Wildcat Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 15, 2026. Operates mid-May through mid-October. Sites are first-come, first-served and some may be reservable.
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.…
Big Spring Campground Closure
The Big Springs Campground located within the Paulina Ranger District of the Ochoco National Forest is currently closed due to due to hazards and hazardous conditions created as a result of a lightning complex fire in July of 2024. The closure includes all developed sites, roads, trails and…
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. Refer to the attached map (Exhibit A)
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
Wildcat Campground is one of the more popular fee campgrounds on the Ochoco National Forest, offering a cool forested escape from the intense desert heat while remaining relatively close to Prineville. The campground is situated near Mill Creek Wilderness and provides excellent opportunities to observe old growth dependent species such as the pileated woodpecker. Twin Pillars Trailhead is located adjacent to the campground, providing direct access to Mill Creek Wilderness and Twin Pillars Trail (#832). This non-motorized trail offers hiking opportunities in a pristine wilderness setting. The campground features individual campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, as well as a day use area accessible via a wooden footbridge across Mill Creek. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. Sites are available for $20 per night with an additional $10 fee for extra vehicles. A group site is also available for $50 per night. Payment is by cash or check only. The campground has a 14-day stay limit, and motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted in the adjacent wilderness areas.
Directions
From Prineville, take Highway 26 east for approximately 7 miles past Ochoco Reservoir. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 33 (Mill Creek Road). Continue for approximately 10 miles to where Forest Service Road 33 makes a sharp left turn. Instead of taking the turn, continue straight and you will drive directly into Wildcat Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $50 |
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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