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. 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.
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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