Big Creek Campground
4.237 reviews327 SW Front Street Prairie City, OR 97869
Big Creek Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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 fee for single campsites is $8 per night, with an additional vehicle fee of $4 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Escape to the serene embrace of Big Creek Campground, where time slows down among whispering ponderosa pines and sprawling meadows. This hidden gem offers the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Whether you're casting a line in the crystalline waters of Big Creek, pedaling through scenic mountain bike trails, or venturing into the majestic Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, you'll find endless adventures waiting at your tent flap. Spring transforms the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, while the campground's peaceful atmosphere provides a welcome refuge from the bustle of everyday life.
Big Creek Campground caters to primitive camping, with facilities focusing on minimal amenities to provide a remote and tranquil experience.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Big Creek Campground with its own distinct palette. Winter transforms this mountain retreat into a snow-laden wonderland accessible only to the adventurous souls on snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes. As spring awakens the landscape, wildflowers burst into bloom beneath warming skies, creating perfect conditions for nature photography and leisurely hikes. Summer delivers sun-drenched days ideal for fishing and exploring, with dry trails beckoning hikers deeper into the wilderness. Autumn arrives with crisp air and golden light, though visitors should note that water facilities close in mid-October as the campground prepares for winter's return.
ElevationPerched at 5,100 feet above sea level, Big Creek Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning during summer's heat. This elevation creates the perfect environment for towering ponderosa pines while ensuring winters arrive with dramatic flair, blanketing the landscape in deep, pristine snow that transforms the campground into a winter recreation paradise.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece at Big Creek Campground, where the gentle murmur of Big Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Towering ponderosa pines stand sentinel over the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor creating an aromatic forest cathedral. Beyond your campsite, expansive grass meadows stretch toward distant peaks, offering stunning vistas and prime wildlife viewing opportunities. The nearby Strawberry Mountain Wilderness serves as a dramatic backdrop, its rugged trails and pristine landscapes calling to hikers and backpackers.
Geological RegionNestled within the picturesque Logan Valley, Big Creek Campground occupies a prime location where mountain meets meadow. The campground sits at the doorstep of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, surrounded by a living gallery of ponderosa pine forests and expansive grasslands. This unique geological setting, carved by Big Creek over millennia, creates a diverse ecosystem where forest and meadow converge, offering visitors a front-row seat to the natural splendor of Eastern Oregon's high country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeCampground offers large and spacious sites, as described in user reviews.
Sites PrivacySites are described as secluded and quiet. "Nice quiet isolated campground," says Jerry Glasow.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite 5 is ideal for access to Big Creek.
Best CampsitesCampsite 5 is recommended for its access to the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days is allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific information available about the number of guests allowed per site.
Groups
Group camping sites are not specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches between Big Creek and a large meadow, with sites offering shade from ponderosa pines.
Open and Closed SeasonServices provided Memorial Day weekend through September 30. Water shut off from mid-October to mid-May or early June depending on temperatures.
Reservation PlatformsSites may be reservable, but no platform details are provided.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground does not require reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy information is provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, stream fishing, hunting, bird watching, and wildlife observation. The area is especially known for its opportunities to explore the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and for exceptional wildflower viewing in spring and early summer.
Hiking
Hiking is available with trails ranging from 6.1 miles (Big Creek Loop A) to 17.2 miles (Big Creek-Summit Prairie), accommodating both foot and mountain bike usage.Fishing
Stream fishing is available with opportunities to catch brook trout; however, a user review notes that fishing within the campground itself is challenging due to thick brush and trees.Biking
Mountain biking is popular, with trails accessible from the campground. "Easy access for mountain bikes," says Jason Riipinen.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include pronghorn, deer, and occasional elk sightings.Winter Activities
During winter months, the campground is accessible only by snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe, forming part of a snowmobile trail network.Water Sports
There are no non-motorized water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire regulations mentioned.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include deep snow during winter, rapidly changing weather conditions, and thick brush making fishing difficult.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.2 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
Prairie City Ranger District, 327 SW Front Street Prairie City, OR 97869. Phone: (541) 820-3800. Hospital services available in John Day, (~35 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day through September 30.
Trash and recyclingThe campground follows a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy. Visitors are required to take home all trash, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Big Creek, though no sites are directly adjacent to the water.
Common complaintsSome user reviews express disappointment at limited creek access. Others mention thick vegetation making fishing difficult.
Campground Map
327 SW Front Street Prairie City, OR 97869
Driving directionsFrom the town of Prairie City, OR., turn onto South Main Street. Follow South Main Street to the junction with Bridge Street. Turn left onto Bridge Street and follow out of town past the local cemetery. The road then becomes County Road 62. Follow County Road 62 approximately 19 miles to the junction with Forest Road 16. Turn West onto Forest Road 16, follow for approximately 6 miles; the campground will be on the right.
The campground is accessible by passenger vehicles during warm months but becomes accessible only via snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe during winter due to deep snow levels.Nearby places
Prairie City (~25 miles), Seneca (~19 miles), John Day (~35 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are primarily available in Prairie City (~25 miles) and John Day (~35 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.2
7 reviews
Big Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the tranquility, cleanliness of vault toilets, and the large spacious campsites. The campground is appreciated for its quiet and secluded atmosphere and accessibility for mountain biking.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes clean facilities, spacious and well-maintained campsites, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include limited access to Big Creek and challenges related to fishing in the campground due to thick brush and trees.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend using mountain bikes for trail exploration and emphasize the cleanliness of vault toilets and the spaciousness of campsites.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and early summer are favored for wildflower viewing. Winter months limit accessibility to snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"If you prefer a quiet campground that is usually only 1/3 full then this is your place." - Aaron Dennis. "Nice quiet isolated campground." - Jerry Glasow. "Mountain bike the roads around here,...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 5 offers the only access point to the creek, according to a user review.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no specific reviews related to pets.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025