Big Spring Campground
Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No fees. No reservations. Campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions prohibit open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires, on Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland lands, except within designated developed campgrounds. Chainsaw use is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.…
Wiley Flat Campground Closure
The Wiley Flat Campground is currently closed due to hazards and hazardous conditions created as a result of the Wiley Flat fire of 2024. The closure includes all developed sites, roads, trails, and facilities within the campground boundary. View Map.
14 Day Stay Order
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is PROHIBITED on the Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland.
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 a scenic ponderosa pine forest along a small creek in Oregon's Ochoco National Forest. This free, primitive campground offers five campsites of varying sizes that can accommodate different group configurations. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire pit/grill for campfire cooking. The campground provides vault toilets but no potable water, so visitors must bring an adequate supply. There are no hookups or other developed amenities. The roads leading to the campground are generally suitable for trailers, though site sizes are limited. Local ranchers graze cattle in the area, so campers may see or hear cows during their stay. Located about 47 miles from Prineville via Forest Service Road 42 and FR 4270, Big Spring offers a quiet, remote camping experience for those seeking solitude in central Oregon's high desert forest. A 14-day stay limit applies.
Directions
From Prineville, Oregon: Take Highway 26 east 16 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Travel on FR 42 east for 8 miles to the Ochoco Ranger Station. Continue on FR 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. Big Spring Campground will be on your left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 |
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