Big Spring Campground
Closed — The campground is currently closed. An active closure alert is in effect.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
14 Day Stay Order
Pursuant to 16 USC §551 and 36 CFR §261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited upon lands administered by the OCHOCO National Forest as described in this order. PROHIBITIONS:
Prescribed Fire information
Each year, prescribed burning is done in the spring and fall to improve forest health and protect communities. Visit our Prescribed Fire in Central Oregon page to learn more.
About
Big Spring Campground sits in an open ponderosa pine forest along a babbling creek in the Ochoco National Forest, offering a quiet and serene camping experience. The campground features campsites that vary significantly in size to accommodate many different group sizes, making it suitable for both small and larger camping parties. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table. The setting is rustic and authentic, with local ranchers grazing their cattle near the campground, meaning visitors can often see or hear cows in camp. This adds to the genuine rural character of the area. The campground is accessible via forest service roads from Prineville, Paulina, or Highway 26, with the closest approach being about 1.5 miles northeast on Forest Service Road 4270 from the junction with Forest Service Road 42. As a no-fee campground, Big Spring offers basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables at each site. Campers should come prepared with their own water, as potable water is not available on-site. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. There is a 14-day stay limit on all National Forest land.
Directions
From 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 416-6500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Big Spring Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!