Pine Mountain Campground

Star4.83
15 reviews
Summit of Pine Mountain, near Pine Mountain Observatory
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

6,227 ft

Price

$3/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open as accessible s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website
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Pine Mountain Campground
$3.00 - $3.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The observatory requests a $3 donation for tours and telescope usage.
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

4.83

Top-Rated

Based on 15 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanfriendly

"Users have mixed feelings about Pine Mountain Campground. While many rave about the pristine stargazing opportunities and peaceful environment, some raise concerns about the campground's safety and cleanliness due to the presence of abandoned vehicles."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Summit of Pine Mountain, near Pine Mountain Observatory

Pine Mountain Campground

Summit of Pine Mountain, near Pine Mountain Observatory

Driving directionsFrom Bend, travel about 20 miles east on US 20, then 8 miles south on Forest Road 2017.
The campground is accessible via Forest Road 2017, which is presumably unpaved based on similar forest settings, but the condition of the road is not explicitly stated.
Nearby places
Bend: approximately 28 miles (~35-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies not specified
likely available in Bend 28 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Pine Mountain Campground

Experience the stark beauty of high-altitude seasons at Pine Mountain, where crisp, bone-dry winters transform the landscape into a frozen wonderland, and pleasantly moderate summers create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Summer nights deliver some of the clearest, most spectacular stargazing conditions in the Pacific Northwest, with minimal light pollution and consistently clear skies that make this a premier destination for astronomy enthusiasts.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in OR

Peak season for observatory tours (May–Sept); summer recommended for stargazing and access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Accessible in fall but conditions vary; late-fall weather may reduce enjoyment.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Early spring conditions may be variable; observatory season begins later in spring/summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

High-altitude frozen winters noted; open 'as accessible' but likely harsh and limited services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: > Observing tours available May-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open as accessible starting September 29.
  • Current Alerts: > User review states possible human presence impacting safety.

About Pine Mountain Campground

Perched atop the dramatic summit of Pine Mountain, this rustic campground offers an extraordinary escape into Oregon's high desert wilderness. Here, where the thin mountain air meets endless sky, campers discover a rare combination of pristine natural beauty and world-class stargazing opportunities, all while camping next door to the renowned Pine Mountain Observatory.
Pine Mountain Campground is a rustic and primitive site offering basic amenities. It is suitable for tent camping and encourages dry camping experiences.
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Reserving a campsite

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Not specified
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Stay Limit
>Maximum site spur length of 40 feet suggests longer RVs may have space limitations.


Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can engage in stargazing activities due to the proximity of the Pine Mountain Observatory. The observatory offers tours on Friday and Saturday evenings from May to September, with a $3 requested donation. Stargazing through telescopes is a highlight, with user reviews emphasizing the extraordinary night sky visibility.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Pine Mountain Observatory offers educational programs focused on astronomy, including tours and observations through telescopes. Visitors can explore the universe using 15-inch and 24-inch telescopes, with the latter providing digital imaging capabilities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Broken down burned out cars and tweakers living in the campground." - User review
Active Alerts> User review states possible human presence impacting safety.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pine Mountain Campground

Reviews

4.8
15 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Pine Mountain Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users have mixed feelings about Pine Mountain Campground. While many rave about the pristine stargazing opportunities and peaceful environment, some raise concerns about the campground's safety and cleanliness due to the presence of abandoned vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

- Excellent stargazing opportunities - Quiet and clean environment for dry camping - Friendly wildlife, such as chipmunks - Proximity to the observatory for educational tours and telescope viewing
Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

- Concerns about safety due to 'broken down burned out cars and tweakers' (Todd Stiles, 2022-07-31) - Lack of potable water on-site
Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your hammock and enjoy the peaceful environment (Cody Christopher, 2021-08-03) - Be prepared for dry camping and carry your own water supplies
Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors recommend camping during the summer for stargazing and observatory tours. Conditions may vary in early spring or late fall due to weather changes.
Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Love coming here for the night sky gazing." (Aaron R, 2024-08-15) - "What an extraordinary experience. Rustic and out of the way. One of the best views of the stars that I've witnessed." (Jeffrey...
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The proximity to the observatory is a significant highlight. Some reviews specifically highlight the advantageous location for stargazing and its peaceful atmosphere.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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