Ochoco Lake State Recreation Site

Ochoco Lake State Recreation Site is a compact 10-acre park in central Oregon, about 7.7 miles from the town of Juniper Canyon. Small as it is, the park holds two campgrounds, making it a practical base for overnight stays in the area. For the most comfortable weather, aim for June or September. Typical averages from a nearby station in Prineville run highs in the mid-to-upper 70s with lows in the 40s and only a handful of wet days each month. July and August are warmer, with highs in the upper 80s, while winter brings highs in the low 40s and nights in the mid-20s. Several other outings sit within easy driving distance. Ochoco Creek, about 5 miles away, offers canoeing. Barnes Butte, roughly 6 miles out, is a climbing area, and the South Ridge hike is about the same distance. Steins Pillar, a hike just over 7 miles from the park, rounds out the nearby options.