Barnhouse Campground

Star4.48
29 reviews

Quick Facts

5,456 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions
Barnhouse Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Free facility.
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

4.48

Recommended

Based on 29 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushikingsites

"User reviews highlight Barnhouse Campground as a peaceful, tucked-away site ideal for campers seeking a rustic experience. Common praises include its quiet atmosphere, proximity to the Barnhouse Trail, and starry night skies. Some complaints focus on the lack of running water, garbage disposal, and vault toilet cleanliness."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Barnhouse Campground

44.4680, -119.9409

Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon: Take Highway 380 east 55 miles to Paulina, Oregon. From Paulina, head east on County Road 112 for 3.5 miles to Beaver Creek Road (County Road 113), turning north to Forest Service Road 42. Follow Forest Service Road 42 north for 8 miles to Forest Service Road 12. Follow Forest Service Road 12 north for 17 miles to the campground. From John Day, Oregon: Take Highway 26 west to Dayville, Oregon. Travel 25 miles west from Dayville to Forest Service Road 12, then head south for 5 miles to the campground. From Mitchell, Oregon: Take Highway 26 east for 13 miles to Forest Service Road 12. Take Forest Service Road 12 south for 5 miles to the campground.
Accessible via paved roads with cattle grids. Some routes pass through private ranch lands, and cattle may occasionally rest on the road.
Nearby places
Paulina, Oregon (3.5 miles), Prineville, Oregon (55 miles), John Day, Oregon (30 miles), Mitchell, Oregon (18 miles).
Nearby supplies
Not explicitly stated.

Best Time to Camp at Barnhouse Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high desert forest. Summer evenings unfold like nature's own symphony, with warm air carrying the haunting calls of coyotes and the gentle hooting of owls through the pines. As autumn arrives, crisp nights give way to winter's crystalline beauty, when snow blankets the landscape and temperatures plunge well below freezing, creating a wonderland for those properly prepared for cold-weather camping.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer noted as less busy with warm evenings and active wildlife calls.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

High-desert forest offers dramatic seasonal changes and scenic fall views.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring likely offers wildlife and greening but may be wet/muddy; limited reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Likely snow at 5,456 ft; no winter services noted and primitive facilities may be limiting.

Planning Tips

    About Barnhouse Campground

    Tucked away in the heart of the Ochoco National Forest, Barnhouse Campground offers an intimate escape with just 8 thoughtfully spaced sites. Each campsite comes complete with its own picnic table and fire ring, creating the perfect basecamp for those who crave authentic wilderness experiences far from the crowds. This hidden gem rewards visitors with the kind of profound quiet that has become increasingly rare in our modern world.
    Barnhouse Campground is a free, first-come, first-served facility suitable for tent and small RV camping. It does not support large RVs or group camping.
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    Reserving a campsite

    Check-in
    Open 24/7.
    Stay Limit
    14 day limit per National Grassland and US Forest Service guidelines.

    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Barnhouse Campground provides a peaceful forested environment and hosts the trailhead for Barnhouse Trail (#813), offering a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
    HikingBarnhouse Trail (#813) starts in the campground and provides access to serene forest landscapes. Polly Bergseng commented, "Great that there is a trail to hike right out of the campground area," and Sarah Bower praised, "Amazing view of the hills less than a 1/4mi from camp on the trail."
    Wildlife viewingCoyotes and owls are commonly heard during the evenings, enhancing the wilderness experience. Official descriptions indicate that ranchers may graze cattle nearby, adding to the natural serenade.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsNo running water is available, and visitors must pack out trash as there is no garbage service. Wildlife such as coyotes and cattle may be present.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Barnhouse Campground

    Reviews

    4.5
    29 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Barnhouse Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews highlight Barnhouse Campground as a peaceful, tucked-away site ideal for campers seeking a rustic experience. Common praises include its quiet atmosphere, proximity to the Barnhouse Trail, and starry night skies. Some complaints focus on the lack of running water, garbage disposal, and vault toilet cleanliness.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 29 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Many users appreciate the serene environment and seclusion of the campground. Amber Darbyshire noted, "Gorgeous campground deep in the forest...stunning hiking trail right next to one of the sites,"...
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    Based on 29 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Negative aspects mentioned by users include the lack of potable water and garbage disposal facilities. Cleanliness of the vault toilet is also a recurring concern.
    Based on 29 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Campers should bring their own water and prepare for a pack-in, pack-out waste management system. It is advisable to arrive early due to the limited number of sites (estimated at 8).
    Based on 29 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    The campground is described as less busy in the summer, with Kevin Reid stating, "This place is never really busy even in the summer, but there is often a couple of sites taken."
    Based on 29 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Beautiful hidden campground in the woods. It's pretty small, we counted 8 sites only, that's why it's quiet and peaceful out there." (Darya Shestakova) "Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and...
    Show more
    Based on 29 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Specific site reviews are not provided, but Amber Darbyshire noted a hiking trail near one of the campsites.
    Based on 29 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No user reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.
    Based on 29 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No user reviews specifically mention experiences with pets or pet policies.
    Based on 29 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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