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Burnt Ranch Road Primitive Camping
Public Campground

Burnt Ranch Road Primitive Camping

Prineville, Oregon
4.2 (34 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Burnt Ranch Road Primitive Camping

Campground in Oregon.

Burnt Ranch Road Primitive Camping offers a genuine back-to-country experience for RV travelers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of developed campgrounds. Located in Oregon, this public campground appeals to those who appreciate simplicity and natural surroundings without the frills of modern facilities.

As a primitive camping destination, Burnt Ranch Road provides an authentic outdoor experience that harks back to traditional camping values. The setting allows visitors to disconnect from the everyday world and reconnect with nature in a meaningful way. This type of camping environment is ideal for RV enthusiasts who don't mind forgoing hookups and prefer a more rugged, self-sufficient approach to their travels. The lack of developed amenities means you'll want to arrive with a fully stocked RV, but the trade-off is an undisturbed natural setting and a sense of solitude that's increasingly rare.

The Oregon landscape surrounding the campground offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. Visitors often use primitive camping areas like this as a base for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying scenic drives through the region. The natural beauty of Oregon's varied terrain means there's something for every type of outdoor enthusiast, whether you're interested in forest exploration, photography, or simply sitting back and enjoying peaceful mornings in nature.

This campground is particularly well-suited for experienced RV travelers who understand the demands of primitive camping and have the equipment to handle it. It's also an excellent choice for those looking to extend their stay in Oregon while maintaining a low-impact camping footprint. With a solid 4.2-star rating from fellow campers, Burnt Ranch Road Primitive Camping has earned appreciation from visitors who value authenticity and natural beauty over convenience.

Whether you're planning an extended Oregon adventure or looking for a peaceful spot to park your RV away from crowded campgrounds, Burnt Ranch Road Primitive Camping delivers the kind of quiet, unadorned camping experience that many RV travelers actively seek out.
4.2

Rating

34

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Prineville is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Oregon weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Prineville.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Prineville. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Burnt Ranch Road Primitive Camping Reviews

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Tim M

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Tim M

Decent rustic place to disperse camp. The area is exposed and dirty, but that's to be expected in this part of the state. There appears to be some confusion about accessing the actual campground - there is a rough road down from the "main" gravel road. 4WD strongly recommended, however when I was there a couple 2WD vehicles had made it down. They had a very hard time getting back out, but mana... Decent rustic place to disperse camp. The area is exposed and dirty, but that's to be expected in this part of the state. There appears to be some confusion about accessing the actual campground - there is a rough road down from the "main" gravel road. 4WD strongly recommended, however when I was there a couple 2WD vehicles had made it down. They had a very hard time getting back out, but managed after great effort. That said, one could park higher and walk down if camping without a lot of gear. Even with the ability to drive down, you will need to walk in to the campsites a short bit. I feel this is a much more peaceful and scenic alternative to the more popular Priest Hole campground, but much smaller and limited access, not to mention no RV access. There are no facilities, but free on a first come, first served basis. Also a nice place to swim and cool off on a hot day, and due to the remoteness you'll get a nice look at the stars on a clear night.

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Yo Sam

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Yo Sam

Beautiful remote area along the John Day River with easy access if you drive up from Mitchell. Camping spots by the boat ramp are easy to reach however heading down to the beach will require a 4X4. Traveling north toward highway 218 can be tricky and interesting in the right rig.

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K. Ching

Mar 18, 2026

2.0

Google Review by K. Ching

There is two burnt ranch camp grounds. One is called the upper which is on google maps. Upper has a boat launch/ramp & a bathroom. The lower is not on google maps but coming from painted hills it's the 1st one you come across so you might mistake it for the "Burnt Ranch Campgrounds". This lower one a 4x4 is recommended to get to the camp sites. A gate closes beach access, but you can camp here. We... There is two burnt ranch camp grounds. One is called the upper which is on google maps. Upper has a boat launch/ramp & a bathroom. The lower is not on google maps but coming from painted hills it's the 1st one you come across so you might mistake it for the "Burnt Ranch Campgrounds". This lower one a 4x4 is recommended to get to the camp sites. A gate closes beach access, but you can camp here. We got high centered in a toyota matrix. Thank you owner of a blue F350 who pulled us off a rock. We were stuck. Triple AAA never came. We had a flat as well. No cell service so we walked to a homestead. "Bruce" let us use his land line

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Kat

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Kat

Absolutely beautiful spot. Went in the middle of September on a Saturday night and there was only one other group pretty far from us. It's quite the drive down a gravel road to get there but worth it. The campsite is free, dispersed camping, and about 20 minutes up from the Painted Hills. Google maps stops a little short, but if you keep going around the corner it's obvious where to come in at. Th... Absolutely beautiful spot. Went in the middle of September on a Saturday night and there was only one other group pretty far from us. It's quite the drive down a gravel road to get there but worth it. The campsite is free, dispersed camping, and about 20 minutes up from the Painted Hills. Google maps stops a little short, but if you keep going around the corner it's obvious where to come in at. The road in and out off of the main gravel road is fairly steep and a section is rutted out pretty bad. You'll definitely want 4wd and a little clearance to get in and out without issue. But once in, you park, and pack your things down to a spot near the river which is very close. The town of Mitchel is close to get gas if needed (regular was $4/gal Sep 2019)

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Megan Colbert

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Megan Colbert

Had a lot of fun driving around and enjoying the views. Plenty of camp spots around the area. Found a spot with a trail right to the water! I hope someone finds out s’mores sticks! Hehe but I do also hope someone finds that lil calf out there it was all by itself. Other than that it was such a fun time and great area to get out and explore.

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