China Hat Campground
4.266 reviewsChina Hat Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fee.
About this campground
Nestled in the shadow of its namesake volcanic cone, China Hat Campground offers adventurers a perfect basecamp for exploring Oregon's high desert wilderness. This secluded retreat sits at 6,573 feet elevation, where towering lodgepole and ponderosa pines create a natural canopy overhead. As the gateway to the expansive East Fort Rock OHV Trail System, the campground attracts off-road enthusiasts seeking dusty adventures by day and starlit serenity by night. Come autumn, the forest transforms into prime hunting territory, drawing sportsmen from across the region in pursuit of deer amid the golden-hued landscape.
China Hat Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, primarily tailored to OHV users.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsHigh-elevation camping at China Hat means experiencing the full spectrum of mountain weather. Crystal-clear days dominate the summer months, offering perfect conditions for trail riding and exploration under brilliant blue skies. The thin mountain air brings cool evenings year-round, while winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland. Spring and fall showcase the most dramatic weather shifts, from frost-kissed mornings to sun-drenched afternoons. The campground's elevation ensures refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, making it an ideal escape from the heat of lower elevations.
ElevationPerched at 6,573 feet above sea level, China Hat Campground offers the rare combination of accessibility and alpine atmosphere. This lofty elevation places campers in a transition zone where desert meets forest, creating a unique ecosystem found only in Central Oregon's volcanic highlands. The thin mountain air and cooler temperatures provide welcome relief during summer months, while the elevation offers expansive views across the surrounding volcanic landscape. The nearby China Hat formation, rising to the same impressive height, serves as a natural landmark and reminder of the region's fiery geological past.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's setting reads like a page from Oregon's geological storybook. Majestic ponderosa pines, with their distinctive vanilla-scented bark, tower alongside slender lodgepoles, creating a living cathedral of green. The star attraction remains China Hat itself – a perfectly preserved volcanic cone that punctuates the horizon like an exclamation point against the sky. Morning light filters through the pine canopy, casting dancing shadows across the forest floor, while evenings bring alpenglow to the volcanic peaks. The surrounding landscape reveals a tapestry of ancient lava flows, hidden meadows, and distant mountain vistas that stretch to the horizon.
Geological RegionChina Hat Campground sits at the intersection of volcanic drama and outdoor adventure. The towering China Hat formation – a textbook example of a cinder cone rising to 6,573 feet – dominates the landscape and tells the story of Central Oregon's explosive past. This geological wonderland, cloaked in aromatic ponderosa and lodgepole pines, forms the beating heart of the East Fort Rock OHV Trail System. Here, ancient lava flows have created a natural playground of ridges, valleys, and hidden passages that beckon exploration. The unique volcanic terrain, combined with the protective forest canopy, creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems found nowhere else in the region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, and there are areas that can accommodate large RVs and small group camping.
Sites PrivacyThere are no specific details on site privacy, but the campground is described as quiet and relaxed by reviewers.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
There are two adjoining areas within the campground suitable for small group camping, but specific details about group size or vehicle limits are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout13 designated campsites with picnic tables and firerings. Two areas of adjoining sites that accommodate small groups and large RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen as accessible.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
China Hat Campground is a hub for OHV trail riding, making it a favored spot for ATV riders. The area is also popular during deer hunting season.
Winter Activities
There is no mention of winter recreation activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water available; visitors must bring their own water.
Active alertsApril 3, 2025: This site is closed due to the Firestone & Flat Top Fires Emergency Closure.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere is no information about trash and recycling facilities provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresNearby water features are not mentioned.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention brushy trails and limited suitability for non-OHV camping.
HostOperated and maintained by Central Oregon Combined OHV Operations (Forest Service & Bureau of Land Management Cooperative agreement), in partnership with Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation ATV Funds.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Lapine, travel 26 miles east on Forest Road 22, and then 6 miles north on Forest Road 18. From Bend, travel 22 miles east on Hwy 20, then 6 miles south on County Road 23, then 5 miles southwest on Road 25, and then 8.0 miles south on Forest Road 18.
There is access to the campground from the north or the south via Forest Road 18.Nearby places
La Pine: 26 miles east (approx. driving time not stated), Bend: 22 miles east (approx. driving time not stated)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
6 reviews
China Hat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight that China Hat Campground is particularly suitable for ATV riders and OHV enthusiasts, with comments describing it as clean, quiet, and spacious. However, it is noted that this may not be the best choice for non-OHV campers due to the focus on trail riding and the surrounding brushy terrain.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praised the campground for being clean, spacious, and well-maintained. The trails were described as fun and unique due to the pumice sand/dirt terrain. One user mentioned, 'Best riding in...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviewers noted that the trails could be brushy in lowland areas, which might detract from the riding experience. Additionally, it was mentioned that the campground might not be ideal for those...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all necessary supplies, including potable water, as there is no water provided. Suitable for ATV enthusiasts and OHV riders. One review noted that the terrain could take some getting used to...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is popular during hunting season and summer when OHV trails are in use. No specific seasonal complaints or praises were highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This place is great if you’re an ATV rider. Not a good choice for just camping.' (Jeffery Schnepp, 2023-06-12)
2. 'Clean with plenty of sites to choose from.' (Spencer Oberlin, 2022-09-21)
3....
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers are singled out in the reviews, but the campground is noted to have both back-in and pull-through sites suitable for RVs.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address pet policies or features.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025