Pine Mountain Campground
4.836 reviewsSummit of Pine Mountain, near Pine Mountain Observatory
Pine Mountain Campground
$3.00 - $3.00 / 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
The observatory requests a $3 donation for tours and telescope usage.
About this campground
Perched atop the dramatic summit of Pine Mountain, this rustic campground offers an extraordinary escape into Oregon's high desert wilderness. Here, where the thin mountain air meets endless sky, campers discover a rare combination of pristine natural beauty and world-class stargazing opportunities, all while camping next door to the renowned Pine Mountain Observatory.
Pine Mountain Campground is a rustic and primitive site offering basic amenities. It is suitable for tent camping and encourages dry camping experiences.
Historical SignificanceStep into Oregon's astronomical heritage at Pine Mountain, where the neighboring Pine Mountain Observatory has been unveiling the mysteries of the cosmos since 1967. Every Friday and Saturday night throughout summer, the observatory opens its doors for public star tours, offering visitors a chance to peer through research-grade telescopes and explore distant galaxies, nebulae, and planets under the guidance of expert astronomers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the stark beauty of high-altitude seasons at Pine Mountain, where crisp, bone-dry winters transform the landscape into a frozen wonderland, and pleasantly moderate summers create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Summer nights deliver some of the clearest, most spectacular stargazing conditions in the Pacific Northwest, with minimal light pollution and consistently clear skies that make this a premier destination for astronomy enthusiasts.
ElevationAt this lofty summit position, Pine Mountain Campground sits like an island in the sky, offering commanding views that stretch for miles across the high desert landscape. The rarified air at this elevation creates exceptionally clear atmospheric conditions that make every sunrise and sunset a memorable spectacle.
Natural Features and SceneryAs darkness falls, Pine Mountain transforms into an astronomical theater where the Milky Way blazes across the sky in all its glory. The campground's unique red-light preservation zone bathes the area in a gentle crimson glow, protecting night vision while creating an otherworldly ambiance. From this spectacular vantage point, twinkling city lights dot the distant valleys below, while above, countless stars emerge in the pristine darkness, creating a celestial display that leaves visitors breathless.
Geological RegionRising from the ancient volcanic landscape of the Deschutes National Forest, Pine Mountain stands as a testament to the region's fiery geological past. This high desert summit showcases the dramatic interplay of volcanic formations and sparse, hardy vegetation that characterizes Central Oregon's unique ecosystem. The mountain's exposed position offers unparalleled views of the surrounding volcanic peaks and the vast expanse of juniper-dotted high desert that stretches to the horizon.
Campsite details
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a hammock; lots of chipmunks around.
Best Campsites"Clean, nice camping spots, gorgeous environment!" - User review
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified
Check-out
Not specified
Stay Limit
>Maximum site spur length of 40 feet suggests longer RVs may have space limitations.
Guests Allowed Per Site
>No data provided about guest limits per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo details about site layout provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen as accessible starting September 29.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms specified; likely first-come, first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityLikely all sites are available on a walk-up basis given the lack of reservation systems.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy provided.
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can engage in stargazing activities due to the proximity of the Pine Mountain Observatory. The observatory offers tours on Friday and Saturday evenings from May to September, with a $3 requested donation. Stargazing through telescopes is a highlight, with user reviews emphasizing the extraordinary night sky visibility.
Cultural and Educational Programs
The Pine Mountain Observatory offers educational programs focused on astronomy, including tours and observations through telescopes. Visitors can explore the universe using 15-inch and 24-inch telescopes, with the latter providing digital imaging capabilities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire policies are not specified.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazards"Broken down burned out cars and tweakers living in the campground." - User review
Active alerts> User review states possible human presence impacting safety.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Closest emergency services not specified; likely Bend (28 miles) houses the nearest hospital and emergency response facilities.
Good to know
Peak season dates> Observing tours available May-September.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features mentioned.
Common complaintsComplaints about possible human activity and debris in the campground.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
Summit of Pine Mountain, near Pine Mountain Observatory
Driving directionsFrom Bend, travel about 20 miles east on US 20, then 8 miles south on Forest Road 2017.
The campground is accessible via Forest Road 2017, which is presumably unpaved based on similar forest settings, but the condition of the road is not explicitly stated.Nearby places
Bend: approximately 28 miles (~35-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies not specified
likely available in Bend 28 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.8
6 reviews
Pine Mountain Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users have mixed feelings about Pine Mountain Campground. While many rave about the pristine stargazing opportunities and peaceful environment, some raise concerns about the campground's safety and cleanliness due to the presence of abandoned vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
- Excellent stargazing opportunities
- Quiet and clean environment for dry camping
- Friendly wildlife, such as chipmunks
- Proximity to the observatory for educational tours and telescope viewing
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Concerns about safety due to 'broken down burned out cars and tweakers' (Todd Stiles, 2022-07-31)
- Lack of potable water on-site
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your hammock and enjoy the peaceful environment (Cody Christopher, 2021-08-03)
- Be prepared for dry camping and carry your own water supplies
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Visitors recommend camping during the summer for stargazing and observatory tours. Conditions may vary in early spring or late fall due to weather changes.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "Love coming here for the night sky gazing." (Aaron R, 2024-08-15)
- "What an extraordinary experience. Rustic and out of the way. One of the best views of the stars that I've witnessed." (Jeffrey...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The proximity to the observatory is a significant highlight. Some reviews specifically highlight the advantageous location for stargazing and its peaceful atmosphere.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025