Whistler Campground
Open and free to use year-round, first-come first-served. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect as of May 2026, but campfires remain permitted within designated campground fire rings. No potable water or restrooms available. 14-day stay limit enforced.
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.…
Blue-Green Algae Information
The Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae. Learn to tell the…
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
Whistler Campground sits on the northern edge of Mill Creek Wilderness in Ochoco National Forest, offering a rustic basecamp for wilderness hikers and rockhounding enthusiasts alike. The campground is within walking distance of Wildcat North Trailhead, providing convenient access to the preserved wilderness trails. The on-site Whistler Springs rockhounding area draws visitors searching for beautiful stones and minerals. This is a true primitive campground with no developed amenities. Potable water is not available, and campers must be fully self-sufficient. The access roads, both approaching and within the campground, are very rough and require high-clearance 4WD or AWD vehicles. Recreational vehicles and trailers are strongly discouraged. Be aware of numerous standing dead trees throughout the area when selecting your campsite. The campground is free with no reservation system. A 14-day stay limit applies per Forest Service regulations. Due to the remote location and rough access, this site is best suited for tent campers and overlanders with capable vehicles who are seeking solitude near wilderness.
Directions
From Prineville, Oregon: Travel north on Main Street for approximately 11 miles to the Ochoco National Forest boundary. Main Street becomes Forest Service Road 27 at the forest boundary. Continue on FS Road 27 for 12 miles. At the junction with FS Road 2745, veer right to stay on FS Road 27. Continue 4 miles along the wilderness boundary. At the junction with FS Road 200, turn right toward Wildcat North Trailhead. Continue past the trailhead parking area and you will drive directly into Whistler Campground. Unpaved sections of FS Road 27 and the campground road are very rough; 4WD or AWD vehicles recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| 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 | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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