Big Spring Campground
00 reviewBig Spring 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
Camping fees vary by location and activity, with additional costs for reservation services: $8 online, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in-person. Additional charges like late cancellations and modifications may apply.
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About this campground
Escape to Big Spring Campground, where the gentle murmur of a babbling creek mingles with the whisper of wind through towering ponderosa pines. This hidden gem offers a refreshing alternative to crowded campgrounds, with thoughtfully spaced sites nestled among the forest's open canopy. Whether you're a solo adventurer or traveling with a large group, you'll find the perfect spot to call home for the night. As evening falls, don't be surprised to hear the gentle lowing of cattle from nearby ranches—a reminder that you're camping in authentic Western country where the traditions of the Old West still thrive.
Big Spring Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences with campsites that vary in size to accommodate different group sizes. However, it does not appear to be reservable.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Big Spring into a crystalline wonderland, though hearty campers should come prepared for the season's bite. During peak winter weeks, daytime temperatures hover around a crisp 37°F, while nights can dip to a teeth-chattering 24°F. Light snowfall dusts the ponderosa pines with delicate white powder—typically just an inch or two—creating picture-perfect scenes without overwhelming access. The dry mountain air means you'll need to stay hydrated, but also enjoy crystal-clear night skies perfect for stargazing when the clouds part.
Natural Features and SceneryBig Spring Campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. Majestic ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral, their vanilla-scented bark and towering trunks providing both shade and shelter. The campground's namesake creek dances through the landscape, its crystal-clear waters providing a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor adventures. This living landscape includes glimpses of local ranch life, where cattle occasionally wander through adjacent meadows, their presence adding an authentic touch of the American West to your camping experience.
Geological RegionSet within a stunning ponderosa pine ecosystem, Big Spring Campground occupies a unique transitional zone where forest meets rangeland. The area's geology has created the perfect conditions for both the thriving pine forest and the creek that winds through it. This convergence of natural habitats supports diverse wildlife and plant communities, while the surrounding ranchlands maintain the region's century-old tradition of sustainable land use, creating a harmonious blend of wilderness and working landscape that defines the authentic Western experience.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campsites vary significantly in size to accommodate many different group sizes.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are not available.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made before midnight local time the day prior to check-in. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee.
Activities you can enjoy
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include cold and snow during winter as noted in weather data and the presence of grazing cattle.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Proximity to water featuresNear a babbling creek, offering potential recreation opportunities.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon: Take Highway 26 east 16 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Travel on Forest Service Road 42 east for 8 miles to the Ochoco Ranger Station. Continue on Forest Service Road 42 for another 23 miles toward Deep Creek Campground. About 5 miles past Deep Creek Campground turn left onto Forest Service Road 4270, then proceed 1.5 miles northeast on Forest Service Road 4270. Big Spring Campground will be on your left. 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, continuing on Forest Service Road 42 west for 8 miles. Finally, turn right onto Forest Service Road 4270 and head northeast for 1.5 miles. Big Spring Campground will be on your left. From US Highway 26 (13 miles east of Mitchell and 25 miles west of Dayville): Take Forest Service Road 12 south for 18 miles to Forest Service Road 4270, continuing west 8 miles. Big Spring Campground will be on your right.
Forest Service Roads are involved in accessing the campground, implying unpaved conditions and potential challenges for navigation. Explicit seasonal restrictions or maintenance details were not provided.Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Big Spring Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Big Spring Campground, indicating it is either underutilized or not frequently reviewed.
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Last updated August 10, 2025