Double Cabin Campground

For Oregon locals seeking a serene and truly unplugged camping experience, Double Cabin Campground, nestled near Prineville in the heart of the Ochoco National Forest, offers an ideal retreat. This small, primitive campground is a hidden gem for those who prioritize peace and quiet over extensive amenities, providing a genuine immersion into the natural beauty of Oregon's high desert and forested landscapes. It's a place where the sounds of the wilderness prevail, and the sense of calm is palpable.

Double Cabin Campground is characterized by its simplicity and tranquility, making it a perfect spot for individuals, couples, or small families who appreciate a more rustic approach to outdoor recreation. Real customer reviews reinforce this sentiment. One camper highlighted its core appeal: "Quite, clean, outhouse, no potable water." Another simply stated, "Camped 3 Days Small camp ground." These insights paint a clear picture of a modest, well-kept site that delivers on its promise of a peaceful, no-frills experience.

Situated within the expansive Ochoco National Forest, Double Cabin Campground offers a gateway to exploring the unique geological features and diverse ecosystems of central Oregon. While it may not boast elaborate recreational facilities directly within the campground, its location serves as an excellent base for hiking, nature viewing, and simply enjoying the solitude. For Oregonians looking to escape the hustle and bustle and truly connect with the quiet beauty of their state, Double Cabin Campground stands out as a charming and understated option. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best experiences are found in simplicity.

Double Cabin Campground is located in the Ochoco National Forest, with its address listed as Prineville, OR 97754, USA. This places it in Crook County, a region in Central Oregon known for its high desert plateaus, juniper forests, and the rugged Ochoco Mountains.

To reach Double Cabin Campground from Prineville, you typically travel southeast on Highway 380 for approximately 32 miles. From there, you would turn south onto Forest Service Road 16 and continue for about 12 miles. A final turn north onto Forest Service Road 16-350 leads directly to the campground, which is less than a mile from this last junction. The roads leading to the campground are generally gravel or dirt Forest Service roads. While often passable by standard vehicles, high clearance might be beneficial, especially after rain or snowmelt. It's always advisable for Oregon locals to check current road conditions with the Ochoco National Forest before heading out, particularly outside of peak summer months.

The remote nature of Double Cabin Campground means that cell phone service is likely to be limited or non-existent in the immediate vicinity. Campers should be prepared with detailed paper maps or downloaded digital maps, as well as ample supplies of food, water, and fuel. Prineville, located to the west, would be the closest town for significant supplies, groceries, and fuel. This location provides a true sense of being "away from it all," offering a profound quietness that is increasingly rare to find. For Oregonians familiar with the vastness of their state's national forests, the journey to Double Cabin Campground is part of the adventure, leading them to a genuinely tranquil setting.

Double Cabin Campground is a primitive campground, which means it offers a limited set of amenities. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient experience.

• Campsites: The campground typically features a small number of designated campsites, often described as a "small camp ground" with a "paved loop." These sites are suitable for tents and small RVs, with a maximum recommended RV length often around 30 feet due to the loop configuration.
• Outhouse/Vault Toilets: The campground provides outhouse facilities, often referred to as vault toilets. Reviews indicate these are generally kept clean.
• No Potable Water: It is explicitly stated that there is "no potable water" available at the campground. Campers must bring all their own drinking, cooking, and washing water, or have reliable means to filter/purify water from natural sources if found nearby (which are generally scarce in this high desert environment).
• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups for recreational vehicles. This is a dry camping or "boondocking" experience, requiring campers to be self-contained.
• Fire Rings/Picnic Tables: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or pit. Campers should always check for current fire restrictions and bans, which are very common in Oregon's forest lands, especially during dry periods.
• No Trash Services: There are no trash bins or waste disposal services. Campers are required to pack out all trash, including food scraps, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles.
• First-Come, First-Served: Double Cabin Campground often operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically accepted. This requires flexibility, especially during peak seasons.

• Exceptional Quiet and Solitude: The primary highlight is the profound sense of peace and quiet. It's an ideal spot for those looking to genuinely disconnect from noise and crowds.
• Clean Primitive Facilities: Despite its primitive nature, reviews highlight the cleanliness of the outhouse, indicating a well-maintained, if basic, camping environment.
• Small and Intimate Setting: Its small size contributes to a more personal and less crowded camping experience, perfect for those who prefer an intimate outdoor setting.
• Access to Ochoco National Forest: The campground serves as a gateway to exploring the larger Ochoco National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking, nature observation, and simply enjoying the forest environment.
• Proximity to Wilderness Trails: The campground is noted to have trails stemming from it that lead into the wilderness, including the Frontier Creek Trail, which can lead to a petrified forest (though removal of petrified wood is illegal).
• Nature Viewing: The varied terrain of forested areas transitioning into open grasslands provides opportunities for observing local wildlife and diverse plant life unique to Oregon's high desert.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies over Double Cabin Campground offer excellent opportunities for stargazing and enjoying the vast celestial canvas.
• "Out There" Feeling: For Oregonians who enjoy getting truly "out there" without needing extreme off-roading, Double Cabin offers that secluded feel while remaining relatively accessible.

Address: Prineville, OR 97754, USA (This indicates its location near Prineville within the Ochoco National Forest.)

There is no direct phone number specifically for Double Cabin Campground, as it is a small, primitive, first-come, first-served site. For official information regarding this campground and the surrounding area, it is best to contact the federal agency that manages it: the Ochoco National Forest.

• Ochoco National Forest Supervisor's Office (Prineville, OR): For general inquiries about forest recreation, road conditions, fire restrictions, and information relevant to Double Cabin Campground.
• Phone: (541) 416-6500 (This is the general information number for the Ochoco National Forest, which oversees campgrounds in the area).

It is highly recommended for prospective campers to visit the official USDA Forest Service website for the Ochoco National Forest. This resource will provide the most up-to-date information on the campground's operating status, specific amenities, current fire bans, and any alerts regarding road conditions or closures. Since it is a first-come, first-served campground, calling ahead will not guarantee a spot, but it can provide vital information on the area's current conditions.

For Oregon locals, Double Cabin Campground offers an authentically tranquil and understated outdoor experience, making it a highly suitable choice for a specific type of camper. It caters perfectly to those who seek a genuine escape from the everyday, prioritizing peace and the raw beauty of their state over extensive amenities.

Firstly, its defining characteristic—being "quite, clean, outhouse, no potable water"—speaks volumes to the self-reliant and nature-loving spirit often found among Oregonians. In a state with a growing population and increasingly popular natural attractions, finding a small, uncrowded campground is a true treasure. Double Cabin allows locals to truly disconnect, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy an uninterrupted starry night sky, far from urban light and noise pollution. This level of solitude is a coveted commodity and a significant draw for those who value privacy and communion with the wild.

Secondly, its location within the Ochoco National Forest provides an opportunity to explore a less-trafficked, yet equally beautiful, part of Oregon. While the Cascade Mountains and Oregon Coast draw vast crowds, the high desert and forested areas near Prineville offer a distinct and equally captivating landscape. For locals, this means new hiking trails to discover, unique flora and fauna to observe, and a fresh perspective on their home state's diverse geography. It’s an accessible way to venture into the "less-traveled road" without requiring extreme off-grid expertise.

Finally, the primitive nature of Double Cabin Campground encourages a deeper connection to the principles of Leave No Trace. Bringing your own water and packing out all waste reinforces responsible outdoor ethics, empowering locals to be conscientious stewards of their natural environment. For Oregonians seeking a peaceful, clean, and genuinely quiet retreat to recharge and reconnect with nature, Double Cabin Campground is an ideal and unassuming haven.

Double Cabin Campground

Prineville, OR 97754, USA