Chickahominy Recreation Site

For Oregonians seeking a genuine escape into the vast, open landscapes of the high desert, Chickahominy Recreation Site stands as a prime destination. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this campground offers a no-frills, authentic outdoor experience that emphasizes natural beauty and tranquility over modern conveniences. It's a place where the stars shine brighter, the air feels cleaner, and the pace of life slows down to match the gentle rhythms of nature. Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast, a solo tent camper, or a family looking for an affordable and spacious retreat, Chickahominy Recreation Site provides an accessible and memorable opportunity to immerse yourself in Oregon's unique high desert environment. It’s particularly celebrated for its excellent fishing opportunities in Chickahominy Reservoir and its wide-open spaces that ensure privacy and stunning views.

Chickahominy Recreation Site is strategically located on the Central Oregon Highway in Riley, OR 97758, USA. This positioning places it between the popular destinations of Bend and Burns, making it a convenient stopover or a dedicated destination for those traversing Central and Eastern Oregon. The site is easily accessible directly off U.S. Highway 20, ensuring a straightforward drive for most vehicles, including larger RVs and trailers. From Burns, travelers can take U.S. Highway 20 west for approximately 32 miles to milepost 100, then turn north (right) into the recreation site. The roads within the campground are generally gravel and well-maintained, with most sites being relatively flat, accommodating various types of camping setups. Despite its remote feel, the accessibility of Chickahominy Recreation Site is a significant advantage for locals eager to explore the quieter, wilder side of Oregon. The journey itself offers scenic vistas of the high desert, preparing visitors for the serene experience that awaits.

Chickahominy Recreation Site offers a set of basic yet essential services, focusing on providing a clean, safe, and functional environment for campers. These services are designed to support a traditional camping experience without extensive amenities, keeping the focus on nature.

• Campsites with Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/grill, providing basic facilities for outdoor cooking and communal gathering. This allows campers to enjoy meals al fresco and gather around a campfire under the stars.

• Vault/Pit Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault or pit toilets are available throughout the campground. While not flush toilets, they are regularly serviced to ensure a reasonable level of hygiene for visitors.

• Drinking Water Access: Water collection points are available for potable water. While not at every site, these central locations provide campers with access to fresh drinking water, reducing the need to carry in large quantities.

• Fish Cleaning Station: For avid anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning station is provided, typically open when a campground host is present (usually May through August). This facility helps maintain cleanliness and proper waste disposal.

• Boat Ramp: The site features a concrete boat ramp, allowing visitors to easily launch personal watercraft onto Chickahominy Reservoir for fishing and boating activities during warmer months. Note that boat rentals are not available on site.

• Garbage Cans: Conveniently located garbage cans are available for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the site clean and pack out what they pack in.

• Self-Pay System: The campground operates on a self-pay system. While the website mentions cash or check, recent upgrades include a convenient credit card machine, making payment straightforward for the $16 per night fee.

The features and highlights of Chickahominy Recreation Site are largely defined by its natural setting and the simple, yet profound, outdoor experiences it offers. It's these attributes that draw campers seeking a truly immersive high desert adventure.

• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing between sites, which provides a high degree of privacy and a sense of solitude. This is a significant advantage for those looking to escape crowded campgrounds.

• Great Views: The campground offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding high desert landscape. These panoramic vistas contribute to a serene and picturesque camping experience, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

• Excellent Stargazing: Away from city lights, Chickahominy Recreation Site boasts exceptionally dark skies, making it an outstanding location for stargazing. Many visitors highlight the opportunity to observe the Milky Way and countless constellations.

• Premier Fishing Opportunities: Chickahominy Reservoir is renowned as one of Oregon's best fishing spots, particularly for rainbow trout. The reservoir is regularly stocked, providing consistent and enjoyable fishing opportunities, including ice fishing in winter months.

• RV-Friendly Design: With 29 sites, many of which are pull-through and relatively flat gravel pads, the campground is well-suited for RVs of various sizes (up to 40 feet). This makes it a popular choice for motorhome and travel trailer owners looking for a dry camping experience.

• Good Cell Service: Surprisingly for a remote location, several visitors have reported good cell service (e.g., T-Mobile), which can be a valuable asset for navigation, emergencies, or staying connected while still enjoying the outdoors.

• Pet-Friendly: The site welcomes pets, allowing campers to bring their beloved dogs along for the adventure, though they must be on a leash.

For further information or inquiries about Chickahominy Recreation Site, you can reach out to the managing body using the following contact details. Please note that as a BLM site, direct human interaction may vary depending on the presence of a camp host.

• Address: Central Oregon Hwy, Riley, OR 97758, USA

• Phone: (541) 573-4400

• Mobile Phone: +1 541-573-4400

Chickahominy Recreation Site is exceptionally well-suited for Oregon locals, offering a quintessential high desert camping experience that is both accessible and remarkably rewarding. For those in Oregon, particularly from urban centers like Bend or further west, it provides a convenient and relatively short drive to an authentic natural escape. Its Bureau of Land Management designation means it prioritizes conservation and public access, making it an affordable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The spacious and private sites are a significant draw for Oregonians who value solitude and the opportunity to truly disconnect from the daily grind without feeling cramped by neighbors. The stunning panoramic views and unparalleled stargazing opportunities tap into the deep appreciation Oregonians have for natural beauty and the night sky. Furthermore, the excellent fishing in Chickahominy Reservoir provides a popular recreational activity that appeals to many local families and anglers. The blend of a peaceful environment, ample space for RVs and tents, basic but functional amenities, and a low nightly fee makes it a highly practical and appealing option for anyone seeking an authentic, unpretentious outdoor adventure in their home state. It's a place where locals can truly embrace the wild side of Oregon, create lasting memories under vast skies, and enjoy the simple pleasures of camping without overspending.

Chickahominy Recreation Site

Central Oregon Hwy, Riley, OR 97758, USA