Central Oregon Recreation.
The Reason for Destination.
Wide open high desert sitting at the foothills of mountain wilderness, streams, lakes and of course the slopes. Whatever your recreational interest, we’ll bet we can peak it for you.
Prineville: A High Desert Destination for Enthusiasts.
Just 30 minutes east of the highway 97 corridor, Prineville sits as a gateway to unbounded recreational discovery. We can introduce you to the wilder side of wilderness exploration. You can truly “go dark” and leave your day life behind you as burn calories with us. The beauty of discovery? You don’t have to reserve it. We’re always here for your soul searching.
COUNTY CAMPIN’
There are no shortages of campgrounds in the Crook County Ochocos. While some of the closer in sites are managed by the county, the remainder fall into the hands of the US Forest Service. With a deeper dive, you can find horse trail and camping friendly locations as well.
Located to the north of Big Summit Prairie and to the south of Bridge Creek Wilderness, Scotts Campground is a great hub for your forest adventure.
Located in the Crooked River National Grasslands, there are two sites operated separately by US Forest Service and Crook County Parks and Rec. Splendid night skies for viewing and ample recreational options at the reservoir.
A private ranch in Crook County, just minutes outside of Prineville, Wine Down Ranch offers limited camping on site. Over 2100 acres to explore by day, or use as a base camp while driving into Ochoco trail systems. CALL
Just 7 miles east of Prineville, the Ochoco Reservoir camp site is right near the waters edge. Managed by Crook County Parks and Rec, this is an excellent and safe area to hang out. Fishin’ paddleboarding and more.
H2-O Life
Water. It supports life. We’re made of it, play with it and pray for it when in the desert. Prineville, Crook County, invites you to get wet with us. Boating, fishing, boards, canoes, kayaks, swimming or just relaxing by a babbling brook. The Ochocos feed our need to recreate.
Our go to water sources. Prineville Reservoir is 16 miles outside of town and our largest. Ochoco Reservoir is close to town and easy to access. Haystack Reservoir, provides county camping and more. Ochoco Creek, excellent, tranquil and flows into Prineville. Walton Lake includes camping.
Prineville is known for its fly and deep-water fishing in our lakes and streams. Joes Tackle Box is a GREAT local source for gear and information. Crook County Parks, have an annual fishing derby competition.
Drop a ski boat into Prineville Reservoir and make wakes. Paddleboards and kayaks favor Ochoco, Walton and Haystack Reservoirs. Canoes work well at Prineville Reservoir, Ochoco Creek and Ochoco Reservoir.
In town, Crook County municipal pool in Prineville is near many parks. Prineville Reservoir is an open water as is Walton Lake. Many of the smaller lakes are fun to swim without boating. Ochoco Creek, even closer to town has some bank swimming.
The Crooked River, keeps a pretty steady flow from the dam, all the way to Prineville. Many campgrounds are all along the creeks edge and it’s easy to drop an innertube or small raft for a lazy trip down the canyon.
Slacklining (Hiking)
Light pack (Slacklining) or no pack at all, there are many opportunities based upon your physical requirements. Close in, Barnes Butte Trail and Trails 66 are favorites for locals for quick exercise options.
Barnes Butte Trail is accessible within minutes from town. Paved and natural ground trails make for a pleasant trip for ideal views. Parking, handicap accessible and portable restrooms.
A hike doesn’t necessarily mean a trip to the mountains. Prineville has some very nice, off road and paved excursions that cut through some beautiful areas of town. Crooked River Wetlands is a 5.4 mile flat surface trail (3.25 acres paved) that is very close in and full of wildlife too.
Tackle the big workouts with a bit more challenge at Round Mountain Trail or another favorite in Lookout Mountain Trail. Both trails are in excess of 16-mile hikes. Or test yourself with the Twin Pillars Trail. A hike spanning 12 miles and roughly six hours of movement.
The Northern Prineville Reservoir offers camping, xcountry skiing and fishing year-round. 7.2 mile out and back trail. The Crooked River Corridor has many campgrounds, notably Castle Rock and Big Bend are two areas that are favored by hikers.
Spoke N Trails (Cycling)
Our area has become a haven for cyclists. Local bike shop Good Bike Company is very good resource for area information. Find your peddle power at the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway, or the network of trails provided by the Lower 66. Any time of year, there are enough area rides that a trip into Prineville / Crook County for your cycling experience is totally worth It. Most importantly, we’re happy to have you!
Right inside of Prineville, 66 Trails on 66 acres with 12 single track mountain and hiking trails. Truly a sensory raising ride can be found in this 9 mile, green double- track Green Mountain Trail.
Prairies and forests, wildlife and wildflowers all await on the Big Summit Prairie ride. A favorite ride locally is the 46 mile NorthStar ride. Or try the demanding route on this rugged 37 mile Wolf Mountain Lookout ride. Crook County challenges await you!
Take in the agricultural splendor on this Lamonta Loop road ride. It’s 14 miles and a perfect weekend stretch your legs kind of ride. Moderate level, but well worth the experience. Or stay in town with an easy 3 mile ride in downtown Prineville known as the Long Bike Path Loop.
Golf and Fun Stuff
A favorite destination golf course is Meadow Lakes as seen as you enter town from the west. A top ranked Oregon municipal course and the only handicap/adaptable ready course in Central Oregon. Prineville Golf Club is a semi private, 9 hole course on the north end of town.
While seasonal, Wine Down Ranch has a perfect set up for discovering bats during a nighttime hike. This activity runs with the SkyScape44 festival in September.
Oddly, Crook County is a haven for Morel Mushroom May-June harvest out in the forest of the Ochocos. Get permits and hunt near dying or scorched tree areas. Limited takes.
The nearby Ochocos offer numerous horseback riding opportunities. Dry Creek Horse Camp with trail options like Giddy-Up Go Loop a favorite. For a challenging ride, try Corral Flat, scenic but unsigned.
Find More on Our Sister Sites and Local Groups
Looking for more recreation and activities to keep your visit to the area filled with fun. Discover Prineville and Discover Crook County are excellent resources if you’re not finding it here. We also encourage you to visit these other local groups that host some of the areas popular recreational activities and events.
PORK runners club. Crook County Parks and Recreation and Crook County on the Move are all favorites for their programs and events that promote youth and adult activities.