Ochoco Divide Group Site
4.3935 reviews3160 Ne 3rd Street, Prineville, OR, 97754, USA
Ochoco Divide Group Site
$50.00 - $50.00 / 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$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates are $50.00 per night during the peak season from May 23, 2025 to October 04, 2025 and May 22, 2026 to October 03, 2026. These rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched atop the scenic Ochoco Divide along State Highway 26, this welcoming group campsite serves as your gateway to endless adventure. As part of the larger Ochoco Divide Campground, this special group area invites families and friends to gather around its impressive group-size fire ring, sharing stories under starlit skies. With crystal-clear mountain water on tap and miles of cycling and hiking trails beckoning from your doorstep, you'll find the perfect balance of comfort and wilderness exploration.
The campground primarily caters to group campers but also accommodates tent and RV camping. No primitive camping, cabins, or glamping options are mentioned.
Historical SignificanceJourney through time with a visit to the nearby John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, where ancient stories are written in stone less than an hour's drive away. This remarkable preserve showcases millions of years of Oregon's prehistoric past, from tropical forests to volcanic landscapes, offering a fascinating complement to your mountain camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsAt 4,700 feet, summer transforms this mountain retreat into a haven of perfect temperatures. Warm, sun-drenched days invite exploration while refreshingly cool nights provide the ideal sleeping weather that makes camping memorable. As autumn arrives, the air turns crisp and the landscape begins its colorful transformation. The campground embraces its seasonal rhythm, closing for winter when snow blankets the divide in peaceful silence.
ElevationRising 4,700 feet above sea level, the campground offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. This elevated perch rewards visitors with expansive views across the Ochoco landscape and noticeably cooler temperatures that make summer camping a pleasure. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and promises restful nights even during the warmest months.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where towering Ponderosa pines frame sweeping meadows dotted with wildflowers. This mountain oasis sits at the dramatic transition point where lush forests give way to the stark beauty of arid canyon lands below. Keep your eyes peeled for the area's hidden treasures – the mysterious 'thunder eggs' that earned fame as Oregon's official state rock, waiting to be discovered by curious explorers.
Geological RegionThe Ochoco National Forest showcases nature's artistry through its diverse tapestry of Ponderosa pine forests, rolling meadows, and dramatic canyon systems. This geological wonderland harbors Oregon's state rock, the enigmatic 'thunder egg' – ancient volcanic nodules that reveal stunning agate patterns when cracked open. The landscape tells a story of volcanic upheaval and erosion, creating a playground for rockhounds and nature enthusiasts alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe facility does not meet accessibility standards. Campers must walk uphill to reach the group site from parking.
Sites SizeSites range from small to large, as noted by reviewers. Some sites are spacious enough for RVs up to 32 feet.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews mention well-spaced sites that provide privacy, with comments like 'campsites are spaced for privacy' and 'plenty of space between camp spots.'
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for touring cyclists and those visiting John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Some sites are better suited for smaller tents.
Best CampsitesSpecific best campsites not mentioned; group site accommodates up to 35 individuals.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not provided.
Check-out
Check-out time not provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Comfortably fits 12 people with a maximum of 35.
Groups
The group site can comfortably fit up to 12 people, with a maximum capacity of 35. Parking is limited, and campers must park at the base of a hill and walk uphill to reach the site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup site is set on a hill away from the road; parking is at the base and requires a small walk uphill.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025 - October 03, 2025. Closed from October 04, 2025 to May 22, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific details on walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations carry a $10 fee per reserved site. Cancellations refunded minus a $10 fee and the first night's recreation use fee if canceled late.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Ochoco Divide Group Site offers a range of recreational activities suited to cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers. The site serves touring cyclists and provides opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, hunting, and relaxing strolls through the forest. Nearby attractions include John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, which offers scenic hikes among Painted Hills and fossil sites.
Hiking
Several trailheads begin at Bandit Springs rest stop, located one mile from the campground. Hiking opportunities are abundant in the surrounding national forest, with reviewers referencing trails and scenic views like 'Mountain Lookout was a great hike.'Biking
The campground is frequented by touring cyclists, and mountain biking is a popular activity in the surrounding Ochoco National Forest.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible, with deer frequently seen walking through the camping area as noted by a user review: 'Deer walk in thru the area.' Chipmunks are also mentioned as entertaining wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground is closed during the winter season.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable to this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Large group-size fire ring provided. Firewood can be purchased on-site.
- Quiet hours are Specific quiet hours not provided; noise complaints suggest traffic noise as a concern.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high temperatures and dry air during summer, altitude sensitivity due to elevation (4,700 ft), and proximity to highway traffic noise.
Active alertsNo active alerts specified.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.5 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
Prineville, OR has the closest emergency services including hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - October 03, 2025; May 22, 2026 - October 03, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not detailed in the source materials or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresNo major water features directly adjacent; excellent drinking water available.
Common complaintsSome campers have mentioned traffic noise from the nearby highway and limited accessibility to trails directly from the campground.
HostMultiple reviews praise camp hosts for their friendly demeanor and cleanliness of facilities.
Campground Map
3160 Ne 3rd Street, Prineville, OR, 97754, USA
Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon travel approximately 28 miles on State Highway 26. The campground is on the right at the top of the divide.
The campground is accessible directly from State Highway 26. Parking is limited, and campers must walk up a small hill to the group site.Nearby places
Prineville - 28 miles, Mitchell - approximately 30 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Prineville, OR, approximately 28 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
35 reviews
Ochoco Divide Group Site is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for the Ochoco Divide Group Site highlight the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts. Common themes include the cleanliness of the vault toilets, privacy of campsites, and proximity to attractions like the Painted Hills.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the immaculate bathrooms, scenic surroundings, and the friendliness of camp hosts. Quotes include 'The camp host Les was great!' and 'The bathrooms were the cleanest camp latrines I'd...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include road noise from the nearby highway and limited parking options. One reviewer noted, 'Road noise woke me up.' Another mentioned, 'Parking is limited at the group site.'
Based on 35 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own water for non-group site campers and arriving early to secure a spot. One user advised avoiding large tents due to small site sizes: 'Some sites were a little...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
During summer, the campground offers pleasant temperatures but can get chilly at night due to its elevation of 4,700 ft. Winter camping is unavailable as the site is closed during this season.
Based on 35 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The camp host Les was great! Very friendly and keeps the bathrooms very clean.' 2. 'The Ochoco forest is beautiful, a mix of ponderosa pines, white pines, firs, and deciduous trees.' 3. 'The...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One reviewer stayed at site 23 and noted its smaller size, recommending against large tents: 'Spent Memorial Day Weekend at site 23.' Another reviewer commented on the group site layout: 'This camp...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are limited, with campers needing to walk uphill to reach the group site. The facility does not meet accessibility standards.
Based on 35 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned in the materials or reviews.
Based on 35 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025