China Hat Campground

4.26

33 reviews

Quick Facts

6,573 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open as accessible.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Central Oregon Combined OHV Operations site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,573 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open as accessible.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Central Oregon Combined OHV Operations site

Official Website

Get Directions

China Hat Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 33 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswell-maintainedsites

"User reviews highlight that China Hat Campground is particularly suitable for ATV riders and OHV enthusiasts, with comments describing it as clean, quiet, and spacious. However, it is noted that this may not be the best choice for non-OHV campers due to the focus on trail riding and the surrounding brushy terrain."

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Campground Map

China Hat Campground

43.6583, -121.0360

Driving directionsFrom Lapine, travel 26 miles east on Forest Road 22, and then 6 miles north on Forest Road 18. From Bend, travel 22 miles east on Hwy 20, then 6 miles south on County Road 23, then 5 miles southwest on Road 25, and then 8.0 miles south on Forest Road 18.

There is access to the campground from the north or the south via Forest Road 18.

Nearby places

La Pine: 26 miles east (approx. driving time not stated), Bend: 22 miles east (approx. driving time not stated)

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at China Hat Campground

High-elevation camping at China Hat means experiencing the full spectrum of mountain weather. Crystal-clear days dominate the summer months, offering perfect conditions for trail riding and exploration under brilliant blue skies. The thin mountain air brings cool evenings year-round, while winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland. Spring and fall showcase the most dramatic weather shifts, from frost-kissed mornings to sun-drenched afternoons. The campground's elevation ensures refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, making it an ideal escape from the heat of lower elevations.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Crystal-clear summer days cited as ideal for trail riding and exploration.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Popular during hunting season; fall use and good trail conditions are noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring usability likely variable; trails and conditions not well-documented in sources.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

High-elevation winter weather likely limits use; no winter services or activities mentioned.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open as accessible.
Current Alerts: April 3, 2025: This site is closed due to the Firestone & Flat Top Fires Emergency Closure.

About China Hat Campground

Nestled in the shadow of its namesake volcanic cone, China Hat Campground offers adventurers a perfect basecamp for exploring Oregon's high desert wilderness. This secluded retreat sits at 6,573 feet elevation, where towering lodgepole and ponderosa pines create a natural canopy overhead. As the gateway to the expansive East Fort Rock OHV Trail System, the campground attracts off-road enthusiasts seeking dusty adventures by day and starlit serenity by night. Come autumn, the forest transforms into prime hunting territory, drawing sportsmen from across the region in pursuit of deer amid the golden-hued landscape.

China Hat Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, primarily tailored to OHV users.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsHigh-elevation camping at China Hat means experiencing the full spectrum of mountain weather. Crystal-clear days dominate the summer months, offering perfect conditions for trail riding and exploration under brilliant blue skies. The thin mountain air brings cool evenings year-round, while winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland. Spring and fall showcase the most dramatic weather shifts, from frost-kissed mornings to sun-drenched afternoons. The campground's elevation ensures refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, making it an ideal escape from the heat of lower elevations.

ElevationPerched at 6,573 feet above sea level, China Hat Campground offers the rare combination of accessibility and alpine atmosphere. This lofty elevation places campers in a transition zone where desert meets forest, creating a unique ecosystem found only in Central Oregon's volcanic highlands. The thin mountain air and cooler temperatures provide welcome relief during summer months, while the elevation offers expansive views across the surrounding volcanic landscape. The nearby China Hat formation, rising to the same impressive height, serves as a natural landmark and reminder of the region's fiery geological past.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's setting reads like a page from Oregon's geological storybook. Majestic ponderosa pines, with their distinctive vanilla-scented bark, tower alongside slender lodgepoles, creating a living cathedral of green. The star attraction remains China Hat itself – a perfectly preserved volcanic cone that punctuates the horizon like an exclamation point against the sky. Morning light filters through the pine canopy, casting dancing shadows across the forest floor, while evenings bring alpenglow to the volcanic peaks. The surrounding landscape reveals a tapestry of ancient lava flows, hidden meadows, and distant mountain vistas that stretch to the horizon.

Geological RegionChina Hat Campground sits at the intersection of volcanic drama and outdoor adventure. The towering China Hat formation – a textbook example of a cinder cone rising to 6,573 feet – dominates the landscape and tells the story of Central Oregon's explosive past. This geological wonderland, cloaked in aromatic ponderosa and lodgepole pines, forms the beating heart of the East Fort Rock OHV Trail System. Here, ancient lava flows have created a natural playground of ridges, valleys, and hidden passages that beckon exploration. The unique volcanic terrain, combined with the protective forest canopy, creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems found nowhere else in the region.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

There are two adjoining areas within the campground suitable for small group camping, but specific details about group size or vehicle limits are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout13 designated campsites with picnic tables and firerings. Two areas of adjoining sites that accommodate small groups and large RVs.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityThere is no specific information on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, and there are areas that can accommodate large RVs and small group camping.

PrivacyThere are no specific details on site privacy, but the campground is described as quiet and relaxed by reviewers.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

China Hat Campground is a hub for OHV trail riding, making it a favored spot for ATV riders. The area is also popular during deer hunting season.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water available; visitors must bring their own water.

Active AlertsApril 3, 2025: This site is closed due to the Firestone & Flat Top Fires Emergency Closure.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingThere is no information about trash and recycling facilities provided in the source materials.

Water FeaturesNearby water features are not mentioned.

Camp HostOperated and maintained by Central Oregon Combined OHV Operations (Forest Service & Bureau of Land Management Cooperative agreement), in partnership with Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation ATV Funds.

Weather at China Hat Campground

Reviews

4.3

33 reviews

Satisfactory

China Hat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight that China Hat Campground is particularly suitable for ATV riders and OHV enthusiasts, with comments describing it as clean, quiet, and spacious. However, it is noted that this may not be the best choice for non-OHV campers due to the focus on trail riding and the surrounding brushy terrain.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the campground for being clean, spacious, and well-maintained. The trails were described as fun and unique due to the pumice sand/dirt terrain. One user mentioned, 'Best riding in...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers noted that the trails could be brushy in lowland areas, which might detract from the riding experience. Additionally, it was mentioned that the campground might not be ideal for those...

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies, including potable water, as there is no water provided. Suitable for ATV enthusiasts and OHV riders. One review noted that the terrain could take some getting used to...

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular during hunting season and summer when OHV trails are in use. No specific seasonal complaints or praises were highlighted in the reviews.

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This place is great if you’re an ATV rider. Not a good choice for just camping.' (Jeffery Schnepp, 2023-06-12) 2. 'Clean with plenty of sites to choose from.' (Spencer Oberlin, 2022-09-21) 3....

Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers are singled out in the reviews, but the campground is noted to have both back-in and pull-through sites suitable for RVs.

Based on 33 reviews