Ochoco Divide, Oregon - Revisited

Top Photo: Our campsite, as observed from behind, with our trailer comfortably nested in.

postcard Ready to go on our spring shakedown camping trip. Trailer hooked up; Robt behind the wheel; Mooch in his mobile Catio, Diana’s tomato & pepper starts loaded. But where’s Diana?

Just about a year later, we decided to revisit the Ochoco Divide Forest Service campground. We arrived the day after the campground opened for the season and scored the same site as last year. Located further from the highway, this site was a tad quieter. Noticeably, there appeared to be more trees down this season, and cleanup was still ongoing. During our visit, there were only a few other campers, which was fine with us—we just about had our own private park.

Ochoco Divide - Forest Service Campground, near Mitchell,: Site #15 (28 sites total) - This site has: water nearby. Campground Notes: vault toilets • small creek access • trails nearby • 4,700’ elevation. Dates: May 16th - 20th. Miles traveled: 5️⃣9️⃣.
Pros:
• Very quite at night.
• Clean & well maintained.
• No reservations
Cons:
• Some highway noise during the day.

Overall Experience: Smile

Local Flavor – Area Businesses We Enjoyed & Recommend (on this visit to the area)
Tiger City Brewing Mitchell, OR


A morel found somewhere in the surrounding area Robin egg

Tap on thumbnail photos for a larger views.



Ochoco Divide Campground is a small forest service campground located in the Ochoco National Forest at an elevation of 4,700 feet. It offers 28 campsites with dirt pads, picnic tables, and fire pits.

The campground is open seasonally from May 15 to October 15 and has a maximum stay limit of 14 days.

Key Details

  • 28 campsites, some can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet
  • First-come, first-served basis, no reservations for individual sites
  • Vault toilets but no showers or hookups
  • Potable water available
  • Surrounded by ponderosa pine forests and grassy meadows
  • Opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, hunting nearby
  • $10 nightly rate with senior discount
  • Cell service is weak but available

The campground provides a convenient base for exploring the Ochoco Mountains, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and other nearby attractions. It offers a peaceful setting in a high-altitude forest environment.

Hiking Trails near Ochoco Divide Campground

There are several good hiking trails located near Ochoco Divide Campground in the Ochoco National Forest. Here are some of the top options:

Summit Trail (#807)

  • 6.4 mile out-and-back trail
  • Starts just west of the campground off Highway 26
  • Climbs to the summit of Lookout Mountain (6,926 ft) with panoramic views
  • Moderately difficult with 1,700 ft elevation gain

Bandit Springs Recreation Area Trails

  • Located about 1 mile east of the campground
  • Several interconnecting loop trails of varying lengths (1-5 miles)
  • Easier hiking through ponderosa pine forests and meadows
  • Trailheads at Bandit Springs Rest Area off Highway 26

Mill Creek Wilderness Trails

  • About 15 miles west of the campground
  • Longer backpacking trails into the Mill Creek Wilderness
  • Difficult terrain but scenic mountain views
  • Popular routes include Mill Creek Trail and Buck Creek Trail

The campground's central location provides easy access to hike among the diverse landscapes of the Ochoco Mountains, from high alpine peaks to lush creek canyons. The Summit Trail and Bandit Springs area are closest options for day hikes right from the campground.



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