Stretching across nearly one million acres of land in central Oregon, Ochoco National Forest is one of the state’s most well-preserved natural retreats. A varied terrain of deep canyons, deep pine forests, and high elevation desert, this forest is home to a staggering mix of wildlife, including some of the rarest bird species in the region. Hikers will find dozens of miles of trails in the area, with routes to suit people of all ages and experience levels. You can also climb up to Lookout Point for panoramic views of the forest.
The forest is also a popular hunting area, with large populations of mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk. You’ll also find a number of lakes, streams, and rivers in the area that have large populations of rainbow trout. Channel catfish, bluegill, and bass are also frequently caught.
There are 16 RV campgrounds in the forest, offering a range of amenities depending on how you like to camp. Most of the campgrounds are located near bodies of water, making it easy to fish and boat. Walton Lake and Ochoco Divide are two of the largest campgrounds in the area, with more developed sites. You can also find a number of small campgrounds with just a few sites tucked deep into ponderosa pine groves, offering more privacy. Read on for details on some of the featured RV campgrounds.
Located in central Oregon, Ochoco National Forest is a secluded nature retreat with few major roads crossing through the area. Most of the main campgrounds in the forest can be accessed from well-maintained roads, although you may have to venture onto dirt forest service roads to reach remote areas.
If you are driving from Portland, take US-26 east, and you’ll arrive at the forest in just under five hours. From Boise, take US-26 west out of the city, and you’ll get there in around five and a half hours.
Popular campgrounds, such as Ochoco Divide and Walton Lake, can be reached without driving along narrow dirt roads, so RV campers should have few issues getting to their site. If you plan on driving into the forest, be prepared for narrow, winding forest service roads. There may also be ice and snow during the winter.
One of the most popular destinations in the forest, Walton Lake is an excellent spot for fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout. You can connect to the 7.5-mile long Round Mountain National Scenic Trail, where you’ll find some of the best wildlife viewing in the area.
The 16 sites at the Walton Lake Campground are non-electric, featuring picnic tables and fire pits. You’ll have access to drinking water and vault toilets. Most sites will provide you with gorgeous lakefront views. Group sites are also available. The maximum vehicle length is 40 feet.
This 25-site campground is a popular overnight stop for travelers, but stays fairly quiet during the day. The sites do not have hookups of any kind, although you will have a picnic table and fire pit, as well as access to vault toilets. The campground is close to Bandit Springs, where you’ll find the trailheads for a number of popular hiking trails. You'll be steps away from plenty of biking, hunting, and nature viewing opportunities. All the single sites are first-come, first-served, but a group campground is also available by reservations.
This campground has 17 RV sites tucked into a ponderosa pine forest. The sites do not have hookups, but each site has a picnic table and fire ring. You’ll have access to two water pumps and two vault toilets. You can hike along Sugar Creek Trail, a short loop leading through the pines. The creek has excellent fishing, and is just a short walk from the RV sites. No reservations are accepted.
Set in the heart of the Ochoco Mountains, the forest has dozens of miles of hiking trails with a variety of difficulty levels. The trails take you through a variety of different terrain types, including canyons, high elevation desert, and mountain passes.
Popular hikes include the trail leading up to Lookout Point, which sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. You’ll have scenic panoramas of the surrounding evergreen forests and mountains.
There are a number of lakes and ponds dotted throughout the forest, as well as a few rivers and streams. Antelope Flat Reservoir is one of the biggest fishing draws in the area. It’s stocked with fingerlings in late spring, helping maintain a large population of rainbow trout. Walton Lake and Ochoco Reservoir are also great destinations with stable populations of rainbow trout. You’ll need an Oregon fishing license for any of the bodies of water in the forest.
The winding roads and beautiful panoramas make the forest an excellent area for scenic driving. The Paulina Area of the forest has a number of scenic byways that cut along deep canyons, where you’ll be able to spot much of the forest’s wildlife.
Do take caution while driving in the forest, as the roads are steep and windy in many areas. Large RVs should avoid the remote areas of the forest, as they may struggle to pass around tight turns.
The 800,000 acres of forest are home to large populations of mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk, making it a popular area for big game hunting. The dense evergreen groves provide ample shelter for tree stands, and there are a number of streams and lakes in the forest that draw in game.
You’ll need an Oregon state hunting licence if you plan on hunting anywhere within the forest. Hunting is not allowed within 150 yards of any of the campgrounds or buildings in the forest.
Central Oregon is home to hundreds of bird species throughout the year, and you can catch many of them as they migrate during the spring and fall. The wetlands in the forest provide the perfect home for birds, and you can also spot a number of rare waterfowl, including tundra swans. Check the websites of local audubon societies, and you may able to find field guides and checklists that teach you more about the birds in the area.
Many of the lakes in the forest freeze over during the winter, making for excellent ice fishing. Ochoco Reservoir is the most popular ice fishing spot in the area, with excellent angling from December through February. Prineville Reservoir is another good area for ice fishing, although ice conditions may not always be stable.
Forest officials do not guarantee the safety of the ice, so fish at your own risk. The lakes in the area usually freeze over by December, but ice conditions vary widely year by year.
