Ochoco National Forest — Walton Lake Campground
Walton Lake sits at around 5,000 feet in the Ochoco National Forest, tucked into a stand of ponderosa pines with the lake right at your doorstep. It’s a developed USFS campground with about 30 sites, vault toilets, and potable water when the system’s running — confirm before you count on it. Vibe is mellow: families fish the stocked lake, overlanders use it as a staging area for Ochoco backcountry roads. Not the most remote spot, but clean and useful.
Access is via paved and gravel roads from Prineville — roughly 30 miles out on Highway 26 then south on USFS roads. Snowbound through early spring; aim for June through October. Fire restrictions are common mid-summer — check Ochoco NF before you haul a bundle of wood up here.
Stocked lake, pines, Ochoco basecamp.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 5020 ft |
| Nearest town | Prineville, OR |
| Miles from pavement | 8 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 30 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $14.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | June-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Shade, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |