February 27, 2001
Chuck Korson
(541) 312-9323
Bill Crawford
OR State Parks
(541) 416-0645
Big Bend Campground Improvements Announced
The Bureau of Reclamation will temporarily close Big Bend Campground to make improvements at the site located on the Crooked River about 20 miles from Prineville, Oregon. The closure will take effect on February 26 and will likely continue for approximately one month.
Big Bend Campground is an undeveloped area that has become degraded due to uncontrolled vehicle activity, lack of adequate public sanitation facilities, and damage to native vegetation and riparian habitat.
Currently no fees are charged for overnight camping at Big Bend. However, due to uncontrolled public use, the recreation area is detracting from organized camping sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management downstream along the Crooked River’s wild and scenic corridor.
Planned campground improvements include public safety enhancements at the intersection of the main access road with State Highway 27, installation of two vault toilets, graveled roadways and parking areas, barriers to eliminate the network of illegal roads, 10-15 overnight fee camping sites, and designated day-use areas and pathways.
Reclamation, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and the BLM are working in partnership to improve Big Bend Campground, which is on Reclamation withdrawn lands. BLM will oversee the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the site, working under an agreement with Reclamation and OPRD. OPRD is operating under a long-term lease with Reclamation and will retain responsibility for the overall management of the Big Bend Campground as well as all Reclamation lands in and around Prineville Reservoir.
The Big Bend Campground improvements were analyzed, evaluated, and approved in the BLM and Reclamation joint Lower Crooked River Segment Management Plan/Environmental Assessment which was completed in 1992.
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