Deep Creek Campground

4.25

7 reviews

Deep Creek Campground, Lookout Mountain Ranger District, Oregon

Quick Facts

4,300 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Ochoco National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,300 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Ochoco National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Deep Creek Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 7 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleansites

"Users appreciate the cleanliness of the pit toilets and the serene setting of the campground. However, the lack of potable water and limited recreational activities are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Deep Creek Campground, Lookout Mountain Ranger District, Oregon

Deep Creek Campground

Deep Creek Campground, Lookout Mountain Ranger District, Oregon

Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon: Head east on Highway 26 for 15 miles. Turn right onto County Road 123 and continue for 8 miles. Stay straight at the junction of Highway 123, Forest Service Road 22, and Forest Service Road 42 to merge onto Forest Service Road 42. Continue for 23 miles and Deep Creek Campground will be on your right. From Paulina, Oregon: Take County Road 112 east for 3.5 miles to Beaver Creek Road (County Road 113), then northeast on Beaver Creek Road for 8 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Travel on Forest Service Road 42 north for 8 miles to Six Corners and make a sharp left turn to continue on Forest Service Road 42. Proceed another 12 miles west and Deep Creek Campground will be on your left.

"Access is easy and paved the entire way from the west and most of the way from the east." Entrance to campground is very steep.

Nearby places

Prineville (15 miles, ~30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, such as groceries and fuel, are located in Prineville, Oregon, 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Deep Creek Campground

From mid-May through October, Deep Creek transforms into a high-country haven where warm summer days give way to refreshingly cool mountain nights – perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing. Pack layers, as temperatures can shift dramatically between sun-drenched afternoons and crisp evenings that remind you why sleeping bags were invented. Winter brings a blanket of snow and freezing temperatures, closing the campground but creating a pristine wonderland for those who venture near. During hunting season and holiday weekends, the campground buzzes with fellow outdoor enthusiasts sharing in the mountain magic.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-May–Oct; warm days, cool nights, good for camping and stargazing.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Western larch turn brilliant gold in fall; popular during hunting season (may be crowded).

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from mid-May (late spring); fishing 'varies by season' so early-season conditions uncertain.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid-October through mid-May; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Hunting season and holidays.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-May through mid-October.

About Deep Creek Campground

Nestled in the heart of Oregon's Ochoco National Forest, Deep Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead. At 4,300 feet elevation, this rustic retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature along the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic North Fork Crooked River. Here, the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and the gentle whisper of wind through ancient trees provides the perfect soundtrack for your outdoor adventure.

Deep Creek Campground offers standard camping accommodations in a semi-wilderness setting. The campground includes 13 combined sites that are suitable for both tents and RVs, though there are no designated pull-through RV sites.

Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through October, Deep Creek transforms into a high-country haven where warm summer days give way to refreshingly cool mountain nights – perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing. Pack layers, as temperatures can shift dramatically between sun-drenched afternoons and crisp evenings that remind you why sleeping bags were invented. Winter brings a blanket of snow and freezing temperatures, closing the campground but creating a pristine wonderland for those who venture near. During hunting season and holiday weekends, the campground buzzes with fellow outdoor enthusiasts sharing in the mountain magic.

ElevationPerched at 4,300 feet above sea level, Deep Creek Campground sits in that sweet spot where the air is noticeably thinner and cleaner, offering natural air conditioning even during summer's warmest days. This elevation creates an ideal mountain microclimate where alpine meadows meet forest groves, and where every breath feels like pure mountain therapy.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to golden sunlight filtering through a majestic canopy of ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the morning sun. Just across the crystal-clear waters of the Crooked River, rare Western larch trees paint the landscape with their delicate needles that turn brilliant gold each fall. This enchanting forest setting creates intimate camping spots where nature's architecture provides both shelter and inspiration, making every site feel like your own private wilderness retreat.

Geological RegionDeep Creek Campground lies within the rugged beauty of the Ochoco National Forest, where ancient volcanic activity and centuries of erosion have sculpted a landscape of hidden valleys and winding waterways. The star of this geological theater is the Wild and Scenic North Fork Crooked River, whose protected waters have carved a ribbon of life through the forest. Massive ponderosa pines dominate the landscape, their fire-resistant bark telling stories of centuries past, while across the river, groves of Western larch add a touch of rare beauty found in few places outside the Pacific Northwest.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit enforced across National Grassland and US Forest Service lands.

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features a spur with a loop layout. Privacy between campsites is described as fair due to limited middlestory vegetation.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; managed as first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations; first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeThe sites are fairly standard-sized, accommodating a picnic table and grill, but specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyThe privacy between sites is described as fair due to the minimal middlestory and grass understory.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the creek may offer more serenity with the sound of running water.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Fishing is the primary recreational activity available at this campground. There are no official hiking trails, but nearby spur roads provide opportunities for walking and exploring the scenery.

FishingFishing in the Crooked River can be good, depending on the season. Anglers can expect redband trout.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques."

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but visitors should exercise caution due to the environmental sensitivity of the area.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Prineville, Oregon, approximately 15 miles away. Includes hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground. No specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe North Fork Crooked River is near the campground and can be heard from some sites.

Weather at Deep Creek Campground

Reviews

4.3

7 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Users appreciate the cleanliness of the pit toilets and the serene setting of the campground. However, the lack of potable water and limited recreational activities are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

'Always a great place to camp,' noted one user. The vault toilets are clean, and the setting is peaceful, with the sound of the Crooked River audible from some sites.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water on-site is a drawback. The campground may become crowded during hunting season and holidays.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own drinking water. Visiting outside of peak times, like hunting season, is recommended for a more serene experience.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is highly popular during hunting season and holidays. Fishing conditions vary by the season, indicating that spring or early summer might be ideal for anglers.

Based on 7 reviews