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.
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
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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