Chimney Rock Campground

For us Oregonians, the pursuit of a perfect outdoor escape often leads us to discover serene spots that truly embody the natural beauty of our state. Tucked away along the scenic Crooked River Highway near Prineville, Chimney Rock Campground emerges as one of Central Oregon's most cherished and peaceful camping destinations. It’s a place where the grandeur of nature, combined with thoughtful amenities, creates an unforgettable experience.

Chimney Rock Campground consistently earns high praise from those who've had the pleasure of staying there. As one delighted camper enthusiastically noted, "Camp spot #1 for the win 🙂 This is definitely one of the nicer campgrounds I've stayed at. Quiet, clean, beautiful." This sentiment resonates deeply with what many of us locals look for: a pristine environment where we can truly unwind and reconnect with the outdoors.

What makes Chimney Rock particularly appealing is its remarkable tranquility. Another review highlighted this perfectly: "Absolutely loved this place. Very serene and peaceful. Not too many other campers maybe 3, July." Even during what can be a busy summer month, the campground maintains a sense of seclusion, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural sounds and peaceful atmosphere without feeling crowded. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle.

Beyond its peaceful ambiance, the campground is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring a relaxing woodland setting amidst Western Juniper trees and beneath massive Columbia River rock formations. The Crooked Wild and Scenic River flows nearby, offering not just a picturesque backdrop but also excellent opportunities for recreation, especially fishing. For Oregonians who cherish quiet contemplation, stunning views, and a chance to cast a line, Chimney Rock Campground is truly a gem waiting to be discovered.

Chimney Rock Campground is ideally situated on the Crooked River Highway (State Highway 27), south of Prineville, OR 97754, USA. This location places it within the stunning Crooked Wild and Scenic River corridor, a well-regarded area in Central Oregon known for its dramatic landscapes and recreational opportunities. Its address makes it easily accessible for Oregonians traveling from various parts of the state.

From Prineville, Oregon, the campground is conveniently located about 16.4 miles south on State Highway 27. The road itself, also known as the Lower Crooked River Back Country Byway, is generally well-maintained, offering a scenic drive that gradually leads you into the heart of the canyon. This section of Highway 27 is also designated as the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway, indicating its suitability for cyclists and its scenic value.

The campground is positioned on the right (west) side of the highway as you drive south from Prineville. Its namesake, Chimney Rock butte, is prominently located above Highway 27, opposite the campground, providing a clear landmark for arrival. While the campground offers a sense of seclusion, it's not so remote that accessibility becomes a major challenge for most vehicles, including RVs, though there might be length restrictions for some sites.

This balance of accessibility and seclusion is a key factor in its appeal to locals. It's close enough to Prineville for easy resupply, yet far enough into the canyon to feel like a true escape into nature. The easy river access adjacent to the highway further enhances its convenience for those looking to fish or simply enjoy the riverside environment. Always check for any specific road conditions or closures, especially during seasonal changes, though the campground is noted to be open year-round.

Chimney Rock Campground provides a solid array of services that cater to a comfortable yet still rustic camping experience, emphasizing its natural setting while offering essential conveniences. These services are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and are designed to support a pleasant stay for various types of campers.

• Campsites: The campground is equipped with 16 individual campsites. These sites are designed to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs (with a reported maximum length of 32 feet for RVs). Each site typically includes a parking spur, providing a designated spot for your vehicle.

• Vault Toilets: Chimney Rock Campground provides vault toilets. These are non-flush restrooms, common in more natural settings, and are maintained to ensure cleanliness. Importantly, the vault toilets at Chimney Rock are noted to be accessible (ADA/ABA compliant), ensuring usability for visitors with mobility devices.

• Potable Water: Unlike many primitive campgrounds, potable water is readily available within the campground. This is a significant convenience, meaning campers do not need to pack in all their drinking and cooking water, simplifying their preparation.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, or simply gathering. This amenity adds to the comfort and functionality of individual sites.

• Fire Rings with Grills: Campers will find fire rings with grills at each site. This allows for safe and contained campfires, perfect for cooking over an open flame or enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a fire, provided there are no current fire restrictions in place. Remember to obtain and burn firewood near your destination to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Gray Water Sumps: For environmental protection, the campground provides gray water sumps for wastewater disposal, such as dishwater. This helps prevent the discharge of greywater directly onto the ground, maintaining the cleanliness of the campground. Note that RV dump stations are not available at the campground itself, but can be found in nearby Prineville.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Chimney Rock Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This requires campers to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot. The campground is open year-round.

• Accessible Fishing Platform: An accessible fishing platform is located near the campground entrance, ensuring that anglers of all abilities can enjoy fishing in the Crooked River. This inclusive feature highlights the campground's commitment to broad accessibility.

Chimney Rock Campground offers a compelling array of features and highlights that contribute to its reputation as a beautiful and serene camping destination in Central Oregon.

• Exceptional Scenic Beauty: The campground is lauded for being "beautiful" and "one of the most scenic campsites." It's set within a relaxing woodland of Western Juniper trees, complemented by massive Columbia River rock formations. The dramatic Crooked River Canyon and views of the distant Cascade Mountains add to the breathtaking visual experience.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised for being "quiet" and "very serene and peaceful," Chimney Rock Campground provides an ideal escape from noise and crowds. Even in July, visitors noted few other campers, allowing for a truly tranquil experience and a deep connection with nature.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The campground offers easy access to the Crooked Wild and Scenic River, which is renowned as a classic tail-water fishery. It's open year-round for fly-fishing, with early spring through late fall being the best times. Anglers can enjoy dry fly and nymph fishing for hard-fighting rainbow and redband trout, making it a favorite spot for both experienced and beginning fly-fishers. The presence of an accessible fishing platform near the entrance is a significant highlight.

• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The Chimney Rock Trailhead is located across State Highway 27, opposite the campground. This 2.6-mile (round trip) hike offers a moderate climb with expansive views of the Crooked River Canyon and glimpses of the Cascade Mountains. It's a great opportunity for campers to explore the surrounding high desert landscape on foot.

• Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway Access: The campground is adjacent to State Highway 27, which is part of the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway. This 18-mile (one-way) moderate route from Prineville to Big Bend Campground offers a fantastic cycling experience through picturesque farms and towering cliffs, appealing to biking enthusiasts.

• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The Crooked River corridor is rich in wildlife. Campers can spot various species including waterfowl, river otters, great blue herons, garter snakes, crayfish, beavers, golden eagles, ravens, prairie falcons, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope, especially in the cliffs and riparian areas. This makes it a prime location for nature observation and photography.

• Clean and Well-Maintained: Reviewers specifically highlight the campground as "clean," suggesting that the BLM maintains the facilities and grounds to a high standard, contributing to a pleasant and comfortable stay.

For inquiries and more detailed information about Chimney Rock Campground, including current conditions, regulations, and fee schedules, the primary contact is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office responsible for the Prineville area.

Address: Chimney Rock Campground, Crooked River Hwy, Prineville, OR 97754, USA

Phone: (541) 416-6700

Mobile Phone: +1 541-416-6700

It is always recommended to contact the BLM's Prineville District Office or visit their official website (blm.gov) for the most up-to-date information, especially concerning fire restrictions, accessibility updates, or any changes to services.

For us Oregonians, Chimney Rock Campground stands as an exemplary destination that perfectly encapsulates what we seek in a Central Oregon outdoor escape. It combines stunning natural beauty, peaceful seclusion, and convenient access to a range of beloved activities, making it highly suitable for locals looking to experience the best of our state.

The campground's reputation for being "quiet, clean, beautiful" resonates deeply with our appreciation for well-maintained, serene natural spaces. Even in July, the observation of "not too many other campers" means we can truly unwind, far from the crowds often found in other popular Oregon destinations. This tranquility allows for a deeper connection with the unique high desert environment of the Crooked River Canyon.

Its accessibility via the scenic Crooked River Highway (State Highway 27) makes it an easy drive from many parts of Oregon, yet its location deep within the canyon ensures a sense of being truly "away from it all." The availability of potable water and ADA-accessible vault toilets, along with picnic tables and fire rings at each of the 16 first-come, first-served campsites, means we don't have to sacrifice essential comforts for a primitive feel.

But Chimney Rock offers more than just a place to sleep. Its prime location on the Crooked Wild and Scenic River makes it a fly-fishing paradise, a true highlight for many Oregon anglers. The accessible fishing platform ensures that everyone in the family can enjoy casting a line. Beyond fishing, the direct access to the Chimney Rock Trailhead and its position on the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and experiencing the dramatic geology and abundant wildlife of the area.

In essence, Chimney Rock Campground provides a quintessential Central Oregon outdoor experience. It's a place where we can recharge, enjoy our favorite activities like fishing and hiking, and simply marvel at the "amazing" scenery, all within a quiet and pristine setting. For Oregonians seeking a peaceful, beautiful, and accessible retreat, Chimney Rock Campground is truly an unmissable local gem.

Chimney Rock Campground

Chimney Rock Campground, Crooked River Hwy, Prineville, OR 97754, USA