The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the government agency responsible for administering federal lands for restoration, conservation, and recreation. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are recreational sites offering restrooms, picnic areas, drinkable water, fire rings, electrical hookups, and garbage cans. The Chimney Rock Campground is a BLM site located in Prineville, Oregon. This site is known for its eye-catching geographical features, such as its Columbia River rock formations and the Crooked Wild and Scenic River. It is open year-round and has 16 campsites. A first-come, first-served location, Chimney Rock Campground does not accept reservations. Search "BLM camping near me" to learn more about BLM sites.
The Chimney Rock Trail is a scenic trail that begins at a large gravel parking area and ends at Chimney Rock. If you take this trail during the spring, expect to see plant life such as juniper trees, sagebrush, green grass, purple aster, and blue penstemon. Enjoy views of the Crooked River Canyon during this hike, and marvel at Chimney Rock, which has green and orange lichen. Length: 2.6 miles out and back Intensity: Easy
The Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway starts at Prineville and ends at the Big Bend Campground. During this path, you will see the farms and ranches of the Crooked River Valley and the high cliffs of the Crooked River Canyon. This bikeway is known for the twists and turns people experience as they ride through the canyon. Length: 37 miles out and back Intensity: Moderate
You can fish in the lower region of the Crooked Wild and Scenic River. Though you can go to this river year-round for fly fishing, it is recommended that you fish from early spring to late fall. Your daily bag limit is two trout per day and unlimited mountain whitefish. Bait is allowed from May 28 to October 31, and flies and lures are the only permittable gear.
This site features Chimney Rocks, the cluster of pinnacles along the southeast area of Silver Star Mountain. Several crack climbing opportunities exist here. These opportunities range in difficulty from 5.6 to 5.11, and most involve gear-protected leads. The ideal period to rock climb at this location begins mid-May and ends in October.
Spot several animals at the Crooked Wild and Scenic River, including river otters, waterfowl, and great blue herons. Look closer to see garter snakes, crayfish, and beavers. Go to the cliffs within Crooked River Canyon to view golden eagles, ravens, and prairie falcons. Head over to the upland areas to catch a glimpse of chukars, mourning doves, and California quail. Find mule deer and pronghorn antelope in the Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River corridor.
You can picnic at Chimney Rock Campground, which has picnic tables, vault toilets, and garbage cans. You can also picnic at nearby day-use sites called Greenwood and Upper Lone Pine. You can find picnic tables and toilets at Greenwood and Upper Lone Pine. Potable water is available at Chimney Rock Campground, which is 2.1 miles from Greenwood and 1.6 miles from Upper Lone Pine.
BLM RV camping is possible at Chimney Rock Campground if your vehicle is no longer than 32 feet. In addition to picnic tables, potable water, vault toilets, and garbage cans, you can find grey water sumps for wastewater disposal at the campground. You will not find RV dump stations there, but you will find them in Prineville at the Crook County RV Park.
Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities do not exist at Chimney Rock Campground. However, you can find free camping sites within a 10-mile radius of Chimney Rock Campground. Head four miles east to Prineville Reservoir in Prineville, Oregon, and enjoy the free dispersed campsites there. This location is near water and has a boat ramp, so you can boat, swim, or fish. Restrooms and garbage cans are available at Prineville Reservoir. Go five miles northeast of Chimney Rock Campground to reach one of Prineville Reservoir's lesser streams, Owl Creek. Free dispersed campsites, portable toilets, and garbage cans are present at this location. The main activity you can partake in at Owl Creek is wildlife viewing.
The campsites at Chimney Rock Campground are single family, so they will only accommodate a maximum of eight people and two vehicles. You do not have to pack water because Chimney Rock Campground has potable water. Bring firewood and kindling. You can burn firewood at the designated fire pits, but you cannot take branches from live or dead vegetation since the wildlife in the area needs them. Check online to understand the weather conditions. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
At Chimney Rock Campground, heed BLM "Leave No Trace" ethics so that you can protect the wildlife in the area. Refrain from washing dishes or using soap in the river. Use grey water sumps instead. Also, try to obtain biodegradable soap. Dispose of all your trash in the garbage cans found at the campground.
Start in downtown Prineville, Oregon. Head south on Main Street. Main Street will turn into State Highway 27 (Crooked River Highway). Drive 16.4 miles south on this highway. You should see Chimney Rock Campground on your right. Address: Prineville District Office, 3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754 Ready to visit Chimney Rock 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 have your RV to return to for the night where you'll 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.
