Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use

3.50

18 reviews

Forest Service Road 17, Ochoco National Forest, Prineville, Oregon

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$8 per night for the first vehicle; $3 for each additional vehicle.

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

+1 541-473-6295null

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What Campers Say

3.50

Mixed Reviews

Based on 18 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulclean

"Overall, visitors highlight the campground's quiet and isolated ambiance, making it ideal for fishing, boating, and escaping urban life. However, the rough drive and lack of potable water are common drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Service Road 17, Ochoco National Forest, Prineville, Oregon

Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use

Forest Service Road 17, Ochoco National Forest, Prineville, Oregon

Driving directionsFrom Prineville: Travel 30 miles southeast on State Highway 380 to Forest Service Road 17 (Antelope Reservoir Junction). Turn right on Forest Service Road 17, and follow it approximately 12 miles to Forest Service Road 1700-600. Continue on to Antelope Flat Campground and Day-Use Area. NOTE: Forest Rt. 17 is single lane with few turnouts.

Forest Rt. 17 is a gravel road, single lane with few turnouts. The drive is described as 'a bit rough' by user reviews. Avoid approaching from the south, as private property makes access impossible; approach from the north via Prineville.

Nearby places

Prineville (30 miles southeast, approximately 45-60 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies available in Prineville, OR (30 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use

Experience the dramatic high-desert climate from mid-May through mid-October, when this seasonal retreat opens its gates to adventurers. Here at 5,000 feet, Mother Nature orchestrates a symphony of contrasts—crisp mountain nights that call for cozy sleeping bags give way to sun-drenched days perfect for lakeside activities. Afternoon breezes sweep through the pines, offering natural air conditioning when the mercury rises. Outside the camping season, winter transforms this landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with freezing temperatures that preserve the campground's pristine beauty until spring's return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open in summer with boating/fishing; hot days, cold nights and intermittent winds noted.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall is temperate and less crowded—good for quiet visits and wildlife viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring can be temperate but the season is short and variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid-October through mid-May; winter is cold/freezing here.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly mentioned, but mid-May through mid-October corresponds with open season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-May through mid-October.
Current Alerts: No current alerts mentioned.

About Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use

Discover your perfect basecamp at Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines and ancient junipers create a natural cathedral in the heart of Ochoco National Forest. This intimate single-loop campground invites you to settle into a landscape painted with native grasses and aromatic sagebrush. While the campsites themselves are tucked away from the water's edge, a pleasant 10-minute stroll through the forest delivers you to the serene shores of Antelope Flat Reservoir. The close-knit arrangement of sites fosters a friendly camping community, though those seeking complete solitude may find the open layout and neighborly proximity better suited for social campers who enjoy sharing stories around the evening campfire.

The campground accommodates tent camping and combined sites with space for additional tents. RV sites are limited to pull-through spaces, but there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this peaceful retreat remains quietly tucked away in the forest's memory, the campground serves as a modern gateway to the timeless wilderness of the Ochoco National Forest.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic high-desert climate from mid-May through mid-October, when this seasonal retreat opens its gates to adventurers. Here at 5,000 feet, Mother Nature orchestrates a symphony of contrasts—crisp mountain nights that call for cozy sleeping bags give way to sun-drenched days perfect for lakeside activities. Afternoon breezes sweep through the pines, offering natural air conditioning when the mercury rises. Outside the camping season, winter transforms this landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with freezing temperatures that preserve the campground's pristine beauty until spring's return.

ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations. The crisp, pine-scented air and cooler temperatures create an alpine atmosphere that energizes the spirit, though first-time visitors should allow a day or two for their bodies to adjust to the thinner mountain air. This elevated position rewards campers with comfortable summer temperatures and spectacular star-gazing opportunities in the clear, high-altitude skies.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where stately Ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark catching the golden light, while gnarled junipers add character to the forest tapestry. Beneath this evergreen canopy, a carpet of native bunch grasses waves in the breeze alongside silvery sagebrush that perfumes the air after summer rain showers. The crown jewel of this landscape, the 170-acre Antelope Reservoir, mirrors the sky and surrounding forest, creating a peaceful haven for both wildlife and visitors seeking natural tranquility.

Geological RegionAntelope Flat Reservoir Campground occupies a unique ecological niche at 5,000 feet within the Ochoco National Forest, where the transition zone between forest and high desert creates a diverse landscape. This elevated plateau showcases the region's geological history through its distinctive mix of Ponderosa pine forests giving way to juniper woodlands, all underlain by volcanic soils that support the characteristic grass and sagebrush communities. The surrounding terrain tells the story of ancient volcanic activity and erosion that carved out the natural depression now filled by Antelope Reservoir, creating this high-altitude oasis in Central Oregon's rugged backcountry.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24/7
no specific check-in time mentioned.

Check-out

Open 24/7
no specific check-out time mentioned.

Stay Limit

14 days stay limit at all National Grassland and US Forest Service lands.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limit information provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle loop layout with gravel parking aprons and scattered grey water disposal sites.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; the campground operates on a walk-up basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up only; no reservations accepted.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy provided.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.

Site SizeSites are spacious, with enough room for additional tents.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to close site proximity and minimal middle-story vegetation.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with proximity to the handpump and closer to the water for convenience.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including fishing for rainbow trout, boating, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and scenic exploration. Swimming is not officially supported, and the reservoir's muddy water might deter casual swimmers.

FishingFishing is permitted in Antelope Reservoir, with rainbow trout being the primary catch. Visitors must have proper fishing licenses to avoid fines.

BoatingBoating is supported with a boat ramp provided at the day-use area. Both power and non-powered boats are allowed.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity. Large birds of prey are occasionally sighted nesting on the east side of the reservoir. Binoculars are recommended.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cold weather conditions and rough roads. Wildlife like large birds of prey may be present near the reservoir.

Active AlertsNo current alerts mentioned.

Fire PolicyFire rings are available at campsites and the day-use area.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services likely located in Prineville, OR.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out campground, meaning visitors must take all trash and recyclables with them upon departure.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located above Antelope Reservoir, a 170-acre lake. It is less than a 10-minute walk to the water’s edge.

Camp HostNo campground host information provided.

Weather at Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use

Reviews

3.5

18 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground And Day Use has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, visitors highlight the campground's quiet and isolated ambiance, making it ideal for fishing, boating, and escaping urban life. However, the rough drive and lack of potable water are common drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the peaceful and secluded environment of the reservoir. The campground is described as "perfect for camping, boating, and fishing" with clean vault toilets and serene landscapes.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include rough and confusing access roads, the absence of potable water, and muddy conditions in the reservoir.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users strongly recommend following the USDA Forest Service's official directions to avoid private roads and gates. Visitors also advise bringing sunscreen, drinking water, and appropriate permits for...

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter brings cold, freezing conditions, while summer offers hot days and cold nights with intermittent winds. Spring and fall are temperate but less crowded, making them ideal for a quiet experience.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very fun, nice and quiet when we went up. Caught some fishys." - Christopher P. "Gorgeous, secluded spot. Perfect for camping, boating and fishing! Bring sunscreen!!" - Rachel N Skinner "Nice...

Based on 18 reviews