Wildcat Campground
Operates seasonally May 15 through October 15. The campground is first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Potable water is currently not available; bring your own water supply. Fire danger is high. 14-day stay limit applies.
Air Quality Alert issued August 8 at 7:36PM 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. 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
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
About
Wildcat Campground sits in a quiet, cool forested area of Ochoco National Forest, making it one of the more popular fee campgrounds in the area. Its proximity to Prineville combined with the escape from intense desert summer heat draws campers looking for accessible wilderness experiences. The campground has 17 sites and sits adjacent to Twin Pillars Trailhead, providing direct access to Mill Creek Wilderness via Twin Pillars Trail #832. The wilderness area is home to old-growth dependent species including the pileated woodpecker. No motorized vehicles or bicycles are permitted in the wilderness area. Facilities are basic with vault toilets and picnic tables at each site. Water availability has historically been from a hand pump, though current conditions indicate potable water may not be available. Campers should bring their own water supply. Payment is by cash or check only.
Directions
From Prineville, Oregon: 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 into Wildcat 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 | $20 - $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 20ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 20ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Wildcat Campground | |
| Ochoco NF Alerts |
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