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.
Red Flag Warning issued July 20 at 12:37PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. 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. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 3:24PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. 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. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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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