when we called to see if this RV spot had anything for us. Everything around is full. There is a special exhibit nearby that people travel to."
"This is the first campground after descending from the Prineville Reservoir. It is the only campground of the several along this section of the Crooked River with a campground host and water. "
"There is a trail that goes to the base of the dam for the Prineville Reservoir from the Campground. "
"The road is very near all the campsites, but we counted maybe one car an hour. The pit toilet was very clean and serviced daily. We had Verizon and had rare to no cell service. "
"Right on the river with beautiful canyons surrounding you."
"Sites 1&2 and 8&9 are walk in spots, site 2 is the most private of the walk in's. None are far to walk, but not for a van or trailer."
"Most of the sites provide privacy and are not too close to the other sites. The campground fills up quickly in the summer months, but is fairly open in the fall/winter."
LegendRight on beautiful Suttle Lake!
Was closed when I visited, but walked around and noted great spots right on the water.
Close to Sisters and Suttle Lake is a great spot for kayaking and SUP. I hope to come back when campground is open!
GuideSuper easy camping area, right next to all the ski lifts. Just a big parking lot, so not a lot of privacy. Can sometimes hear the snowcats at night, but it's not too bad. Overall, great spot for a few nights!
ScoutI pulled up with no permit at 11pm and there was only one other vehicle. Very quiet zone - no disturbances during the night and we left at 7am when a few more ppl cruised thru. Very chill.
ScoutGreat access to facilities and trails. Will be back!
GuideCould not be better. Almost leveled very quiet and great views on the river. Near paved road.
ScoutWe tent camped here with small children and had a great time watching the dirt bikes drive around. Many spots were available and it’s completely FCFS- we found a spot in the front of the area that was a little secluded but had a fire ring. Some highway noise and big groups but overall it was a great spot.
LegendVisited this popular campground in May and it was half empty. It got warm, but not too hot.
Sites were level and nice spacing between them. Check in with camp hosts as you pull in. Super friendly staff. There's a little cafe and you can rent water craft.
Had a great time here kayaking and enjoying the sunshine.
LegendRight on the Deshutes River. Very popular for fishing. Tried to come once during some kind of insect hatch and couldn't get down the road! Came back later in August and had a lovely two nights.
Sites are open with little to no privacy. Each site has a picnic table and that's about it. But being in the little canyon and right on the river was devine.
Super easy access from Hwy 26 and pretty close to Madras.
ScoutDon’t use Google Maps (use Apple Maps instead) to find this place because it’ll direct you to someone’s house. Also, there was an emergency closure of the road and you can’t access this place
Prineville offers dispersed camping options in high desert terrain between 3,000-4,500 ft elevation. The area contains a blend of sagebrush, juniper woodlands, and volcanic landscapes with temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night. Camping regulations vary by land management agency, with BLM sites requiring campfires in established rings and Forest Service areas allowing more primitive experiences.
Fly fishing opportunities: The Crooked River below Bowman Dam offers excellent trout fishing, particularly in Palisades Campground. "The river ran a bit muddy. Loved the rock formations. Wind picks up in the afternoon," notes one camper at Palisades Campground.
Hiking to viewpoints: Several trails lead to panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Near Skull Hollow Campground, visitors appreciate "lots of hiking near the campground, and equestrian trails. And of course it's very close to the amazing Smith Rock SP."
Night sky observations: The region has minimal light pollution, creating ideal stargazing conditions. A visitor to Prineville Reservoir State Park mentioned, "This is also a dark sky park and if the moon is not bright the stars are amazing. There is a hike you can take along the shore of the reservoir - 4 miles out and back."
Spacious riverfront sites: Many campgrounds feature direct water access. At Cobble Rock Campground, "Riverside spots are great, half ass private so hard to beat compared to other camps along the river. A little Dusty front the gravel road but tolerable."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained amenities despite the remote locations. A camper at Tumalo State Park Campground appreciated the "heated individual showers, clean bathrooms, and quick access to firewood are a big step up from the usual camping basics."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to observe native species. One visitor to Palisades noted, "We saw a marten and waterfowl. The river is flowing and shallow with rocky shores; great for Fly fishing, kayaking, or floating."
Limited water availability: Many campgrounds require bringing your own supplies. A camper at Big Bend Campground noted, "The best place to get potable water and dump is the Crook County RV Park just 20 minutes down the road on the outskirts of Prineville."
Quick site fill rates: Weekends between May and September see high demand. "We arrived late in the evening and accidentally ended up at the free side of the camp... It was totally fine, we missed having a picnic table, but still there was a grill spot," reported a visitor at Skull Hollow when the main campground filled.
Temperature extremes: Summer days often exceed 90°F, while nights drop significantly. One camper observed Skull Hollow is "hot and dry, no water and is kinda expensive," while another mentioned, "Very little shade, I'd imagine it's miserably hot in the summer."
Choose designated swimming areas: For safer water recreation, select sites with established swim zones. A visitor at Prineville Reservoir Main Campground reported, "Large grassy areas, big roped off swimming hole it can get blazing hot a few stickers so wear river shoes for swimming or at least getting there."
Seek educational programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities for children. A camper noted, "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!"
Consider accessibility needs: Various campgrounds provide different levels of access. At Cobble Rock, "River Ada access is somewhat feasible if your adventurous and have a strong helper. Or if your a bad ass in a chair you can strong arm the technical moves to get up and down."
Dump station locations: Plan your waste disposal strategy before arriving. For Ochoco Lake County Park, "Since there are no RV services be prepared to hear some generators running occasionally. Water is available but may not be close enough for a hose to your RV."
Parking challenges: Some campsites have limited maneuvering room. At Deschute County Expo RV Park, "most of the spaces are really jammed together and people insist on parking their vehicles in front of their rigs instead of the parking areas, making it difficult to maneuver around the loops."
Off-season advantages: Consider spring or fall visits for better availability. "We pulled up on a Saturday afternoon to find a plentiful selection of sites! It is a nice quiet campsite and easy to get to with a camper," noted a visitor to Skull Hollow in the shoulder season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots in and around Prineville, Oregon?
Prineville offers diverse camping options for all preferences. Prineville Reservoir Main Campground provides spacious grassy sites with excellent boating access and a designated swimming area perfect for families. For a quieter experience, try Big Bend Campground along the Crooked River, which offers basic amenities including a hand pump for water. Other options include Ochoco Lake County Park just outside town, the Crooked River corridor campgrounds, and dispersed camping in Ochoco National Forest. For those seeking more remote experiences, Little Hay Creek Road offers dispersed camping opportunities east of Prineville. Most campgrounds in the area are busiest during summer months, so consider reservations when available or arrive early for first-come, first-served sites.
What activities and attractions can I enjoy while camping in Prineville, Oregon?
The Prineville area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Water enthusiasts will enjoy Jasper Point Campground at Prineville Reservoir, which features excellent water access and a scenic trail heading east from the campground. Fishing is popular throughout the region, with Stillwater Campground serving as an ideal fishing base. The Crooked River corridor offers multiple fishing spots, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Mountain biking and road cycling are popular, with the Oregon Outback cycling trail passing through the area. Prineville itself offers charming local shops, restaurants, and historic sites. For day trips, consider exploring the Ochoco National Forest, Smith Rock State Park, or the Painted Hills unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, all within reasonable driving distance.
What RV parks and facilities are available in Prineville, Oregon?
Crook County RV Park offers immaculately maintained facilities in the heart of Prineville. This well-kept park features Rivian destination chargers, convenient access to town amenities, and sits across from Rimrock Park with its disc golf course. The park's location along the Crooked River adds scenic value. For those traveling the Oregon Outback cycling trail, Antelope RV Park and Campsites provides a unique oasis in a part-ghost town setting. While sites are typically close together at developed RV parks in the area, most offer full hookups, clean facilities, and easy access to local attractions. Many parks in the region stay open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months.
Is there camping available at Prineville State Park?
Yes, camping is available at Prineville Reservoir State Park, which offers two primary campgrounds. The Prineville Reservoir Main Campground features grassy spaces, excellent boating facilities, and a designated swimming beach where dogs aren't permitted, keeping the area clean for swimmers. Jasper Point Campground offers water and power hookups with sites overlooking the reservoir on a first-come, first-served basis. The park has one of the best dump stations around according to campers. Both campgrounds provide access to the reservoir's recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and swimming. The park is popular during summer months, so arriving early for first-come, first-served sites or making reservations when possible is recommended.
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