Ochoco Ranger Rental
3.9827 reviewsOCHOCO NATIONAL FOREST 3160 NE 3RD ST, Prineville, OR 97754, USA
Ochoco Ranger Rental
$90.00 - $90.00 / 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
Peak season rates are $90 per night for Cabin Electric. Rates apply year-round from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026. Discounts, taxes, or incremental charges are not reflected.
About this campground
Step back in time at the Ochoco Ranger Rental, where the romance of a 1940s Forest Service cabin meets the comforts of modern living. This historic hideaway seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary conveniences—think crackling fires in the stone hearth, hot showers after mountain adventures, and a fully equipped kitchen for hearty meals. Just minutes from the crystalline waters of Walton Lake and the scenic Lookout Mountain trails, this year-round retreat serves as your perfect basecamp for exploring the wild heart of the Ochoco Mountains.
The Ochoco Ranger Rental provides unique lodging in a historic two-story cabin. While primarily designed for groups of up to eight people, it also allows for tent camping outside the property.
Historical SignificanceThis authentic piece of Forest Service heritage stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose skilled hands built this cabin in 1940. The structure embodies the rustic architectural movement that defined America's early conservation efforts, featuring hand-hewn logs, native stone work, and the timeless design principles that once housed the rangers who protected these forests. Today, it offers visitors a chance to experience a living piece of history while creating their own mountain memories.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints the Ochoco landscape with its own dramatic palette. Winter transforms the cabin into a snow-dusted sanctuary, where gentle to moderate snowfall creates a pristine wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cozy evenings by the fire. Summer arrives with warm, golden days under impossibly clear skies, while the high elevation keeps temperatures refreshingly cool. Dawn and dusk steal the show year-round, when alpenglow bathes the mountains in shades of rose and amber that photographers dream about.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,900 feet in the shadow of Lookout Mountain, the cabin offers that perfect high-country experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and summer temperatures remain delightfully cool even on the warmest days. This elevated vantage point rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views that stretch across the Ochoco wilderness, while the thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every outdoor adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines stand sentinel around the cabin, their vanilla-scented bark and emerald canopy creating a natural cathedral in the upper Ochoco Valley. This is a landscape that rewards the observant visitor—majestic elk graze in meadow clearings at dawn, mule deer bound through the understory, red-tailed hawks circle on mountain thermals, and if you're lucky, you might glimpse the wild horses that roam these highlands. The surrounding terrain showcases nature's artistry through fascinating volcanic rock formations that tell the ancient geological story of the Ochoco Mountains.
Geological RegionThe upper Ochoco Valley cradles the cabin in a geological wonderland where volcanic forces sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else in Oregon. The surrounding Ochoco Mountain Range reveals its fiery past through distinctive rock formations—ancient lava flows, weathered spires, and hidden hoodoos that punctuate dense forests of ponderosa pine. This unique terrain creates a natural playground for rockhounds, photographers, and anyone fascinated by the powerful forces that shaped the Pacific Northwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or reviews.
Sites SizeThe house accommodates up to eight people. Additional tents can be pitched outside for larger groups.
Sites PrivacyThe house is situated in a quiet area surrounded by the Ochoco Mountain range, offering a private and tranquil environment.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests recommend cleaning upon arrival and avoiding the upstairs bedrooms due to reported odors. Bring extra blankets during winter. Opt for dining room and living room for comfort.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 7 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of eight people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-building rental property including the cabin; space outside for tents if group exceeds eight people.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made as far in advance as possible. Refunds are pro-rated based on timing: 100% for cancellations 31+ days prior, 50% for cancellations 15–30 days prior, and no refund for cancellations 14 days or fewer before arrival. There is a $10 cancellation fee and additional penalties for late cancellations.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Ochoco Ranger Rental provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and winter sports like cross-country skiing. The nearby Walton Lake and Lookout Mountain Trail offer additional opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Hiking
The 8-mile Lookout Mountain Trail #804 begins near the property and offers a hike to the top of Lookout Mountain. Walton Lake, located about 7 miles northeast, provides an easy hiking trail around the lake and connections to the more challenging Round Mountain Trail.Fishing
Walton Lake offers fishing opportunities, which are often highlighted by visitors. Specific fish species are not mentioned in the authoritative content.Swimming
Visitors can swim in Walton Lake, a developed recreation area located 7 miles away.Biking
Mountain biking is listed among the activities available in the surrounding area, with trails offering diverse terrain.Boating
Walton Lake allows for paddling activities. Specific details about boat rentals or docking facilities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes squirrels, chipmunks, antelope, deer, elk, hawks, osprey, eagles, and great horned owls. Some visitors have even seen wild horses roaming nearby.Winter Activities
Winter recreation includes cross-country skiing and snowmobiling at Walton Sno-Park, located near Walton Lake.Water Sports
Paddling at Walton Lake is noted as a recreational activity.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires prohibited indoors; outdoor fires allowed subject to local fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are not specifically mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife (e.g., elk and deer), mice infestations reported by users, and occasional snow-related accessibility issues during winter. There is also a risk of hantavirus from rodent droppings.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6 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
Nearest emergency services include facilities in Prineville, Oregon. Contact the local sheriff's department for extreme emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 (applies year-round).
Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to pack out all trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Walton Lake (7 miles northeast), a developed recreation site for fishing, swimming, and paddling.
Common complaintsComplaints include cleanliness issues such as stained carpets, odors, peeling paint, and mice infestations. Users also report deferred cabin maintenance (e.g., faulty appliances).
HostNo host information is provided.
Campground Map
OCHOCO NATIONAL FOREST 3160 NE 3RD ST, Prineville, OR 97754, USA
Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon: Travel approximately 13 miles east on Highway 26. Turn right at the junction to Ochoco Ranger Station (County Road 123), and continue for approximately 7.5 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 2610, which is just past the restrooms on your left. Drive past Ochoco Creek and then make an immediate left turn. The Ochoco Ranger Rental House will be the first structure on your right (the address is 33689 Ochoco Ranger Station Loop). Please park in the garage or driveway.
The roads to the house are well-maintained and plowed during winter, though visitors are responsible for clearing sidewalks and driveways during heavy snowfall periods. Seasonal weather may affect access slightly.Nearby places
Prineville (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Prineville, Oregon, approximately 13 miles away
includes groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Ochoco Ranger Rental has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for the Ochoco Ranger Rental are mixed, with many praising its historic charm and location, while others highlight maintenance and cleanliness issues. Positive sentiments focus on the unique experience, access to outdoor activities, and the cozy living areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
The living room's knotty pine-paneled walls, oak floors, and cozy atmosphere are frequently highlighted. The cabin's location in a quiet, scenic area with wildlife sightings such as wild horses and...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Cleanliness is a recurring issue, with specific mentions of stained carpets, odors, mouse droppings, and poorly maintained appliances. Some reviewers also note deferred maintenance, such as peeling...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra blankets, as the house can get chilly. Be prepared to clean upon arrival and pack kitchen towels. Bring bedding, as it is not provided.
Based on 27 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter visitors appreciated the snow-covered landscape and opportunities for cross-country skiing. However, they noted challenges like poor heat retention in the cabin. Summer guests enjoyed hiking...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is a lovely, well-preserved historic USFS property on a beautiful and quiet site." - Jeffrey R. "It was filthy. I cleaned it when we walked in because I couldn't get comfortable." - Jayna K....
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The Ochoco Ranger Rental is consistently mentioned as needing updates to carpets and basic maintenance while providing an opportunity to experience a historic and peaceful setting.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically mention accessibility features or challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at the Ochoco Ranger Rental, and no reviews contradict this policy.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025