Deep Creek Campground
01 reviewDeep Creek Campground, Lookout Mountain Ranger District, Oregon
Deep Creek Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
$8 per night per site for the first vehicle. $3 for each additional vehicle.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Oregon's Ochoco National Forest, Deep Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead. At 4,300 feet elevation, this rustic retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature along the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic North Fork Crooked River. Here, the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and the gentle whisper of wind through ancient trees provides the perfect soundtrack for your outdoor adventure.
Deep Creek Campground offers standard camping accommodations in a semi-wilderness setting. The campground includes 13 combined sites that are suitable for both tents and RVs, though there are no designated pull-through RV sites.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through October, Deep Creek transforms into a high-country haven where warm summer days give way to refreshingly cool mountain nights – perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing. Pack layers, as temperatures can shift dramatically between sun-drenched afternoons and crisp evenings that remind you why sleeping bags were invented. Winter brings a blanket of snow and freezing temperatures, closing the campground but creating a pristine wonderland for those who venture near. During hunting season and holiday weekends, the campground buzzes with fellow outdoor enthusiasts sharing in the mountain magic.
ElevationPerched at 4,300 feet above sea level, Deep Creek Campground sits in that sweet spot where the air is noticeably thinner and cleaner, offering natural air conditioning even during summer's warmest days. This elevation creates an ideal mountain microclimate where alpine meadows meet forest groves, and where every breath feels like pure mountain therapy.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to golden sunlight filtering through a majestic canopy of ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the morning sun. Just across the crystal-clear waters of the Crooked River, rare Western larch trees paint the landscape with their delicate needles that turn brilliant gold each fall. This enchanting forest setting creates intimate camping spots where nature's architecture provides both shelter and inspiration, making every site feel like your own private wilderness retreat.
Geological RegionDeep Creek Campground lies within the rugged beauty of the Ochoco National Forest, where ancient volcanic activity and centuries of erosion have sculpted a landscape of hidden valleys and winding waterways. The star of this geological theater is the Wild and Scenic North Fork Crooked River, whose protected waters have carved a ribbon of life through the forest. Massive ponderosa pines dominate the landscape, their fire-resistant bark telling stories of centuries past, while across the river, groves of Western larch add a touch of rare beauty found in few places outside the Pacific Northwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeThe sites are fairly standard-sized, accommodating a picnic table and grill, but specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy between sites is described as fair due to the minimal middlestory and grass understory.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the creek may offer more serenity with the sound of running water.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit enforced across National Grassland and US Forest Service lands.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a spur with a loop layout. Privacy between campsites is described as fair due to limited middlestory vegetation.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through mid-October.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; managed as first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations; first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Fishing is the primary recreational activity available at this campground. There are no official hiking trails, but nearby spur roads provide opportunities for walking and exploring the scenery.
Fishing
Fishing in the Crooked River can be good, depending on the season. Anglers can expect redband trout.Winter Activities
No information is available about winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but visitors should exercise caution due to the environmental sensitivity of the area.
Hazards
General hazards"This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques."
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.8 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 are in Prineville, Oregon, approximately 15 miles away. Includes hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesHunting season and holidays.
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground. No specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe North Fork Crooked River is near the campground and can be heard from some sites.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention the steep entrance as challenging for RV users.
Campground Map
Deep Creek Campground, Lookout Mountain Ranger District, Oregon
Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon: Head east on Highway 26 for 15 miles. Turn right onto County Road 123 and continue for 8 miles. Stay straight at the junction of Highway 123, Forest Service Road 22, and Forest Service Road 42 to merge onto Forest Service Road 42. Continue for 23 miles and Deep Creek Campground will be on your right. From Paulina, Oregon: Take County Road 112 east for 3.5 miles to Beaver Creek Road (County Road 113), then northeast on Beaver Creek Road for 8 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Travel on Forest Service Road 42 north for 8 miles to Six Corners and make a sharp left turn to continue on Forest Service Road 42. Proceed another 12 miles west and Deep Creek Campground will be on your left.
"Access is easy and paved the entire way from the west and most of the way from the east." Entrance to campground is very steep.Nearby places
Prineville (15 miles, ~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, such as groceries and fuel, are located in Prineville, Oregon, 15 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Deep Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users appreciate the cleanliness of the pit toilets and the serene setting of the campground. However, the lack of potable water and limited recreational activities are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
'Always a great place to camp,' noted one user. The vault toilets are clean, and the setting is peaceful, with the sound of the Crooked River audible from some sites.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of potable water on-site is a drawback. The campground may become crowded during hunting season and holidays.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own drinking water. Visiting outside of peak times, like hunting season, is recommended for a more serene experience.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is highly popular during hunting season and holidays. Fishing conditions vary by the season, indicating that spring or early summer might be ideal for anglers.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Always a great place to camp.' - 'Clean pit toilets and a cold water station.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available for individual campsites.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
The wheelchair accessibility of the vault toilets was noted as a positive feature.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025