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BLM Camping

Big Bend Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency of the United States Department of the Interior. Established in 1946, it controls over 245 million acres of land (1/5 of all U.S. land) and oversees 700 million acres of land. BLM conserves and manages public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Bureau of Land Management camping is available throughout the United States. To find suitable and beautiful BLM camping spots, search for "BLM camping near me." Big Bend Campground is one of the most popular Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. It offers visitors an amazing camping experience for the weekend. Situated south of Prineville, OR, Big Bend Campground features 13 campsites and a day-use area that offers access to the Crooked Wild and Scenic River. However, the campground does not have cell phone service, and portable water is only available during the summer and spring seasons. Big Bend Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis; hence visitors cannot make reservations. If you want to visit Crater Lake National Park, Big Bend Campground is the perfect spot to camp. This is because the campground is situated 122 miles north of the national park. Appearing 240 feet above the campground, the Arthur R. Bowman Dam preserves the water from the Prineville Reservoir, making it an excellent site for fishing and boating. The boat ramp at Powderhouse Cove, 16 miles from Big Bend Campground, offers the closest access to the Prineville Reservoir.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Steins Pillar Trail

The Steins Pillar Trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail that starts at the Steins Pillar Trailhead and ends at the bottom of Steins Pillar, which is a 350-foot tall column of basalt. It is a moderately challenging route that will take an hour and 54 minutes to complete. This trail has an elevation gain of 235 meters and ascends through rocky ridges and meadows. The best time to hike this route is from May to October. Length: 3.8 miles Intensity: Moderate

Chimney Rock Trail

The Chimney Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail that runs through 1.3 miles of lichen-covered basalt columns and the Crooked Wild and Scenic River canyon. This trail has an elevation gain of 190 meters, making it a moderately challenging route. The best time to visit this trail is during spring or fall when the dust is less in the air. Length: 1.3 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Visitors at Big Bend Campground can enjoy fishing and various water sports, including boating at the 3,030-acre Prineville Reservoir. Located 34.8 miles east of Big Bend Campground, the reservoir is home to various fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, and brown bullhead. The recreation area has a boat ramp at Powderhouse Cove, where you can launch your boat.

Climbing

There are a variety of rock-climbing opportunities in the area with climbers having easy access to the Smith Rock State Park, which is located 37.5 northwest of Big Bend Campground. This state park offers over a thousand climbs that span across rock formations. The 350-foot-tall Steins Pillar, situated 35.2 miles from Big Bend Campground, is also a popular climbing destination.

Wildlife Viewing

Various plant species and wild animals can be spotted at Big Bend Campground. The area is home to over 3,000 species of plants and about 500 species of wildlife. Some of the large mammals that inhabit the area include black bears, bobcats, mule deer, kangaroo rats, coyotes, badgers, kit foxes, ringtails, blacktail jackrabbits, desert cottontails, and numerous species of bats.

Picnicking

Picnicking is a must-do activity at Big Bend Campground. The campsites at Big Bend Campground have picnic tables, fire pits, and grills, making them the perfect spots to spend time with family and friends.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you are not comfortable bringing a tent to this BLM public land, you can find an RV camping spot less than 20 miles from Big Bend Campground. Crook County RV Park offers 81 RV sites, full hookups, back-in/pull-through sites, Wi-Fi, laundry services, a dump station, showers, and a pavilion for your gatherings. This site also provides a pool table, a fireplace, and a TV for recreation. Situated 43.6 miles northeast of Big Bend Campground, Redmond/Central Oregon KOA Holiday offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, dog park, playground, pull-through sites, 56 RV sites, showers, restrooms, 30- and 50-amp electric service, Wi-Fi, laundry services, and full hookups. This site is located 15 minutes south of Smith Rock, allowing you to enjoy climbing and hiking activities during your stay.

Free Camping

For those seeking a place to pitch their tent without putting down their wallet, there are various Bureau of Land Management free camping spots near Big Bend Campground. Sparks Lake, located 47.3 miles from Big Bend Campground, provides one of the most extensive free dispersed camping opportunities in the area. The lake offers excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities during spring and summer. However, this site does not have potable water and toilets, and the pullouts are unsuitable for large RVs.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Big Bend Campground BLM trip

Big Bend Campground is open year-round, but its climate changes significantly with the seasons. During the summer, temperatures can reach as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but during the winter, they can drop to 30 degrees. In the fall, temperatures can range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but the nights become chilly, dropping to between 20 and 30 degrees. If you plan to visit the Big Bend Campground, you are encouraged to pack the appropriate clothing to adjust to the changing climate. You should also bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a sun hat, and enough food and water. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

BLM regulations require all groups arriving at Big Bend Campground to take care of the land they visit and leave it in the same or better condition. To ensure that your trip will leave a minimal impact on the local vegetation, ensure you use existing fire rings and trails when hiking to avoid damaging the local plants and keep all your pets leashed. Also, make sure your campsite is at least 100 yards from any water source. When you are done camping, ensure you pack out all of your garbage or dispose of it in the appropriate trash cans. The "Leave No Trace " guidelines are always a welcome practice when visiting this site.

Big Bend Campground Location

To reach Big Bend Campground from Prineville, OR, drive southwest on Knowledge Street towards Southeast 3rd Street. After driving for 0.4 miles, turn right onto Southeast Lynn Boulevard. Keep going for 0.6 miles, and turn left onto OR-27 S/Main Street. After driving 18.5 miles, you will arrive at Big Bend Campground, which will be on your right. Address: 3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754 Ready to visit Big Bend Campground? An RV Rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll also have your RV to return to for the night. You'll also enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.

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