Wildcat Campground And Day Use Area

5.00

10 reviews

Featured in:Summer Camping Oregon Spring Camping Oregon Desert Camping Oregon +3 more

Quick Facts

3,700 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

May 15 to October 15...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Ochoco National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,700 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

May 15 to October 15...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Ochoco National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Wildcat Campground And Day Use Area

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$20 per single campsite, $10 for an extra vehicle, and $50 for a group site.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 10 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

"User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, well-spaced campsites, clean vault toilets, and scenic hiking trails. The lack of potable water and flush toilets contributes to its rustic charm. Families appreciate the paved loop for biking and shallow water features for safety."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Wildcat Campground And Day Use Area

44.4400, -120.5800

Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon: Take Highway 26 east for approximately 7 miles past Ochoco Reservoir. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 33 (Mill Creek Road). Continue for approximately 10 miles to where Forest Service Road 33 makes a sharp left turn. Instead of taking the turn, continue straight and you will drive directly into Wildcat Campground.

Last 5.6 miles are on a gravel surface (Forest Rt. 33). Paved roads lead to the gravel section, but the gravel road may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles.

Nearby places

Prineville (approximately 17 miles, around 25 minutes drive time).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Prineville, approximately 17 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Wildcat Campground And Day Use Area

From mid-May through mid-October, Wildcat Campground transforms into a cool mountain sanctuary. While valley temperatures soar, the campground's forested setting offers natural air conditioning, with summer days reaching pleasant highs in the mid-80s°F and crisp nights dipping into comfortable sleeping temperatures. Spring and fall bring their own magic, with temperatures ranging from the upper 20s°F to mild afternoons perfect for hiking. The seasonal window captures the best of mountain weather, from wildflower blooms to golden autumn colors.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

May 15–Oct 15 peak season; cool shaded refuge from valley heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into October; forested setting remains pleasant though limited details on colors.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens May 15; late spring offers cool shaded camping but early spring closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid-Oct to mid-May; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 15 to October 15.
Current Alerts: None currently stated.

About Wildcat Campground And Day Use Area

Nestled in the heart of the Ochoco National Forest, Wildcat Campground offers a refreshing mountain escape just a short drive from Prineville. This beloved forest retreat draws families and adventurers alike with its cool, shaded campsites and the soothing melody of Mill Creek flowing nearby. As the gateway to Mill Creek Wilderness, the campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the Twin Pillars Trail, where ancient forests and pristine wilderness await. Wake up to the gentle sounds of the creek and spend your days discovering why this hidden gem has become one of the most cherished campgrounds in the region.

Wildcat Campground provides a mix of camping options suitable for tent campers and recreational vehicles. Individual and group sites are available, offering a secluded experience in a forested environment.

Historical SignificanceNo information provided.

Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through mid-October, Wildcat Campground transforms into a cool mountain sanctuary. While valley temperatures soar, the campground's forested setting offers natural air conditioning, with summer days reaching pleasant highs in the mid-80s°F and crisp nights dipping into comfortable sleeping temperatures. Spring and fall bring their own magic, with temperatures ranging from the upper 20s°F to mild afternoons perfect for hiking. The seasonal window captures the best of mountain weather, from wildflower blooms to golden autumn colors.

ElevationPerched at 3,700 feet above sea level, Wildcat Campground sits in that sweet spot where the air turns crisp and pine-scented. This elevation creates a natural climate haven, offering relief from summer heat while remaining accessible and comfortable. The mountain setting brings cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and that refreshing high-country atmosphere that makes every breath feel restorative.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines and majestic Douglas firs create a living cathedral around Wildcat Campground, their branches forming a natural canopy that filters sunlight into gentle, dappled patterns. This old-growth forest ecosystem supports remarkable wildlife, including the impressive pileated woodpecker, whose distinctive call echoes through the trees. The adjacent Mill Creek Wilderness preserves some of the region's most pristine forest habitats, where ancient trees tell stories of centuries past and every trail promises discovery.

Geological RegionWildcat Campground sits within the diverse landscape of the Ochoco National Forest, where volcanic origins have shaped a terrain of gentle ridges and creek-carved valleys. The surrounding Mill Creek Wilderness showcases the region's geological heritage through its mix of volcanic soils that nourish the towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. This unique forest ecosystem creates a natural oasis, offering campers a cool, green refuge when summer heat blankets the lower elevations of Central Oregon.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated in the source materials.

Groups

Group sites are available for a fee of $50, but the exact number of people and vehicles allowed is unspecified.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into two spurs: one better suited for RVs and another for groups of tent campers.

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityOnly walk-up, first-come, first-served availability. All 17 sites operate this way.

Cancellation PolicyNot stated.

AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, ensuring some level of accessibility.

Site SizeThe campground has sites suitable for both tent campers and recreational vehicles. Parking aprons are gravel.

PrivacySites are spaced well to offer privacy according to user reviews.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider campsites on the upstream spur for recreational vehicles and the downstream spur for tent groups.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is adjacent to Mill Creek Wilderness and offers access to outdoor recreational activities like hiking, picnicking, and observing old-growth dependent species such as the pileated woodpecker. There are no water-based activities such as swimming, boating, or kayaking. Hiking opportunities are particularly noted for their scenic value.

HikingThe Twin Pillars Trail (#832), stretching 8 miles, provides access to a network of trails in Mill Creek Wilderness. It is suitable for foot and horse traffic.

FishingFishing for Eastern brook trout is available in the nearby Mill Creek.

Wildlife viewingCampers have opportunities to observe old-growth dependent species like the pileated woodpecker.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife common to the area, such as bears and other forest creatures. Additionally, the last 5.6 miles of gravel road may pose difficulties for low-clearance vehicles.

Active AlertsNone currently stated.

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 no specific restrictions or guidelines were noted.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Prineville, the nearest town, approximately 17 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingNo explicit mention of trash and recycling facilities is available.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Mill Creek, which flows through the campground and can be heard throughout the area.

Camp HostNo campground host information provided.

Weather at Wildcat Campground And Day Use Area

Reviews

5.0

10 reviews

Top-Rated

Wildcat Campground And Day Use Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, well-spaced campsites, clean vault toilets, and scenic hiking trails. The lack of potable water and flush toilets contributes to its rustic charm. Families appreciate the paved loop for biking and shallow water features for safety.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews focus on the clean vault toilets, peaceful environment, well-spaced campsites, and scenic hiking trails. Families particularly enjoy the campground for its safety features like...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are mostly about the absence of potable water and flush toilets, contributing to its rustic nature.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing ample water due to the lack of potable water on site and highlight the paved loop as a fun feature for kids.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews tend to emphasize the campground's suitability for escaping summer heat due to its shaded sites. There is limited insight into winter use.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Love this campground. The water is shallow so kids can't drown. Beautiful hiking trails." - Mekia Ogborn; "Quiet, well-spaced campsites. Clean vault toilets. Nice hiking trails." - Marlene Connor

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The upstream spur is described as better suited for recreational vehicles, while the downstream spur caters to tent campers. Sites are shaded and provide ample privacy.

Based on 10 reviews