Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use
3.406 reviewsForest Service Road 17, Ochoco National Forest, Prineville, Oregon
Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use
$3.00 - $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
$8 per night for the first vehicle; $3 for each additional vehicle.
About this campground
Discover your perfect basecamp at Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines and ancient junipers create a natural cathedral in the heart of Ochoco National Forest. This intimate single-loop campground invites you to settle into a landscape painted with native grasses and aromatic sagebrush. While the campsites themselves are tucked away from the water's edge, a pleasant 10-minute stroll through the forest delivers you to the serene shores of Antelope Flat Reservoir. The close-knit arrangement of sites fosters a friendly camping community, though those seeking complete solitude may find the open layout and neighborly proximity better suited for social campers who enjoy sharing stories around the evening campfire.
The campground accommodates tent camping and combined sites with space for additional tents. RV sites are limited to pull-through spaces, but there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this peaceful retreat remains quietly tucked away in the forest's memory, the campground serves as a modern gateway to the timeless wilderness of the Ochoco National Forest.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic high-desert climate from mid-May through mid-October, when this seasonal retreat opens its gates to adventurers. Here at 5,000 feet, Mother Nature orchestrates a symphony of contrasts—crisp mountain nights that call for cozy sleeping bags give way to sun-drenched days perfect for lakeside activities. Afternoon breezes sweep through the pines, offering natural air conditioning when the mercury rises. Outside the camping season, winter transforms this landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with freezing temperatures that preserve the campground's pristine beauty until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations. The crisp, pine-scented air and cooler temperatures create an alpine atmosphere that energizes the spirit, though first-time visitors should allow a day or two for their bodies to adjust to the thinner mountain air. This elevated position rewards campers with comfortable summer temperatures and spectacular star-gazing opportunities in the clear, high-altitude skies.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where stately Ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark catching the golden light, while gnarled junipers add character to the forest tapestry. Beneath this evergreen canopy, a carpet of native bunch grasses waves in the breeze alongside silvery sagebrush that perfumes the air after summer rain showers. The crown jewel of this landscape, the 170-acre Antelope Reservoir, mirrors the sky and surrounding forest, creating a peaceful haven for both wildlife and visitors seeking natural tranquility.
Geological RegionAntelope Flat Reservoir Campground occupies a unique ecological niche at 5,000 feet within the Ochoco National Forest, where the transition zone between forest and high desert creates a diverse landscape. This elevated plateau showcases the region's geological history through its distinctive mix of Ponderosa pine forests giving way to juniper woodlands, all underlain by volcanic soils that support the characteristic grass and sagebrush communities. The surrounding terrain tells the story of ancient volcanic activity and erosion that carved out the natural depression now filled by Antelope Reservoir, creating this high-altitude oasis in Central Oregon's rugged backcountry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeSites are spacious, with enough room for additional tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to close site proximity and minimal middle-story vegetation.
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with proximity to the handpump and closer to the water for convenience.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers are mentioned as being the best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Open 24/7
- no specific check-in time mentioned.
Check-out
- Open 24/7
- no specific check-out time mentioned.
Stay Limit
14 days stay limit at all National Grassland and US Forest Service lands.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit information provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop layout with gravel parking aprons and scattered grey water disposal sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through mid-October.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; the campground operates on a walk-up basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up only; no reservations accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including fishing for rainbow trout, boating, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and scenic exploration. Swimming is not officially supported, and the reservoir's muddy water might deter casual swimmers.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Antelope Reservoir, with rainbow trout being the primary catch. Visitors must have proper fishing licenses to avoid fines.Boating
Boating is supported with a boat ramp provided at the day-use area. Both power and non-powered boats are allowed.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity. Large birds of prey are occasionally sighted nesting on the east side of the reservoir. Binoculars are recommended.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, but visitors should plan for freezing conditions during colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking and canoeing, are supported. Power-boating is also an option.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are available at campsites and the day-use area.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include cold weather conditions and rough roads. Wildlife like large birds of prey may be present near the reservoir.
Active alertsNo current alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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 likely located in Prineville, OR.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly mentioned, but mid-May through mid-October corresponds with open season.
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out campground, meaning visitors must take all trash and recyclables with them upon departure.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located above Antelope Reservoir, a 170-acre lake. It is less than a 10-minute walk to the water’s edge.
Common complaintsUser reviews cite rough road conditions and challenges with GPS navigation, especially when approaching from the south. Lack of potable water availability is also frequently noted.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
Forest Service Road 17, Ochoco National Forest, Prineville, Oregon
Driving directionsFrom Prineville: Travel 30 miles southeast on State Highway 380 to Forest Service Road 17 (Antelope Reservoir Junction). Turn right on Forest Service Road 17, and follow it approximately 12 miles to Forest Service Road 1700-600. Continue on to Antelope Flat Campground and Day-Use Area. NOTE: Forest Rt. 17 is single lane with few turnouts.
Forest Rt. 17 is a gravel road, single lane with few turnouts. The drive is described as 'a bit rough' by user reviews. Avoid approaching from the south, as private property makes access impossible; approach from the north via Prineville.Nearby places
Prineville (30 miles southeast, approximately 45-60 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Prineville, OR (30 miles away).
Camper Reviews
3.4
6 reviews
Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, visitors highlight the campground's quiet and isolated ambiance, making it ideal for fishing, boating, and escaping urban life. However, the rough drive and lack of potable water are common drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the peaceful and secluded environment of the reservoir. The campground is described as "perfect for camping, boating, and fishing" with clean vault toilets and serene landscapes.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include rough and confusing access roads, the absence of potable water, and muddy conditions in the reservoir.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users strongly recommend following the USDA Forest Service's official directions to avoid private roads and gates. Visitors also advise bringing sunscreen, drinking water, and appropriate permits for...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter brings cold, freezing conditions, while summer offers hot days and cold nights with intermittent winds. Spring and fall are temperate but less crowded, making them ideal for a quiet experience.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Very fun, nice and quiet when we went up. Caught some fishys." - Christopher P. "Gorgeous, secluded spot. Perfect for camping, boating and fishing! Bring sunscreen!!" - Rachel N Skinner "Nice...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are reviewed in detail, but users note that none of the sites offer clear views of the reservoir.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-accessible, but there are no additional accessibility features mentioned.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025