Eclipse 2017 Campsites

When: August, 2017
Category:

Here is my campsite research for the total eclipse coming up 10:22 am on Monday August 21.

Please don't forward this page on to others!

This is my overview map. You can download all my forest maps from here: eclipse-maps-2.zip .

map-0-overview

It is included in the above ZIP file, but here is a direct link to my Google Earth file: eclipse-research.kmz

Malheur National Forest

Here are the campsites I scouted in the Malheur National Forest.

map-malheur-0-overview

For these camps: from Highway 395, turn right onto County Road 88 (signposted "Fox Valley Lane") aka NF-3950.

map-malheur-B--115-124
map-malheur-B--115-124

For these camps: from Highway 395, turn left onto NF-3945, sign says "KEENEY MDWS 10". Optionally, you could instead turn left farther north onto County Road 18 ("E Main St", then "Keeney Forks Road") at Long Creek, and then turn right onto NF-3945 and head west.

map-malheur-A1--125,127
map-malheur-A1--125,127 (west map)

And, in the eastern part of this area...

map-malheur-A2--127-146
map-malheur-A2--127-146 (east map)

Ochoco National Forest

Here are the campsites I scouted in the Ochoco National Forest. Ochoco is where the Eclipse Festival is, so I'm afraid it will be crowded, at least the festival access route. But there are plenty of good sites in here.

map-ochoco-0-overview

Starting in the west end of the area I explored, these sites are accessed from NE McKay Creek Road, off Hwy 26 north of Prineville.

map-ochoco-A--16,30,32b,33,46a,51
map-ochoco-A--16,30,32b,33,46a,51

A bit farther east, these sites are best accessed via Mill Creek Road, heading north from Hwy 26 at Ochoco Reservoir.

map-ochoco-B--40b,41,46b,48,49
map-ochoco-B--40b,41,46b,48,49

These sites are accessed by going northwest on Wildcat Mountain Road (NF-100) from Hwy 26.

map-ochoco-C--52,54
map-ochoco-C--52,54

Moving further east, this are is accessed by heading southeast from Highway 26 on Summit Road (NF-2630):

map-ochoco-D--8,57-75
map-ochoco-D--8,57-75

This area is further east along NF-2630, northwest of Big Summit Prairie. I seem to remember this is a rough road.

map-ochoco-F--84,85c,87
map-ochoco-F--84,85c,87

And again, farther east, heading along NF-2630. The sites are northeast of Big Summit Prairie. I seem to remember this is a somewhat rough road, so it could be best to access this area from NF-22 at the "Scotts Campground" at (44.425380°, -120.144108°).

map-ochoco-J--83b,86b,87b,88b
map-ochoco-J--83b,86b,87b,88b

Big Summit Prairie

Big Summit Prairie is where the Eclipse Festival is. It is private, but the areas around it are public. The following sites are west of Big Summit Prairie.

You can access this area from the above directions (NF-2630), or take the "NF-42" route from Highway 26 near Prineville. From Highway 26, take County Road 23 east (Ochoco Creek Road, with signs for WALTON LAKE and BIG SMT. PRAIRIE). This road heads northeast to the Ochoco Campground. There, get on NF-42, and head southeast.

map-ochoco-E--76,82,83a,85a,85b,86a,87a,88a,festival
map-ochoco-E--76,82,83a,85a,85b,86a,87a,88a,festival

More sites along NF-2630, best accessed from Highway 26 in the north via NF-12 ("USFS ROAD 12" aka Buck Point road).

map-ochoco-I--104-112
map-ochoco-I--104-112

This area is southeast of Big Summit Prairie. It's often rocky and dry, but there are some good views in the wide open spaces.

map-ochoco-G--92-100
map-ochoco-G--92-100

Little Summit Prairie

This is the only campsite I found that I liked out here, on the east side of Little Summit Prairie. Access from Highway 26 in the north via NF-12 ("USFS ROAD 12" aka Buck Point road).

map-ochoco-H--101
map-ochoco-H--101

Umatilla National Forest

Here are the campsites I scouted in the Umatilla National Forest.

map-umatilla-0-overview

Access these from the north via County Road 207, and head west on NF-21, or NF-25 and NF-2516


map-umatilla-C--165,167,173

Long Prairie area. Access these from the north via County Road 207, and head west on NF-21.


map-umatilla-B--173-180

Further west. Access these from the north via County Road 207, and head west on NF-21, or come down County Road 19 ("John Day Hwy") through Fossil and turn left onto Winlock Road.


map-umatilla-A--178-190

This is the southeast region of my Umatilla forest exploration. Google says to approach these from the north via OR-207, or optionally take OR-19 ("John Day Hwy") through Fossil and turn left onto Winlock Road:


map-umatilla-D--155,157,159,160

Deschutes National Forest

It's unlikely we will want to go in here, but just for completeness:

map-deschutes-0-overview

map-deschutes-B--3,26,39,40a
map-deschutes-B--3,26,39,40a

  • Camp 3 (GPS:44.56592,-121.443116) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: exposed view site with 3 trees shade: exposed view site, but has 3 big trees for shade.
  • Camp 26 (GPS:44.55936,-121.477623) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: nice view site, trees but bugs 26: Great view north. But tickly flies bothered me in evening. Yes, cell service!
  • Camp 39 (GPS:44.558237,-121.488465) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: no privacy right near road
  • Camp 40a (GPS:44.558943,-121.47257) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: view smaller near road 40: Great view north. But tickly flies in evening. Yes, cell service!

map-deschutes-A--32a,34,36,37
map-deschutes-A--32a,34,36,37

  • Camp 32a (GPS:44.543382,-121.600676) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: site near edge no view
  • Camp 34 (GPS:44.551187,-121.599687) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: grassy view site 34: Bulldozed roughly at some point. View of mountain through burned trees. Entrance looks like boulders were placed to block vehicle access, perhaps, but can drive around.
  • Camp 36 (GPS:44.554703,-121.58754) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: dry lake shady, lots 36: Lots of shady camping around dry lake. West of Prairie Farm Spring. No cell.
  • Camp 37 (GPS:44.562628,-121.540198) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: good N view site 37: Good view campsite 37. Looking north. Sun view. Shade. Cell service. Road

Others

And here are a couple other spots, not forested:

  • Camp 1 (GPS:44.941658,-120.768002) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: on random dry BLM land: This is BLM land. Dry grass with spiky seeds that get caught in socks. Good views of rolling hills. Some trees around here could provide some shade, but basically pretty exposed. Don't necessarily recommend, but could be done.
  • Camp 2 (GPS:44.72401,-121.036657) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: trees in valley: Crooked River NG has some OK spots here in valley, with some tree shade. But hot, dry, with spiky grass seeds. Trash: old car seats. No cell service here, but service at top of hill.
  • Camp 42 (GPS:44.429547,-120.959957) (directions)  (Google Earth) notes: Grizzly Mountain access road. view camping idea 42: Barely legal. Maybe OK? Not very flat. Some shade. In view of road. Super view, though, and can easily drive up to peak. Cell service. 4x4 climb. Flatter lower on road.

Info

Preparation: I'm seeing lots of warnings out there on the about excessive traffic, especially on Sunday and Monday. I don't think anyone really knows what will happen, but it would be prudent to be prepared for getting stuck somewhere. Bring all the supplies (water, food, etc.) you might individually need. Also, be ready for the possibility of getting home later than expected.

  • Bring your own water - enough for a few extra days, should we all get stuck in traffic.
  • Bring your own toilet facilities (camping toilet or shovel)
  • Bring your own everything :)
  • Print out the appropriate Forest maps for the site you're going to.
  • Download the northern Oregon area "offline" into Google Maps on your phone. There is little cell service out there. Verizon is better than AT&T.
  • Perhaps bring a radio. I have a set of identical "high power" GMRS radios I can lend out, all set to the same channel. If you want to borrow one, you could try to call when you get close to the campsite.
  • Leave early in the day. There may be traffic, and arriving in the dark doesn't sound fun. They say to avoid Sunday driving.
  • 4x4 isn't necessary to get to any campsite (close enough to shuttle the last bit).
  • Weather: be prepared for hot days. The Eclipse Festival people have also reported some strong winds and cold (almost freezing) nights.

I will also have my satellite phone with me. Please send me updates with your progress while you still have cell phone service. Don't voice call me - it's expensive. Just text me and I can call back: