Big Creek Campground

4.23

15 reviews

327 SW Front Street Prairie City, OR 97869

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Services provided Me...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Prairie City Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Services provided Me...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Prairie City Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek Campground

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for single campsites is $8 per night, with an additional vehicle fee of $4 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders...

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

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USFS

Provider

(541) 820-3800SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 15 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswell-maintainedsites

"User reviews highlight the tranquility, cleanliness of vault toilets, and the large spacious campsites. The campground is appreciated for its quiet and secluded atmosphere and accessibility for mountain biking."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

327 SW Front Street Prairie City, OR 97869

Big Creek Campground

327 SW Front Street Prairie City, OR 97869

Driving directionsFrom the town of Prairie City, OR., turn onto South Main Street. Follow South Main Street to the junction with Bridge Street. Turn left onto Bridge Street and follow out of town past the local cemetery. The road then becomes County Road 62. Follow County Road 62 approximately 19 miles to the junction with Forest Road 16. Turn West onto Forest Road 16, follow for approximately 6 miles; the campground will be on the right.

The campground is accessible by passenger vehicles during warm months but becomes accessible only via snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe during winter due to deep snow levels.

Nearby places

Prairie City (~25 miles), Seneca (~19 miles), John Day (~35 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are primarily available in Prairie City (~25 miles) and John Day (~35 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Campground

Each season paints Big Creek Campground with its own distinct palette. Winter transforms this mountain retreat into a snow-laden wonderland accessible only to the adventurous souls on snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes. As spring awakens the landscape, wildflowers burst into bloom beneath warming skies, creating perfect conditions for nature photography and leisurely hikes. Summer delivers sun-drenched days ideal for fishing and exploring, with dry trails beckoning hikers deeper into the wilderness. Autumn arrives with crisp air and golden light, though visitors should note that water facilities close in mid-October as the campground prepares for winter's return.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season Memorial Day–Sept 30; best access for hiking, biking and camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Early fall remains pleasant with wildlife viewing; services end Sept 30 so late fall limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring/early summer favored for wildflowers, but water/services may still be off until mid-May/June.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Snow transforms area; accessible only by snowmobile/ski and most services closed mid-Oct–mid-May.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day through September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Services provided Memorial Day weekend through September 30. Water shut off from mid-October to mid-May or early June depending on temperatures.

About Big Creek Campground

Escape to the serene embrace of Big Creek Campground, where time slows down among whispering ponderosa pines and sprawling meadows. This hidden gem offers the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Whether you're casting a line in the crystalline waters of Big Creek, pedaling through scenic mountain bike trails, or venturing into the majestic Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, you'll find endless adventures waiting at your tent flap. Spring transforms the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, while the campground's peaceful atmosphere provides a welcome refuge from the bustle of everyday life.

Big Creek Campground caters to primitive camping, with facilities focusing on minimal amenities to provide a remote and tranquil experience.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Big Creek Campground with its own distinct palette. Winter transforms this mountain retreat into a snow-laden wonderland accessible only to the adventurous souls on snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes. As spring awakens the landscape, wildflowers burst into bloom beneath warming skies, creating perfect conditions for nature photography and leisurely hikes. Summer delivers sun-drenched days ideal for fishing and exploring, with dry trails beckoning hikers deeper into the wilderness. Autumn arrives with crisp air and golden light, though visitors should note that water facilities close in mid-October as the campground prepares for winter's return.

ElevationPerched at 5,100 feet above sea level, Big Creek Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning during summer's heat. This elevation creates the perfect environment for towering ponderosa pines while ensuring winters arrive with dramatic flair, blanketing the landscape in deep, pristine snow that transforms the campground into a winter recreation paradise.

Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece at Big Creek Campground, where the gentle murmur of Big Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Towering ponderosa pines stand sentinel over the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor creating an aromatic forest cathedral. Beyond your campsite, expansive grass meadows stretch toward distant peaks, offering stunning vistas and prime wildlife viewing opportunities. The nearby Strawberry Mountain Wilderness serves as a dramatic backdrop, its rugged trails and pristine landscapes calling to hikers and backpackers.

Geological RegionNestled within the picturesque Logan Valley, Big Creek Campground occupies a prime location where mountain meets meadow. The campground sits at the doorstep of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, surrounded by a living gallery of ponderosa pine forests and expansive grasslands. This unique geological setting, carved by Big Creek over millennia, creates a diverse ecosystem where forest and meadow converge, offering visitors a front-row seat to the natural splendor of Eastern Oregon's high country.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 p.m.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 days is allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific information available about the number of guests allowed per site.

Groups

Group camping sites are not specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground stretches between Big Creek and a large meadow, with sites offering shade from ponderosa pines.

Reservation PlatformsSites may be reservable, but no platform details are provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampground does not require reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy information is provided.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.

Site SizeCampground offers large and spacious sites, as described in user reviews.

PrivacySites are described as secluded and quiet. "Nice quiet isolated campground," says Jerry Glasow.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite 5 is ideal for access to Big Creek.

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, stream fishing, hunting, bird watching, and wildlife observation. The area is especially known for its opportunities to explore the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and for exceptional wildflower viewing in spring and early summer.

HikingHiking is available with trails ranging from 6.1 miles (Big Creek Loop A) to 17.2 miles (Big Creek-Summit Prairie), accommodating both foot and mountain bike usage.

FishingStream fishing is available with opportunities to catch brook trout; however, a user review notes that fishing within the campground itself is challenging due to thick brush and trees.

BikingMountain biking is popular, with trails accessible from the campground. "Easy access for mountain bikes," says Jason Riipinen.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include pronghorn, deer, and occasional elk sightings.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include deep snow during winter, rapidly changing weather conditions, and thick brush making fishing difficult.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire regulations mentioned.

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

Emergency ServicesPrairie City Ranger District, 327 SW Front Street Prairie City, OR 97869. Phone: (541) 820-3800. Hospital services available in John Day, (~35 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingThe campground follows a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy. Visitors are required to take home all trash, including cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near Big Creek, though no sites are directly adjacent to the water.

Weather at Big Creek Campground

Reviews

4.2

15 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the tranquility, cleanliness of vault toilets, and the large spacious campsites. The campground is appreciated for its quiet and secluded atmosphere and accessibility for mountain biking.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes clean facilities, spacious and well-maintained campsites, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include limited access to Big Creek and challenges related to fishing in the campground due to thick brush and trees.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend using mountain bikes for trail exploration and emphasize the cleanliness of vault toilets and the spaciousness of campsites.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer are favored for wildflower viewing. Winter months limit accessibility to snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you prefer a quiet campground that is usually only 1/3 full then this is your place." - Aaron Dennis. "Nice quiet isolated campground." - Jerry Glasow. "Mountain bike the roads around here,...

Based on 15 reviews