Cottonwood Pit Campground
Open year-round, 24 hours. Free first-come, first-served camping with a 14-day stay limit. No reservations accepted.
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
Cottonwood Pit Campground sits in an abandoned gravel pit deep within the Ochoco National Forest. When excavation operations struck the water table years ago, the pit flooded and was subsequently abandoned. The resulting pond has become a popular local swimming hole and is occasionally stocked with trout, making this an appealing destination for both anglers and those seeking relief from the summer heat. The campground features a large parking area and a small number of established campsites, each with a picnic table. Vault toilets are available, but campers must bring their own water as none is provided on site. The area can accommodate various vehicle sizes in the parking area, though formal campsites are limited. There are no hookups, dump station, or other RV amenities. This free, year-round campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. Swimming is at your own risk with no lifeguards present. The remote location offers a quiet escape in the high desert forest of central Oregon.
Directions
From Prineville, Oregon: Travel east on Highway 26 for 47 miles to Mitchell. Continue east on Highway 26 for 13 miles to Forest Service Road 12, then go south on Forest Service Road 12 for 15 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 4274 and take the 080 spur to Cottonwood Pit Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| 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 | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 416-6500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Cottonwood Pit Campground | |
| Ochoco NF Alerts |
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