Is Big Spring Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Spring Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Big Spring Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Big Spring Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Big Spring Campground?

Big Spring Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Spring Campground

3 reviews

Featured in:Forest Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

5,007 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,007 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Big Spring Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Big Spring Campground

44.3324, -119.9926

Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon: Take Highway 26 east 16 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Travel on Forest Service Road 42 east for 8 miles to the Ochoco Ranger Station. Continue on Forest Service Road 42 for another 23 miles toward Deep Creek Campground. About 5 miles past Deep Creek Campground turn left onto Forest Service Road 4270, then proceed 1.5 miles northeast on Forest Service Road 4270. Big Spring Campground will be on your left. 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, continuing on Forest Service Road 42 west for 8 miles. Finally, turn right onto Forest Service Road 4270 and head northeast for 1.5 miles. Big Spring Campground will be on your left. From US Highway 26 (13 miles east of Mitchell and 25 miles west of Dayville): Take Forest Service Road 12 south for 18 miles to Forest Service Road 4270, continuing west 8 miles. Big Spring Campground will be on your right.

Weather at Big Spring Campground

Best Time to Camp at Big Spring Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably dry conditions at Big Spring, with long daylight, comfortable daytime highs (typically 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–50°F) that make creekside camping and stargazing especially pleasant. The ponderosa canopy provides welcome shade and the creek still runs, making this the best time for general camping, relaxing by the water, and exploring nearby ranchland scenery. Crowds are usually low-to-moderate because the site feels remote, but be mindful of late-summ Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Described as best in summer: warm days (70–85°F), creek flows, long daylight.

Planning Tips

About Big Spring Campground

Big Spring Campground sits in mid-elevation ponderosa forest in Oregon, operated as a small, rustic site with vault toilets and creek access. The campground offers shaded tent and RV sites under a ponderosa canopy, with a nearby creek that runs through summer. Campers come for quiet forest camping, stargazing, and relaxing by the water during the warmest months.

Big Spring Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences with campsites that vary in size to accommodate different group sizes. However, it does not appear to be reservable.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably dry conditions at Big Spring, with long daylight, comfortable daytime highs (typically 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–50°F) that make creekside camping and stargazing especially pleasant. The ponderosa canopy provides welcome shade and the creek still runs, making this the best time for general camping, relaxing by the water, and exploring nearby ranchland scenery. Crowds are usually low-to-moderate because the site feels remote, but be mindful of late-summ Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation5007 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines dominate the canopy, creating an open forest floor where the campground's namesake creek flows through. The setting occupies a transition zone between forest and rangeland, supporting diverse plant communities shaped by the local geology. Cattle from nearby ranches sometimes appear in view, a reminder that this is working ranch country, not wilderness. The blend of forest, water, and open range defines the landscape.

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Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Big Spring Campground is located in an open ponderosa pine forest along a babbling creek. The campsites vary widely in size to accommodate different group sizes. Local ranchers graze their cattle nearby, so campers may encounter or hear cows during their stay.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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