Bull Prairie Campground (Or)

4.69

264 reviews

P.O. Box 7, Heppner, OR 97836

FishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Oregon Best Campgrounds Oregon Family-Friendly Campgrounds Oregon +1 more

Quick Facts

4,200 ft

Price

$14 - $19/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open from May 8th to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,200 ft

Price

$14 - $19/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open from May 8th to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Bull Prairie Campground (Or)

$14.00 - $19.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single site fees range from $14-$19 per night, depending on the season and campsite type. Group sites cost $25/night. Additional fees include $8...

Standard Site Fee$19.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$25.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(541) 676-9187r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 264 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakefriendly

Some mention

noise

"Bull Prairie Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, attentive camp hosts, and natural beauty. However, some concerns include aggressive mosquitoes, limited water spigots, and leeches in the lake. "Heather and Jody should be recognized for their excellence," one camper stated."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 7, Heppner, OR 97836

Bull Prairie Campground (Or)

P.O. Box 7, Heppner, OR 97836

Driving directionsFrom Heppner, Oregon: Travel south on Highway 207 for approximately 36 miles. Turn east on Forest Service Road 2039 and follow signs to Bull Prairie Recreational Area.

The driving route includes paved roads with occasional small signs guiding visitors towards Bull Prairie Recreational Area. Accessibility is generally good, but some reviews noted road conditions could be challenging for trailers.

Nearby places

Heppner, OR (41.5 miles

approximately 45-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Heppner, OR (41.5 miles away) is the nearest location for supplies and gasoline.

Best Time to Camp at Bull Prairie Campground (Or)

Summer days at Bull Prairie unfold with crisp mountain mornings that gradually warm to comfortable afternoons, with temperatures typically dancing between 54 and 78°F. The lake's cooling influence creates refreshing evening breezes, though savvy campers come prepared with warm layers for those characteristically cool mountain nights. While the lakeside setting attracts its share of mosquitos during peak season, the dry climate and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing throughout the summer months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for fishing and wildlife; pleasant temps but mosquitoes and occasional water issues.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter season with good wildlife and scenery; fewer bugs noted in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens May 8; late spring offers cool mornings and wildlife but shorter season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed for camping Nov–May; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 8th to November 1st annually. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 8th to November 1st annually. First-come, first-served options available starting June 21.

About Bull Prairie Campground (Or)

Nestled beside a pristine 28-acre mountain lake, Bull Prairie Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of wilderness tranquility and modern convenience. Whether you're casting a line from the accessible fishing docks for stocked trout, exploring the paved trails that wind through towering pines, or settling in for the night at one of the thoughtfully designed tent or RV sites, this forest sanctuary offers an authentic Pacific Northwest camping experience. Group camping facilities make it an ideal destination for family reunions or outdoor gatherings under the starlit mountain sky.

Bull Prairie Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including tent and RV sites, double sites, and a group campsite. There are no cabin or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Bull Prairie unfold with crisp mountain mornings that gradually warm to comfortable afternoons, with temperatures typically dancing between 54 and 78°F. The lake's cooling influence creates refreshing evening breezes, though savvy campers come prepared with warm layers for those characteristically cool mountain nights. While the lakeside setting attracts its share of mosquitos during peak season, the dry climate and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing throughout the summer months.

ElevationPerched at 4,200 feet above sea level, Bull Prairie Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp, the wildlife is abundant, and summer's heat gives way to pleasant, pine-scented coolness. This elevated paradise provides the perfect escape from valley heat while remaining accessible to adventurers of all abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering Ponderosa pines mingle with Douglas-fir, grand fir, and spruce, creating a verdant canopy that filters golden sunlight onto the forest floor. Morning visitors often encounter deer grazing near their campsites, while playful squirrels and chipmunks provide endless entertainment. Lucky campers might spot majestic elk moving through the shadows at dawn or dusk. The centerpiece lake attracts graceful waterfowl, their calls echoing across the water as they glide past anglers trying their luck in the trout-filled depths.

Geological RegionBull Prairie Campground claims its spectacular setting within the vast Umatilla National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a mountainous landscape now cloaked in dense coniferous forest. The campground's crown jewel—a 28-acre lake teeming with trout—sits like a sapphire amid the emerald expanse of Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, grand fir, and spruce. This pristine pocket of the Pacific Northwest showcases the region's characteristic volcanic origins, with its elevated terrain offering glimpses of the surrounding peaks through breaks in the forest canopy.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Camping or occupying a site beyond 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period is not permitted.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 25 guests for group sites
standard sites allow fewer guests.

Groups

The group site (Site #10) accommodates up to 25 people and 10 vehicles. However, some users noted that the group site may not fully accommodate the stated capacity.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops with 31 sites, including tent/RV sites, group sites, and tent-only options.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov online or via their app.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome campsites are available first-come, first-served starting June 21.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 service fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee if canceled after midnight the day before check-in. Late cancellations for one-night stays result in forfeiture of the full payment.

AccessibilityThe campground offers multiple accessible features, including 8 accessible vault toilets, a paved trail around the lake suitable for wheelchairs, and accessible fishing docks.

Site SizeThe campsites are generally spacious; one user described their site (#21) as "big with two tables, a cool fire pit, lots of shade.

PrivacyThe campground is noted for its privacy, with sites being well-spaced. "Campsite was full yet we felt almost alone there," according to one review.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakeside sites like Site 27 for views and proximity to fishing docks. Sites near potable water spigots are convenient.

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bull Prairie Campground offers a wide range of activities catering to diverse interests. Campers can enjoy hiking on the 1.2-mile paved trail around Bull Prairie Lake, fishing from several docks, non-motorized boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake, stocked annually with trout, is a favorite for anglers. Visitors can also enjoy photography, picnicking, and hunting in designated areas nearby. The campground is connected to trails leading to the Morrow County OHV Park, 8 miles away. A user noted, "The lake is beautiful with foot docks for kayaks and fishing, including a paved path around it."

HikingHiking options include the 1.2-mile paved trail around Bull Prairie Lake, which is described as "awesome" by one user. The trail is accessible and suitable for morning jogs and leisurely walks.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with trout stocked in the lake annually. "Great trout action on the dock; caught my limit in 45 minutes," one camper shared. However, bank fishing may be challenging due to weeds around the lake's edge.

BikingThe paved trail around the lake is suitable for biking. "Great for morning jogs and bicycle rides," according to the campground overview.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed, with facilities including a boat ramp and dock. "Lake is great to go floating with tubes," a user mentioned.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with deer, ospreys, and other animals frequently sighted. "We saw tons of wildlife—ducks, deer, red-winged blackbirds, and even a family of osprey," one camper noted.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include aggressive mosquitos, leeches in the lake, and occasional bears or cougars in nearby forests.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, provided attendees adhere to the rules and use designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be accessed at Heppner, approximately 45 minutes away, which includes hospitals and police.

Trash & RecyclingTrash service is not available, and campers are required to pack out all garbage. "If you pack it in, please pack it out," is a stated guideline.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the 28-acre Bull Prairie Lake, accessible for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Camp HostHosts Jody and Heather are widely praised for their helpfulness, cleanliness, and hospitality. They provide free firewood and actively engage with visitors.

Weather at Bull Prairie Campground (Or)

Reviews

4.7

264 reviews

Top-Rated

Bull Prairie Campground (Or) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Bull Prairie Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, attentive camp hosts, and natural beauty. However, some concerns include aggressive mosquitoes, limited water spigots, and leeches in the lake. "Heather and Jody should be recognized for their excellence," one camper stated.

Review Summaries

Based on 264 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently commend the clean facilities, the scenic lake, and the attentive and friendly camp hosts. "Bathrooms were spotless," and "The campground hosts were the best we've ever had," are...

Based on 264 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include leeches in the lake, aggressive mosquitoes, and occasional road access issues. "Beware of the mosquitoes; they are very aggressive," and "The road going into Bull Prairie Lake is in...

Based on 264 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent and be prepared to pack out your trash. For group camping, consider the actual site capacity carefully. "If you need firewood, go to the OHV park down the road for a large...

Based on 264 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, mosquitoes and occasional water shortages are noted during this time. Fall offers quieter experiences...

Based on 264 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake and scenery and elevation are all so refreshing," "Campground was incredibly well taken care of," and "Hosts Heather and Jody are phenomenal!"

Based on 264 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #10: Some users found it too small for large groups. Site #21: Praised for being spacious with ample shade. Site #27: Described as private and close to the lake.

Based on 264 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is noted for its wheelchair-accessible vault toilets and paved trail around the lake. "The walking path circles the entire lake and is paved to allow strollers and wheelchairs," one...

Based on 264 reviews