Jim Witty

The Bulletin

We broke away Friday for a wapatoola weekend.

Three days and two nights of camping at Prineville Reservoir reminded me of that high octane potluck punch we used to mix up for Friday night dorm parties – a little of this, a little more of that – wapatoola.

We had rain. We had snow. We had sleet, near gale force winds, even a bit of sunshine.

But most importantly, we had a cabin.

One with four walls, a solid roof and an electric heater that would drive you out into the elements if you cranked it more than halfway. The bunks were comfy, the wood floors spic and span.

The people at Oregon State Parks call this time of year (Oct. 1 through April 30) Discovery Season.

And that makes sense.

We discovered that cabin camping at Prineville Reservoir State Park is a cushy alternative to freezing your derriere off in a wind-whipped tent with the kids asking when the fun’s going to start. We discovered that the reservoir’s nice and serene in mid-March, with the quiet breached only infrequently by strings of honkers winging out over the water or the patter of rain on the roof. And we found that the catfish are on the bite.

If there’s a fisherman in your crew, be sure to stop by Prineville Sporting Goods/Oregon Stationery at 210 NE 3rd St. in Prineville for some nightcrawlers, hooks, sinkers and a fishing license (any angler over 13 needs one).

There are two types of cabins at Prineville Reservoir. We bunked the first night in a 13 by 13 foot one-room rustic cabin that sleeps four. The two rustic cabins at the reservoir come with the aforementioned and highly appreciated heat, light, bunk beds and a fire pit outside.

On night two we took over one of the park’s three deluxe cabins, an 18 by 20 foot, three room structure crafted out of juniper. The deluxe cabins sleep six, come with microwaves, refrigerators, bathrooms and showers and comfortable porches with gas grills and strategic views.

Guests supply their own bedding.

During Discovery Season, the rustic cabins go for $35 a night; the deluxe cabins are $45.

Although they are available on a first-come-first-served basis, it’s best to reserve one by calling Reservations Northwest at 1-800-452-5687. You can check cabin availability by visiting www.oregonstateparks.org.

If fishing isn’t your bag, board games can be fun. And chubby Wisconsin-style bratwurst seem to taste better grilled during a persistent drizzle. You can walk along the beach in front of the campground, drive around to Jasper Point Day Use Area (about 3-1/2 miles) or visit the nearby Ochoco National Forest.

Or you might just want to camp out next to the window with a big smile and watch the weather go from bad to worse.

Jim Witty can be reached at 541-617-7828 or jwitty@bendbulletin.com.