Castle Rock Campground
4.529 reviews3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Castle Rock Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$8 per night per site. An additional $2 per extra vehicle (tow vehicles excluded) with a maximum of two vehicles allowed per site.
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$8.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-416-6700BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.52
Top-Rated
Based on 9 reviews
33 Google reviews
Most mentioned
scenerypeacefulshade
"User reviews for Castle Rock Campground highlight the scenic beauty, the peaceful environment, and the opportunity for wildlife viewing, particularly river otters. However, issues with the vault toilet cleanliness significantly impact the overall experience."
Fees & Passes at Castle Rock Campground
$8/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 days maximum per reservation period.
Cancellation: Not applicable as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website.
Best Time to Camp at Castle Rock Campground
Castle Rock reveals its changing moods through the seasons, with temperatures dancing between crisp 29°F mornings and mild 43°F afternoons. While winter occasionally dusts the canyon rims with snow and summer can bring intense high desert heat, savvy campers discover the magic of spring and fall visits. These shoulder seasons paint the landscape in wildflower blooms or golden autumn hues, offering perfect conditions for riverside exploration under predominantly clear skies punctuated by refreshing rain showers.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: No specific peak season indicated; weather may impact desirability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
About Castle Rock Campground
Tucked away along the winding Lower Crooked Back Country Byway south of Prineville, Castle Rock Campground offers an intimate escape into Oregon's rugged beauty. This hidden gem features just six campsites, ensuring a peaceful retreat beneath the towering presence of its namesake rock formation. Open year-round, the campground welcomes adventurers to explore the pristine waters of the Crooked Wild and Scenic River, where anglers cast lines into crystalline pools and photographers capture the interplay of light on ancient canyon walls. Modern conveniences meet wilderness solitude with an ADA-accessible vault toilet, making this quiet sanctuary accessible to all who seek respite from crowded destinations.
Castle Rock Campground primarily offers primitive camping with six sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is designed for tent and potentially small RV campers, but does not offer RV hookups.
Historical SignificanceThe timeless canyon walls surrounding Castle Rock hold stories yet to be discovered, inviting visitors to imagine the generations who have traveled these river corridors before them.
Weather and SeasonsCastle Rock reveals its changing moods through the seasons, with temperatures dancing between crisp 29°F mornings and mild 43°F afternoons. While winter occasionally dusts the canyon rims with snow and summer can bring intense high desert heat, savvy campers discover the magic of spring and fall visits. These shoulder seasons paint the landscape in wildflower blooms or golden autumn hues, offering perfect conditions for riverside exploration under predominantly clear skies punctuated by refreshing rain showers.
ElevationNestled within the dramatic canyon system of central Oregon, the campground rests at an elevation that provides both shelter from harsh weather and spectacular vantage points of the surrounding geological wonders.
Natural Features and SceneryRising like a natural fortress above the campground, Castle Rock presides over a landscape sculpted by millennia of flowing water and wind. The Crooked River winds through the canyon floor, its gentle murmur providing the soundtrack to your stay while towering cliffs frame views in every direction. This photographer's paradise showcases nature's artistry through rugged terrain, where erosion has carved dramatic formations and created hidden alcoves perfect for exploration. The scenic bikeway threading through the area offers cyclists breathtaking vistas around every bend.
Geological RegionSet within the spectacular Chimney Rock section of the Crooked Wild and Scenic River corridor, Castle Rock Campground showcases central Oregon's dramatic geological heritage. Here, ancient volcanic activity and patient erosion have collaborated to create a masterpiece of cliffs, spires, and canyon landscapes that tell the story of our planet's dynamic past. The distinctive rock formations and layered canyon walls serve as an open-air museum of geological time.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilet is ADA-accessible, making this a partially accessible site for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground has six campsites. User reviews suggest that the sites are "open" and spaced far enough to provide privacy for those who prefer not to be "too out there."
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer a balance of privacy and openness. One user noted, "Very open campsites that are far apart enough for privacy but close enough to be comfortable."
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites based on privacy; user reviews indicate campsites are spaced for comfort while maintaining a balance of openness.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not applicable as this is first-come, first-served.
Check-out
Not applicable as this is first-come, first-served.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum per reservation period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not provided beyond vehicle limits.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSix individual sites spread along the Crooked River with fire rings and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground does not use reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis with six sites available; fill patterns not specified.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Castle Rock Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and photography. Visitors also have access to scenic views of the canyon and the Crooked River.
Hiking
Hiking is a key activity at this site. One user described it as "close to a hiking trail with a good view at the top."Fishing
Fishing is permitted and popular along the Crooked River. A reviewer mentioned the area is "good for fly fishing."Biking
The campground is near a state scenic bikeway, and visitors are advised to "watch for bicyclists" along State Highway 27.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with one camper noting, "Got to see some river otters. Very cool!"Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described, but the campground is open year-round, which may allow for general winter camping.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies stated, but each site has a fire ring.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsVault toilets may have significant fly issues according to user reviews. Dry camping conditions necessitate bringing potable water and preparedness for exposure to weather conditions.
Weather at Castle Rock Campground
54
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 13.6 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services available in Prineville, OR (12.4 miles away), including hospitals and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season indicated; weather may impact desirability.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available on-site, as noted by user reviews. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Crooked River, which supports activities like fly fishing and provides scenic views.
Common complaintsVault toilet cleanliness is a major concern, with reviews mentioning significant fly infestations. Lack of potable water onsite also noted.
Campground Map
3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754, USA
Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon: Drive 12.4 miles south on State Highway 27; the campground will be on your right.
Accessible via paved roads (State Highway 27). No specific seasonal closures listed, although access may be affected by weather conditions during winter months.Nearby places
Prineville (12.4 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies, groceries, and fuel available in Prineville, OR (12.4 miles away). No supplies directly at the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
9 reviews
Castle Rock Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Castle Rock Campground highlight the scenic beauty, the peaceful environment, and the opportunity for wildlife viewing, particularly river otters. However, issues with the vault toilet cleanliness significantly impact the overall experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes comments on the beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere, proximity to the Crooked River, and the presence of picnic tables and fire rings at each site. One user stated, "I...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaint is the poor state of the vault toilets, with one user describing it as the worst they've ever seen due to a fly infestation. Another concern was the lack of potable water...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. Additionally, be prepared for potential issues with the vault toilets.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but reviews do not provide detailed seasonal insights beyond the challenges of dry camping and the vault toilets' cleanliness.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Got to see some river otters. Very cool!" 2. "Very beautiful area. Good for camping, fly fishing, and also day use parking." 3. "The bathrooms were horrendous...there were THOUSANDS of flies...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user mentioned that the site at the very end, numbered 6, is particularly good: "Really good place to camp at the very end at number 6."
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
The vault toilet is ADA-accessible, but no further details on accessibility features are provided.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not explicitly mentioned in the user reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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