Biggs Springs Campground

For Oregon locals yearning for a true escape from the bustle of everyday life, Biggs Springs Campground in the Ochoco National Forest offers a refreshingly simple and free wilderness experience. This isn't a bustling resort-style campground; instead, it's a "bare bones campsite" designed for those who embrace self-sufficiency and the quiet solitude of nature. Situated amidst an open ponderosa pine forest and adjacent to Lytle Prairie, Biggs Springs provides a genuine opportunity to disconnect, observe wildlife, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Eastern Oregon. While amenities are minimal, its charm lies in its untouched feel and its proximity to excellent outdoor activities, particularly for those interested in photography, wildlife viewing, and superb trout fishing in the nearby Wild and Scenic North Fork Crooked River. For Oregonians seeking a truly rustic and unadorned camping adventure, Biggs Springs Campground is a destination where simplicity reigns, and nature takes center stage.

Biggs Springs Campground is located within the Ochoco National Forest, in the eastern part of Oregon, near the town of Post. While the provided address is simply "Oregon, USA," more precise directions are available through the Forest Service. From Prineville, Oregon (a common starting point for accessing the Ochocos), you would generally head east on Highway 126 or Highway 26 for a significant distance. Specific Forest Service Roads, such as FS Road 42 and FS Road 4215, lead to the campground. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 4800 feet.

Accessibility to Biggs Springs Campground requires navigating Forest Service roads, which, while generally passable, can vary in condition. Reviews indicate that sometimes parts of the "driving loop flooded," and while there's room for "trailer parking," the overall bare-bones nature suggests that large RVs might find the maneuverability challenging. It's best suited for tents, smaller campers, or vans. Given its remote forest location, cell service is likely non-existent or extremely limited, so downloading maps and directions beforehand is highly advisable. Visitors should be prepared for a drive that takes them deep into the forest, away from paved roads and immediate services, ensuring a true wilderness experience.

Biggs Springs Campground provides only the most basic, essential services, consistent with its designation as a primitive, free campground. Visitors must arrive fully prepared to be self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies, especially water.

• Campsites: The campground features a limited number of "sorta" sites, typically ranging from 2 to 5 established campsites. Each campsite generally includes a picnic table and a fire pit/grill.
• Vault Toilet: A single "run down toilet" or "vault toilet" is available at the campground. While basic, this facility helps manage human waste in the remote environment.
• No Potable Water: Critically, there is a "fresh water spring located at the campground; however, the water is not managed or treated by the Forest Service and therefore should not be used for human consumption in any capacity." This means campers MUST bring all their own drinking water.
• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available for RVs or trailers. This is a dry camping facility.
• Free Facility: Biggs Springs Campground is a free facility, which is a significant advantage for budget-conscious campers.
• First-Come, First-Served: This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not available. Arriving early, especially during peak seasons, is advisable to secure one of the limited sites.
• 14-Day Stay Limit: A standard Forest Service regulation, there is a 14-day stay limit on all National Grassland and US Forest Service land, including this campground.

Despite its minimal amenities, Biggs Springs Campground offers several compelling features and highlights for the discerning outdoor enthusiast:

• Refreshing Break from Civilization: It is described as a "refreshing break from civilization," offering true solitude and a chance to disconnect from daily distractions.
• Excellent for Photography: The location "just across the meadow from Lytle Prairie" provides "excellent opportunities for photography," capturing the beauty of the high desert and forest landscapes.
• Prime Wildlife Viewing: The diverse habitats of open ponderosa pine forest, adjacent scablands, and riparian meadows attract "numerous birds and other wildlife," making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts with binoculars and cameras.
• Access to Trout Fishing: A short drive from the campground leads to the "headwaters of the Wild and Scenic North Fork Crooked River, which offers opportunities for superb trout fishing," a significant draw for anglers.
• Secluded and Quiet: Reviews highlight its "very bare bones" nature in a positive light, emphasizing the peace and quiet due to its limited use.
• Natural Spring Feature: The presence of a natural spring (though non-potable) adds a unique natural element to the campground's environment.
• Open Ponderosa Pine Forest Setting: Camping within an open ponderosa pine forest provides pleasant aesthetics and natural shade.

Since Biggs Springs Campground is a remote, first-come, first-served Forest Service campground without a direct phone line, the best contact for information is the managing Ranger District or the main office for the Ochoco National Forest.

Address: While the campground's physical address is general, it is located within the Ochoco National Forest in Oregon. For administrative inquiries, the primary contact for the managing forest would be:

Ochoco National Forest Supervisor's Office

Address: 3160 NE Third Street, Prineville, Oregon 97754, USA

Phone: (541) 416-6500 (This is the main information number for the Ochoco National Forest, which oversees Biggs Springs Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 541-416-6500

It is highly advisable for all Oregon locals planning a visit to Biggs Springs Campground to contact the Ochoco National Forest office before their trip. They can provide the most current information on road conditions (especially concerning the "flooded" sections mentioned in reviews), fire restrictions, any temporary closures, and general conditions in the area. Given the lack of potable water and cell service, thorough preparation, including bringing all water and having physical maps, is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

For Oregon locals, Biggs Springs Campground stands out as an ideal destination for those who truly seek a rustic, free, and uncrowded camping experience. If you're an avid photographer or wildlife observer, the serene Lytle Prairie and surrounding ponderosa pine forest offer endless opportunities to capture the beauty of Eastern Oregon's natural landscape. Anglers will appreciate the proximity to the Wild and Scenic North Fork Crooked River, renowned for its trout fishing. This campground is perfectly suited for those who embrace minimalist camping, bringing all their own supplies and enjoying the pure simplicity of being immersed in nature. It’s a place to truly disconnect from the digital world, with no cell service to interrupt your peace. While amenities are basic, the value lies in the tranquility, the stunning natural environment, and the freedom of a first-come, first-served, no-fee campsite. For Oregonians who cherish the quieter corners of our state and are prepared for a self-sufficient adventure, Biggs Springs Campground offers an authentic and unforgettable retreat into the heart of the Ochoco National Forest.

Biggs Springs Campground

Oregon, USA