Mecca Flat Campground
4.0816 reviews3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, Oregon, USA, 97754
Quick Facts
Price
$8 - $35/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$8 - $35/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMecca Flat Campground
$8.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $8 per night Sunday through Thursday and $12 per night Friday and Saturday. Group site fees are $25 per night Sunday through...
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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$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$33.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-416-6700BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.08
Satisfactory
Based on 16 reviews
44 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsspacioushiking
Some mention
mosquitoes
"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic location, affordability, and fishing opportunities. However, concerns about the rough access road, lack of potable water, and pest issues (flies and goathead weeds) are frequently mentioned."
Fees & Passes at Mecca Flat Campground
$8 - $35/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: 14 days
Cancellation: Cancellation policies do not apply as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Prineville District Office, Bureau of Land Management website.
Best Time to Camp at Mecca Flat Campground
Winter transforms Mecca Flat into a crisp, crystalline wonderland where cold nights give way to brilliant blue skies. While rain and snow occasionally dust the landscape, clear days dominate the season, though sudden wind gusts remind visitors of the high desert's untamed spirit. Summer arrives with intensity, bringing hot, sun-drenched days that make the cool river waters all the more inviting. The sparse shade becomes precious real estate, encouraging campers to embrace the early morning and evening hours when the desert truly comes alive.
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: May 15th to September 15th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. Peak season is May 15th to September 15th.
About Mecca Flat Campground
Nestled along the banks of the legendary Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, Mecca Flat Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic high desert escape. This remote sanctuary features 13 thoughtfully spaced individual campsites and a spacious group area, all perfectly positioned to capture the river's timeless rhythm. As the premier launching point for the renowned Trout Creek Trail, Mecca Flat draws anglers chasing trophy trout and nature enthusiasts eager to explore one of Oregon's most dramatic landscapes.
Mecca Flat Campground provides traditional camping options, including tent and RV camping. A group site accommodates larger gatherings.
Historical SignificanceEchoes of the great railroad rivalry still whisper through these canyons, where the historic Deschutes Railroad once battled the Oregon Trunk Railroad for supremacy along this rugged corridor. Today, an abandoned railroad tunnel stands as a haunting monument to this bygone era of steam and steel, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine the thunderous locomotives that once carved their way through this dramatic terrain.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Mecca Flat into a crisp, crystalline wonderland where cold nights give way to brilliant blue skies. While rain and snow occasionally dust the landscape, clear days dominate the season, though sudden wind gusts remind visitors of the high desert's untamed spirit. Summer arrives with intensity, bringing hot, sun-drenched days that make the cool river waters all the more inviting. The sparse shade becomes precious real estate, encouraging campers to embrace the early morning and evening hours when the desert truly comes alive.
ElevationPerched in the heart of Oregon's high desert country, Mecca Flat offers campers the unique experience of desert camping at its finest. The campground's position provides the perfect vantage point to witness the stark beauty of this elevated landscape, where the thin, clear air enhances stargazing and the distinctive high desert ecosystem thrives in dramatic fashion.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering walls of ancient basaltic rimrock frame Mecca Flat like nature's own amphitheater, creating a dramatic backdrop that shifts from amber to deep purple with the changing light. The mighty Deschutes River serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its waters carving through the high desert landscape with relentless determination. The celebrated Trout Creek Trail winds through this geological wonderland, revealing hidden alcoves, stunning vistas, and the raw beauty that defines Oregon's high desert country.
Geological RegionMecca Flat sits at the intersection of water and stone, where the persistent Deschutes River has sculpted a masterpiece from the high desert's basaltic canvas. This remarkable landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, with towering rimrock formations standing sentinel over sparse but resilient vegetation. It's a place where geology comes alive, offering visitors a front-row seat to the ongoing drama between river and rock in one of the Pacific Northwest's most captivating desert environments.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilet is accessible, though no additional details about accessibility are provided.
Sites SizeCampsites are wide enough to accommodate a car or van, and possibly a small RV. The group site caters to larger parties.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is "very open" with "little privacy," according to user reviews.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider sites closer to the river for better views. Avoid sites near pit toilets due to flies reported in reviews.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days
Groups
The group site allows for larger gatherings with a fee structure of $25.00 on weekdays and $35.00 on weekends during peak season.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutMecca Flat Campground consists of 13 individual campsites and 1 group use area, with wide-open spaces and minimal privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season is May 15th to September 15th.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served year-round.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies do not apply as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mecca Flat Campground offers outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Trout Creek Trail, a 7-mile non-motorized path, is accessible from the campground. Visitors appreciate the area's scenic beauty and fishing opportunities along the Deschutes River.
Hiking
Hiking is a key activity, with the Trout Creek Trail providing a 7-mile route along the Deschutes River. The trail connects to Trout Creek Campground. One user highlighted the beauty of the gorge and surrounding nature.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw, especially for rainbow trout. However, one review joked about catching more snakes than fish. Salmonfly season is particularly popular.Wildlife viewing
The area offers opportunities for observing wildlife, with scenic views of the high desert landscape and river canyon.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are not explicitly stated but may be possible due to the river's proximity.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but regulations are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPresence of puncturevine/goathead plants, which can harm pets and bicycle tires. Narrow and rough access roads, and occasional nighttime disturbances reported by visitors.
Weather at Mecca Flat Campground
60
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 16 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are available in Madras, Oregon, 13 miles away, including hospitals and police.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15th to September 15th.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, as a dumpster is onsite. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly on the Deschutes River, offering excellent fishing opportunities and scenic water views.
Common complaintsReviews commonly cite the rough and narrow access road and issues with insects like flies and mosquitoes near pit toilets.
Campground Map
3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, Oregon, USA, 97754
Driving directionsFrom Madras, Oregon: Drive 12.4 miles north on State Highway 26. Immediately before the Deschutes River crossing, turn right and look for the brown Mecca Flat Road sign. Turn left on this road and drive another 1.6 miles to the site along the narrow single-lane road.
Access is via a narrow single-lane road (1.6-mile Mecca Flat Road), with few pullouts. Use caution, especially when towing trailers.Nearby places
Warm Springs (approximately 1.5 miles away), Madras (approximately 13 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including grocery stores, fuel, and dining, are in Madras, Oregon, approximately 13 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
16 reviews
Mecca Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic location, affordability, and fishing opportunities. However, concerns about the rough access road, lack of potable water, and pest issues (flies and goathead weeds) are frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the scenic views, access to the Deschutes River, the spacious group site, and the affordability of $8-$12 per night. Fishing and hiking are popular activities.
Based on 16 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the narrow, rough access road, lack of potable water, and vault toilets with flies. One review mentioned a disruptive nighttime visitor.
Based on 16 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito netting and enough water, as none is available onsite. Caution is advised when pulling a trailer on the narrow road. Salmonfly season sees higher visitor numbers.
Based on 16 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during salmonfly season. Reviews suggest fewer visitors in the off-season, offering a quieter experience.
Based on 16 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Nice campground, affordable, open year round. A lot of people come here for fishing." - Valentin Despa. 2. "Spent a couple nights here the week after Labor Day and was one of two campers." - Noel...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned, but users have praised the group site layout.
Based on 16 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are accessible, but no additional details about accessibility experiences are provided.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not specifically mentioned, but warnings about goathead weeds harming pets are given.
Based on 16 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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