Walton Lake

Overview

Walton Lake Campground may be the best-known location in the Ochoco National Forest, offering a serene setting among old-growth Ponderosa pine and mountain meadows. Most sites offer sweeping lake views.

Recreation

Visitors can choose to spend their vacation relaxing by fishing on the shore of Walton Lake, or swimming and paddling in the water. There is a swimming beach, fishing pier and boat ramp, and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout and catfish.

There are also many trails nearby for those who would like to explore on foot or mountain bike. This includes the 7.5-mile multi-use Round Mountain Trail as well as the 1-mile Walton Lake Trail, which offers many scenic views around the lake.

Facilities

There are paved parking spurs, picnic tables and fire rings with grills at each single site. Vault toilets are available in both sections of the camp, and a hand pump for drinking water is located in the south shore section.

There are three tables and a fire ring at each group site. These sites can accommodate three to four RVs, and there are several tent pitching spots available.

There are accessible vault toilets in the south shore section of the camp.

Natural Features

Walton Lake is a blue sparkling jewel hidden within the dense forest. A small dam impounds spring-fed water that seeps from surrounding sloped meadows.

Aspen and tall willows add habitat diversity to make this place especially attractive to wildlife. This is a place to find white-headed woodpecker, belted kingfisher, spotted sandpiper, cinnamon teal, American coot, Steller's jay, yellow-headed blackbird and Brewer's blackbird.

Nearby Attractions

For visitors seeking a bit of civilization, the city of Prineville is nearby. There are opportunities to shop, dine out, golf, attend events and visit the local museum.