Ochoco National Forest
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.
14 Day Stay Order
Pursuant to 16 USC §551 and 36 CFR §261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited upon lands administered by the OCHOCO National Forest as described in this order. PROHIBITIONS:
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.
Overview
Ochoco National Forest encompasses 850,000 acres of Central Oregon terrain, located north and east of Prineville. The forest is currently open with Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect as of June 16, 2025. Winter range closures are active December 1 through May 1 to protect deer and elk, prohibiting motorized vehicles in designated areas. Recent activity includes the Marks Creek Fire (September 2025) which triggered area closures on the Lookout Mountain Ranger District, though this closure was set to expire October 1, 2025. The forest is actively conducting prescribed burns and fuels treatments in spring and fall for forest health and wildfire prevention. Popular activities include camping, hiking (notably Steins Pillar Trail), rockhounding, fishing, and exploring unique geological formations in the rimrock and canyon country. The forest shares administrative management with Crooked River National Grassland, together totaling about 1 million acres of public land.
Top Campgrounds
- Allen Creek Horse Camp
- Antelope Reservoir Campground
- Barnhouse Campground
- Big Spring Campground
- Biggs Springs Campground
- Bingham Springs Campground
- Cold Springs Cabin
- Cottonwood Campground
- Cottonwood Pit Campground
- Deep Creek Campground
- Double Cabin Campground
- Dry Creek Horse Camp
- Elkhorn Campground
- Frazier Campground
- Mud Springs Horse Camp
- Ochoco Divide Group Site
- Ochoco Forest Camp
- Ochoco Ranger Rental
- Salters Cabin Horse Camp
- Scotts Camp Campground
- Sugar Creek Campground And Day Use Area
- Walton Lake
- Whistler Campground
- White Rock Campground
- Wildcat Campground
- Wildwood Campground
- Wiley Flat Campground
- Wolf Creek Campground
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