Chickahominy Reservoir — BLM Dispersed Camping Area

Chickahominy Reservoir sits about 30 miles west of Burns on US-20, a shallow BLM-managed impoundment that punches above its weight as an overland staging camp. The lakeshore is flat, dusty, and exposed — classic Oregon outback terrain. You’ll find a handful of developed BLM camp units with pit toilets and fire rings near the boat ramp, plus a wide dispersed zone along the east shore where rigs spread out on their own. It fills up with hunters in fall and anglers in spring, but shoulder seasons you’ll often have the whole reservoir to yourself. Wind is the only real enemy out here — stake your shelter like you mean it.

Access is paved right to the turnoff, gravel after that — any vehicle can make it. No water available on site; tank up in Burns before you roll out. Cell service is basically nonexistent. BLM Prineville District manages this area.

High desert reservoir, free camp, zero crowds.