Is Bingham Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bingham Springs Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. As a free and likely first-come, first-served site, availability may vary but no reservations are allowed.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bingham Springs Campground before I book?

Yes! Bingham Springs Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Bingham Springs Campground?

Bingham Springs Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Bingham Springs Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Bingham Springs Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Bingham Springs Campground?

Popular activities at Bingham Springs Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bingham Springs Campground

3.29

7 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

5,479 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,479 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bingham Springs Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

This is a free facility.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Bingham Springs Campground

44.5145, -120.5294

Nearby places

Prineville is approximately 11 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon: Travel north on Main Street for approximately 11 miles to the Ochoco National Forest boundary. Main Street turns into Forest Service Road 27 at the forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 27 for another 12 miles. At the junction of Forest Service Road 27 and Forest Service Road 2745, veer right to stay on Forest Service Road 27. Continue for another 1/2 mile along the wilderness boundary. Bingham Springs Campground will be on your right in the same developed site as Twin Pillars North Trailhead.

The access road is Forest Service Road 27, which is likely unpaved beyond a certain point. There are no indications of significant road challenges or seasonal closures.

Weather at Bingham Springs Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bingham Springs Campground

Summer is your safest bet. Daytime temperatures run 70–85°F from June through August, dropping into the 40s and 50s at night. Cool enough for solid sleep and clear stargazing. Wildflowers linger into early summer. Weekend crowds pick up at the Twin Pillars Trailhead, so midweek visits buy you more solitude. Late-season fire restrictions sometimes close trails or limit campfires. Winter buries the area in snow, with temperatures falling into the low 20s. Spring and fall are unpredictable: snow lingers at this elevation well into May, and storms return by late September.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

June–Aug temps 70–85°F with clear skies; summer called 'safest bet' for camping.

Planning Tips

About Bingham Springs Campground

Bingham Springs Campground sits at 5,479 feet in the northwestern Ochoco National Forest, just outside the Mill Creek Wilderness boundary. The primitive campground offers tent sites tucked among ponderosa and lodgepole pines, with a small pond and meadow nearby. It's rustic: no running water, no restrooms. Reviews rate it 4.6 out of 5, with campers praising the seclusion and stargazing.

Bingham Springs Campground is a rustic facility offering free camping options, primarily suitable for tent camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is your safest bet. Daytime temperatures run 70–85°F from June through August, dropping into the 40s and 50s at night. Cool enough for solid sleep and clear stargazing. Wildflowers linger into early summer. Weekend crowds pick up at the Twin Pillars Trailhead, so midweek visits buy you more solitude. Late-season fire restrictions sometimes close trails or limit campfires. Winter buries the area in snow, with temperatures falling into the low 20s. Spring and fall are unpredictable: snow lingers at this elevation well into May, and storms return by late September.

ElevationElevation data not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where meadow meets dense conifer forest. Ponderosa and lodgepole pines dominate the canopy, while a small pond reflects the surrounding trees. An adjacent meadow opens up views and draws wildlife at dawn and dusk. The geology here traces back to the region's volcanic past, visible in the scattered rock formations and soil composition. The setting feels secluded despite vehicle access. One reviewer called it "one of the more beautiful campsites I've been to and the best vehicle access campground in the wilderness."

Geological RegionNestled in the northwestern reaches of the spectacular Ochoco National Forest, Bingham Springs sits at the doorstep of the Mill Creek Wilderness. This prime location places you among ancient stands of ponderosa and lodgepole pines that have watched over these lands for generations. The region's unique geology and ecology create a diverse landscape where volcanic history meets lush forest ecosystems, offering campers a chance to experience one of Oregon's hidden natural treasures.

Scenic ViewsThe open meadow provides opportunities for stargazing and scenic views of the surrounding forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations or cabins mentioned for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Groups

Group sites are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityAs a free and likely first-come, first-served site, availability may vary but no reservations are allowed.

AccessibilityInformation on accessibility features is not specifically provided in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Site SizeNot explicitly described, but user reviews hint at secluded sites suitable for tent camping.

PrivacySites are described as secluded by user reviews, making them ideal for privacy.

Recommended SitesFor a more secluded experience, a user review recommends hiking a mile or so south on the Twin Pillars Trail and camping on the prairies.

Amenities available

Bingham Springs Campground is a rustic and free camping facility located in Ochoco National Forest. It provides picnic tables at each campsite but lacks restrooms and potable water facilities. As stated in user reviews, there is no running water available, and the site is noted for its seclusion and natural beauty.

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Things to do at Bingham Springs Campground

Activities at Bingham Springs Campground include wildlife viewing and proximity to hiking trails in Mill Creek Wilderness.

Hiking4.0/5

Adjacent to Twin Pillars North Trailhead with direct access to Mill Creek Wilderness.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Meadow draws wildlife at dawn/dusk; wildlife viewing explicitly mentioned by users.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Elevation sees snow and freezing temps; no winter-sports infrastructure or mentions.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Users praise stargazing; open meadow provides clear night-sky views.

Photography4.0/5Pond reflections, meadow vistas, wildlife and dark skies provide photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThere is no potable water and no restroom facilities; campers should be prepared to pack in all essentials and manage waste responsibly. Wildlife, including potential bears, could be present.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground, as confirmed by the authoritative source.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bingham Springs Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, seclusion, and stargazing opportunities, but note the absence of amenities like running water and restrooms.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the serene setting, access to hiking trails, and opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing. One user noted, 'One of the more beautiful campsites I've been to and the best...

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focused on the lack of running water and restroom facilities. Another review noted, 'Restroom (no running water)in arell maintained and was fairly unpopulated when I went.'

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

A user suggested hiking south on Twin Pillars Trail for more secluded camping areas and recommended bringing water filtration equipment due to the presence of a stream for filterable water.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather conditions vary significantly by season. Winter features freezing temperatures and snow, making camping less ideal, whereas summer offers clear skies and stargazing opportunities.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'One of the more beautiful campsites I've been to.' 2. 'It may be worth hiking a mile or so South on Twin Pillars Trail and camping on the secluded praries there.'

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.

Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in any reviews.

Based on 7 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Bingham Springs Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

This is a free facility.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Go if

Self-sufficient tent campers who treat their own water and dig a cathole will find this place hard to beat at any price. The meadow-to-forest setting draws wildlife at dawn, and midweek visits mean you'll often have it to yourself.

Skip if

No toilets, no potable water, and no fallback. If your group needs any kind of facility infrastructure, this isn't the right call, even the stream water needs filtration before it's safe to drink.

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