Ochoco Lake State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Ochoco Creek Park Davidson Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ochoco Lake State Park is a beautiful natural area located in the state of Oregon.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.
One of the main reasons to visit Ochoco Lake State Park is to enjoy its stunning natural surroundings. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of rolling hills, pine forests, and a pristine lake, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.
Some of the specific points of interest to see in the park include the Ochoco Lake Dam, the John Day River, and the nearby Painted Hills. Visitors can also explore the local wildlife, including a variety of bird species, deer, elk, and other small mammals.
Interesting facts about the area include that Ochoco Lake was originally created in the 1920s as a reservoir for irrigation purposes. The lake was later developed into a recreational area in the 1960s and has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The best time of year to visit Ochoco Lake State Park depends on the visitor's preference. Summer is the busiest season, with warm weather and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. However, spring and fall are also popular times to visit, as the weather is cooler and the park is less crowded.
Overall, Ochoco Lake State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor adventure. With its stunning natural beauty and wide range of recreational activities, it is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the great outdoors.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Ochoco Reservoir Hiker Biker Campsite
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Ochoco Lake
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Space 30
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Space 29
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Space 28
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Space 27
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Ochoco Creek Park
Davidson Park
Harwood Park
Ochoco State Scenic Viewpoint
Prineville Reservoir State Park