China Hat Campground
Open for camping, first-come first-served with no fees. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect as of May 18, 2026, prohibiting open fires including campfires outside of designated fire rings in wilderness areas. No potable water on site. 14-day camping limit applies.
Air Quality Alert issued August 3 at 12:05PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions may cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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.
About
China Hat Campground is a primitive, free camping area located near the distinctive China Hat Butte, a cone-shaped volcanic formation at 6,573 feet elevation in central Oregon's high desert. The campground provides a basecamp for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts exploring the extensive East Fort Rock OHV Trail System, though it also attracts hunters during deer season. The campground features 13 designated sites shaded by lodgepole and ponderosa pines. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Two areas contain adjoining sites that can accommodate small groups and large RVs. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water, showers, hookups, or trash service. Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The campground is jointly managed by Central Oregon Combined OHV Operations, a cooperative agreement between the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, with support from Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation ATV Funds. An Oregon ATV Permit is required for off-highway vehicle use in the area.
Directions
From La Pine: Travel 26 miles east on Forest Road 22, then 6 miles north on Forest Road 18. From Bend: Travel 22 miles east on Highway 20, then 6 miles south on County Road 23, then 5 miles southwest on Road 25, then 8 miles south on Forest Road 18.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 383-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS China Hat Campground | |
| Deschutes NF Alerts |
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