Walton Lake

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OCHOCO NATIONAL FOREST, 3160 NE 3rd St.
PRINEVILLE, OR 97754

Overview

Walton Lake Campground may be the best-known location in the Ochoco National Forest, offering a serene setting among old-growth Ponderosa pine and mountain meadows. Most sites offer sweeping lake views.

Recreation

Visitors can choose to spend their vacation relaxing by fishing on the shore of Walton Lake, or swimming and paddling in the water. There is a swimming beach, fishing pier and boat ramp for small self powered craft, and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout.
There are also many trails nearby for those who would like to explore on foot or mountain bike. This includes the 7.5-mile multi-use Round Mountain Trail as well as the 1-mile Walton Lake Trail, which offers many scenic views around the lake.

Facilities

There are paved parking spurs, picnic tables and fire rings with grills at each single site. The campistes resiside on the South Side best for large RV's while the North side is best for car and tent camping. Vault toilets are available in both sections of the camp, and a solar powered water pump for drinking water is located in the south shore section. Look for water signs to guide you located near the entrance.
There are two group sites that have three tables and a fire ring at each. These sites can accommodate three to four RVs, and there are several tent pitching spots available.
There are accessible accomodating campsites and vault toilets in the south shore section of the camp though everyone is welcome to rent them. 

Natural Features

Walton Lake is a blue sparkling jewel hidden within the dense forest. A small dam impounds spring-fed water that seeps from surrounding sloped meadows. Fishing is a favorite activity while hiking is very popular as is simply enjoying a picnic at the lake.
Aspen and tall willows add habitat diversity to make this place especially attractive to wildlife. This is a place to find white-headed woodpecker, belted kingfisher, spotted sandpiper, cinnamon teal, American coot, Steller's jay, yellow-headed blackbird and Brewer's blackbird.

Nearby Attractions

For visitors seeking a bit of civilization, the city of Prineville is nearby. There are opportunities to shop, dine out, golf, attend events and visit the localmuseum. For those wanting to explore the Ochoco National Forest, Lookout Mt and Round Mt are great places to hike and Mt bike. Wild flowers are abundant at the Big Summit Prairie where occasional antelope, elk and deer are sometimes seen. 

Camp site features

Across 32 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 32 sites
  • Group sites: 2 of 32 sites
  • Longest RV: 70 ft
  • Largest party: 35 people

Directions

From Prineville, Oregon, take Highway 26 east for 16 miles. Turn right at the junction to Walton Lake and Big Summit Prairie (County Road 23) and travel 9 miles to Forest Service Road 22. Turn left and proceed approximately 7 miles to Walton Lake. The campground will be on the left.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

172 reviews
5 stars
112
4 stars
39
3 stars
10
2 stars
7
1 stars
4
Brett P
Loop:Area Walton Lake
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Wasn't happy that we drove all the way up there to find out no water. So we had to drive back to the ranger station and get water. Then drive back up there. The website says water available. CHANGE IT!!!!!
David C
Loop:Area Walton Lake
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Campground was clean and the small group site was huge and the sofa could run free!!
Shari J
Loop:Area Walton Lake
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Always wait to go until after school starts. Recommend to go during the week. Too many loud kids/adults on weekends. This year was bad. Loud!
Randall D
Loop:Area Walton Lake
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Very pleasant.
Michael r
Loop:Area Walton Lake
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
The camp hosts were great and welcoming. We’ll be going back next year for sure
William S
Loop:Area Walton Lake
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Thank you Ochoco NF District office for working so hard to get Walton Lake campground reopen after the forest fire. The Santiam Flycasters based in Salem Oregon had a planned club outing it went splendidly.
Availability

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

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 21, 2027 – Oct 2, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 21, 2028 – Oct 2, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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