Ochoco Divide Group Site

Show on map 541-351-1182 audi1@scinternet.net

3160 Ne 3rd Street
Prineville, OR 97754

Overview

The Ochoco Divide Group Site is a convenient place to camp while traveling across scenic State Highway 26 by bicycle or car. Resting at the top of the Ochoco Divide at an elevation of 4,700 ft., the group site is set on a hill away from the road as an extension of the general campground. Summertime in the Ochoco National Forest brings pleasant temperatures; the campground is closed during winter.

Recreation

The group site of the Ochoco Divide Campground is mainly used by touring cyclists. It is also a good place to take a relaxing stroll through the woods. There are opportunities for hunting, mountain biking and hiking in the national forest surrounding the facility. Several trailheads begin at the Bandit Springs rest stop about one mile from the campground on Highway 26.

Facilities

The group site is part of the main Ochoco Divide Campground. There is excellent quality drinking water throughout the main campground and near the group site. The group site can comfortably fit up to 12 people; no more than 35 are allowed. Parking is limited. Campers must park at the base of a small hill and walk up to the site. There is a large group size fire ring as well.

Natural Features

The scenery surrounding the campground alternates between thick Ponderosa pine forests and grassy meadows, though shortly beyond the campground the road descends into lower-elevation, arid canyon lands.

One of the most unique geologic features of the Ochoco National Forest is the 'thunder egg,' Oregon's official state rock. Thunder eggs are small, colorful, round volcanic rocks similar to geodes that have been exposed over time. The U.S. Forest Service has designated specific sites for rock hounding.

Nearby Attractions

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is less than an hour away. Hike amongst the Painted Hills and famed fossils, take a journey through time at the museum at Sheep Rock or picnic beneath the beautiful mountain scenery.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Group sites: all 1 sites
Largest party: 35 people

Directions

From Prineville, Oregon travel approximately 28 miles on State Highway 26. The campground is on the right at the top of the divide.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

6 reviews

5 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Ellen B

Loop:Ochoco Divide Group Site

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

The group site is not really a group site. There is only one parking space, so it doesn't not qualify as a group site. Thankfully, there were other sites still open and we camped there instead.

Audrey B

Loop:Ochoco Divide Group Site

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Great campground! Lots of curious ground squirrels everywhere, super fun to watch them run around! Only thing to be aware of is hornets. They weren't awful but I would recommend bringing a trap just in case. Other than that it was wonderful! Very quiet at night and you can see so many stars!

Charlene P

Loop:Ochoco Divide Group Site

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

The Ochoco's is beautiful - especially the Spring. Flowers were blooming and the bugs were minimal. The group camp is not really a group camp though. It is a larger camp spot for one - maybe two vehicles TOPS. Not really a nice place to set up a camp kitchen or canopy because most of it is on a hillside. The benefit to this site is a very nice firepit area with benches all around. This was the highlight of this spot - well there is a pit toilet that is almost private because only about four sites can use it (so that is another benefit to the group site and it was super clean but we probably were the first to use it for the season). I think this site is way overpriced for what it is though. We had two trucks, each with trailers and only one could fit. Luckily the one next to the groupsite was available. The Group camp on Google shows it being at the sno-park west of the Ochoco's Divide Campground so Google is completely wrong. It is NOT. It is in the regular campground next to the entrance and right by the highway.

George O

Loop:Ochoco Divide Group Site

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

We had a very good time here at the site. When I made the reservation I made it for the Group Site (I did not know the other sites were first come). We decided to use a different site, 8, which was a great site and more than enough room for the other two couples who were going to stay with us. I tried to cancel the reservation from the group site ($50.00 per night compared to $20.00 per night) but was unable to due to no wi fi. I called the area manager for Ochoco , Wanda and explained everything to her and she said she would go ahead and take care of canceling our reservation. I mean who does that? I couldn't thank her enough. The camp host, Perry, was the best. He always came around checking on us and was just a tremendous host. You couldn't ask for a better place to stay and to have the people running this site goes without saying is hands down the best. Thank you Wanda and Perry for a great and relaxing time.

Terry K

Loop:Ochoco Divide Group Site

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

The Group Site is located within the main campground, not a mile down the road! We fit 5 cars, strategically parked, in the parking area. The Group Site has great potable water and a vault toilet. It's a tad noisy as the camp site backs up to Hwy. 26 but I would definitely stay there again. Very helpful and friendly campground host. Most of us had one bar of cell service which was good enough for texting. Great location for visiting the Lookout Mountain area, Steins Pillar, and John Day Fossil Bed units. Note campground is located at 4,700 elevation. Nights were cold mid-June.

Camilla M

Loop:Ochoco Divide Group Site

Site:

Reviewed 6 years ago

This camp ground had a great lay out with most of the sites retracted/elevated from the main circuit. Easy access to Painted Hills and Ochoco NP. Mountain Lookout was a great hike we wanted to do again. Mitchell is a quaint little town, and probably the closest gas station. Don't miss the quirky unofficial Mitchel museum. It is worth the visit just for a chat with the local "manager". Social anthropological study indeed.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve