- Located just 45 miles northeast of Bend off Highway 26.
- Situated in Central Oregon’s beautiful high desert country with 300 days of sunshine each year.
- Ochoco Reservoir is known for excellent trout fishing year round.
- The park’s campground is open between April 1st and October 31st.
Overview
Less than an hour’s drive from Bend is Ochoco Lake State Park, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. Located in Central Oregon’s beautiful high desert just east of Prineville, the park is surrounded by juniper trees and sage brush. Visitors to the park can enjoy sunshine at least 300 days of the year.
Location & Information
Easily accessible by car, Ochoco State Park is located 7 miles east of Prineville just off Highway 26. The distance from Bend is approximately 45 miles.
Contact Information: Oregon State Parks, 91677 Parkland Dr., Prineville, OR, 97754. Phone: 541-447-4363. Also, Crook County Parks and Recreation District Office, 398 NE Fairview St, Prineville, Oregon 97754. Phone: 541-447-1209.
Activities
- Fishing – Ochoco Reservoir is one of the best trout fishing lakes in Central Oregon. It is stocked with rainbow trout each spring, and also has catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Ice fishing is a popular activity during the winter months. During the summer the water levels drop due to irrigation activity, so fishing is best from the fall through the spring.
- Camping – The small campground at the park has 22 primitive campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. The campground is open from April 1 to October 31.
Fun Facts
- Ochoco Reservoir was created when Ochoco Creek was dammed shortly after World War I. It provides irrigation water for farmers and helps control floods in the surrounding area. The reservoir covers over 1,100 acres.
- The word “ochoco” is a Paiute Indian word for willow.
