PRINEVILLE, OR -- Central Oregon could see a near record number of visitors this weekend, many of whom will head out on the water, taking advantage of full reservoirs and lakes. “We're about three quarters full right now at both of our parks. Ochoco, the reservoir is completely full, it's pretty much overflowing, and then we've got Prineville reservoir, which is also full,” says Josh Reed, who manages Lakeshore and Sun Rocks RV Parks near Prineville. “With the reservoirs being as full as they are it’s going to bring in a lot more people from out of town that are going to be wanting to stay shorter term.” 

It's quite a change from the last few years, when drought caused challenges at both Prineville and Ochoco reservoirs. 

Chris Curtis, at Prineville Reservoir State Park, tells KBND News its two campgrounds and the day-use area have already seen a visitor uptick, “We're looking really full; reservoir is still at 100%. So obviously, that is a big draw for folks.” He expects the campgrounds to be full this weekend, and through the summer, “Definitely been getting a lot of boaters. We've had a lot of boat volume going through the day use. So, that's been nice to see. Everybody asked me fishing reports and I can tell you that they're catching them." Curtis adds, "More docks are in the water, fish cleaning stations up and going, swim area's out, so we're ready for folks.”

Both expect summer to be busy as many campsites are already reserved.

KBND FILE PHOTO: OCHOCO RESERVOIR