Ochoco Divide Campground

For us, the residents of Oregon, the call of the outdoors is an integral part of our lives. From the rugged coast to the majestic Cascades, our state offers an incredible diversity of natural landscapes. East of the Cascades, in the heart of Central Oregon, lies the often-overlooked yet incredibly charming Ochoco National Forest. Here, nestled at a higher elevation, you'll find the Ochoco Divide Campground, a truly special place that provides a refreshing escape into a beautiful, high-desert forest environment.

Ochoco Divide Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a tranquil haven that perfectly embodies the peaceful and scenic beauty of the Ochoco Mountains. Imagine arriving to an immediate drop in temperature, the scent of ponderosa pines filling the air, and the quiet solitude that only a well-spaced forest campground can offer. Despite its convenient location right off a main highway, this campground provides a sense of seclusion, allowing you to truly unwind and reconnect with nature. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet, clean, and friendly camping experience without venturing too far off the beaten path.

What truly sets Ochoco Divide Campground apart, as highlighted by numerous visitors, is the dedication to its upkeep and the welcoming presence of its camp hosts. The cleanliness of the facilities and the friendly atmosphere contribute significantly to a positive and memorable stay. While it embraces a more rustic approach with no water or electric hookups at individual sites, it comfortably accommodates various camping styles, from large RVs to small tents. For Oregonians looking for a serene high-desert escape with stunning scenery and easy access to outdoor activities, Ochoco Divide Campground is a highly recommended destination that promises awesome stargazing and a true breath of fresh air.

Ochoco Divide Campground is conveniently located on Ochoco Highway (US-26), approximately halfway between Prineville and Mitchell, in Prineville, OR 97754, USA. Situated at a notable elevation of a "hair over 4700 ft" (specifically around 4,700-4,800 feet), it offers a significant temperature drop, often 10 degrees cooler than lower elevations, making it a refreshing retreat, especially during Oregon's warmer months.

Its direct accessibility from US-26 is a major advantage for Oregon travelers, including those on bicycle tours, as it allows for a straightforward drive without significant detours onto rougher roads. While the proximity to the highway means there might be "some light traffic noise," especially near sites closest to the road, many sites are "well away from highway traffic," providing a quieter forest experience. The roads within the campground are paved, and sites have paved aprons, making it easy to maneuver even larger RVs, with a review noting a "32 foot fit fine" and some sites being "large pull-throughs that can accommodate almost any size RV."

The campground’s elevation is a key feature, contributing to its pleasant summer temperatures but also meaning visitors sensitive to altitude might need "a day to adapt." Its central Oregon location also places it within easy reach of regional attractions. For instance, the renowned John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, including the stunning Painted Hills Unit, is just an easy 20-mile drive away. Furthermore, it serves as a great base for accessing numerous trailheads and the popular Ski Santa Fe (though Ski Santa Fe is in New Mexico, this reference in a review seems to be an error or a misinterpretation, as Ochoco Divide is not near Santa Fe. Instead, it offers access to the Ochoco National Forest's vast recreational opportunities). For Oregonians, this accessibility makes Ochoco Divide a practical and appealing choice for both short getaways and longer explorations of Central Oregon's unique high desert and mountain landscapes.

• Campsites for RVs and Tents: The campground offers 25 single sites that can accommodate both RVs and tents. There is also a distinct group site.
• Spacious and Well-Spaced Sites: Sites are noted as being "small and large and well spaced out so your neighbors aren't too close," providing a sense of privacy. Some are large pull-throughs suitable for significant RVs.
• Vault Toilets: Very clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available, as consistently praised by visitors and camp hosts.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Individual fire rings with grates are provided at each site for campfires and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Camp Host On-Site: A friendly and helpful camp host (e.g., "Les" and "Ron" mentioned in reviews) is typically on duty, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and providing information.
• No Water Availability at Sites: It is important to note that individual campsites do not have water hookups. While some sources suggest potable water at a central location like the group site or near the host, overall, visitors should plan to bring their own water or be prepared for limited access.
• No Electric Hookups: The campground does not offer electric hookups at individual sites.
• No Dump Station: There is no RV waste station on site.
• Fee-Based Camping: Camping costs approximately $20 per night, with pass discounts (like the Interagency Annual Pass, Senior Pass, or Access Pass) often providing a 50% reduction.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: Individual campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, especially outside of peak holidays. The group site may be reservable.

• Stunning Scenery and Beautiful Forest: The campground is set amidst a "mix of ponderosa pines, white pines, firs and deciduous trees," offering a beautiful and diverse forest environment, despite having experienced a fire several years prior (visible burned trees).
• High Elevation and Cooler Temperatures: Perched at over 4,700 feet, the campground provides a significant temperature relief from warmer valley areas, making it a comfortable retreat during summer.
• Exceptional Camp Host Service: The presence of a "great" and "very friendly" camp host who "keeps the bathrooms very clean" is a consistent highlight, ensuring a positive and safe experience.
• Dark Skies and Excellent Stargazing: Being in a relatively remote area with minimal light pollution, the campground offers "awesome" opportunities for stargazing at night.
• Good Privacy Between Sites: Sites are "well spaced out" so that "neighbors aren't too close," providing a desirable level of privacy and quiet.
• Accessibility for Various Rig Sizes: Despite being a forest campground, it can accommodate RVs, including those up to 32 feet, with some large pull-through options.
• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: The surrounding Ochoco National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, bird-watching, and hunting. Trailheads are accessible from nearby Bandit Springs.
• Close to Scenic Highway 26: Ideal for travelers traversing scenic US-26, offering a convenient and pleasant overnight stop.
• Summer Season Operation: The campground is generally open from mid-May to mid-October, allowing ample time to enjoy the pleasant summer and early fall conditions.

Address: Ochoco Hwy, Prineville, OR 97754, USA

Phone: (541) 416-6500 (This is the number for the Ochoco National Forest Supervisor's Office, which manages the campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 541-416-6500 (Same as above)

For specific campground inquiries or to confirm details, it is best to contact the Ochoco National Forest directly. For group site reservations, if applicable, Recreation.gov or similar platforms should be consulted.

For us, the residents of Oregon, Ochoco Divide Campground offers an incredibly appealing and accessible escape into the heart of our state's diverse natural beauty. Its location in the Ochoco National Forest provides a refreshing change of scenery, particularly for those coming from the Willamette Valley or the high desert. The immediate temperature drop upon arrival, coupled with the serene setting among towering pines and aspens, makes it an ideal retreat during the warmer months, offering a true sense of calm and rejuvenation.

The campground’s strong emphasis on cleanliness and the welcoming presence of dedicated camp hosts resonate deeply with our appreciation for well-maintained public lands. While it operates as a dry camp (no water or electric hookups at individual sites), this contributes to its peaceful atmosphere and makes it suitable for those seeking a more traditional, unplugged camping experience. The spacious and well-spaced sites ensure privacy, allowing us to truly relax and enjoy the quiet sounds of the forest, or marvel at the brilliant stars that punctuate the high-desert night sky.

Furthermore, Ochoco Divide serves as an excellent base for exploring the unique attractions of Central Oregon, including the stunning Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds. Its easy accessibility from US-26 means less driving and more time for hiking, mountain biking, or simply enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds us. For any Oregonian looking for a tranquil, well-kept, and genuinely scenic camping destination that provides an authentic taste of our state's varied landscapes, Ochoco Divide Campground is a highly recommended gem, promising memorable experiences and a true breath of fresh, mountain air.

Ochoco Divide Campground

Ochoco Hwy, Prineville, OR 97754, USA