Perry South Campground
4.3155 reviewsMontgomery Rd, Culver, OR 97734
Perry South Campground
$22.00 - $44.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak-season rates range from $22.00 to $44.00 per night for standard nonelectric sites. Boat slips incur a $10.00 daily fee. Additional fees ($2.00 per holiday and $10.00 for extra vehicles) apply. Reservation fees ($8 online, $9 contact center, $3 in-person) are non-refundable. Late cancellations incur standard fees along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee.
About this campground
Nestled along the dramatic shores of Lake Billy Chinook in Oregon's stunning high desert, Perry South Campground offers an unforgettable escape within the Deschutes National Forest. This scenic retreat seamlessly blends rugged natural beauty with modern camping amenities, where towering cliffs meet crystal-clear waters and endless recreational adventures await just steps from your campsite.
Perry South Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent and RV camping, with some sites offering accessibility features.
Historical SignificanceLake Billy Chinook stands as a testament to both human ingenuity and nature's resilience—a magnificent reservoir born from the Round Butte Dam that has created a thriving aquatic ecosystem supporting diverse fish populations. Just beyond the campground flows the legendary Metolius River, designated as Wild and Scenic for its pristine waters and profound ecological significance to the region's natural and cultural heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings gloriously warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water activities and exploration, with the high desert climate delivering reliably dry conditions throughout the peak season. While the gravel access road adds to the authentic wilderness experience, visitors should note that it can become more adventurous during the occasional rainy spell—a small price to pay for this spectacular setting.
ElevationPerched in Oregon's captivating high desert landscape, the campground offers that perfect blend of mountain air and desert warmth, where the elevation creates comfortable conditions for camping while providing spectacular vantage points across the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by nature's grandeur as rugged cliffs plunge dramatically toward the sparkling waters of Lake Billy Chinook, while a tapestry of evergreen forests frames this spectacular scene. The lake's impressive 72 miles of shoreline weave through three distinct arms where the legendary Crooked, Metolius, and Deschutes Rivers converge, creating hidden coves, secluded beaches, and endless opportunities for waterside wonder.
Geological RegionSet within the breathtaking high desert landscape of central Oregon, Perry South occupies a prime position along Lake Billy Chinook's sculptured shores—a remarkable geological showcase where ancient volcanic formations meet the engineering marvel of Round Butte Dam. This unique location within the Deschutes National Forest reveals millions of years of geological history etched into towering canyon walls and volcanic plateaus.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible sites and amenities such as well-maintained pathways and accessible boat trailer parking. However, further details on specific accessibility features are not provided.
Sites SizeThe sites vary in size, with some offering partial shade and privacy. Several user reviews noted spacious sites close to amenities.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy varies. Sites closer to the creek offer more usable space and privacy compared to others across the road.
Total Campsites62 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose creekside sites for privacy and usability. Sites closer to the boat launch can be busier but offer easy access to water activities.
Best CampsitesSites closer to the creek offer more space and privacy. Campsites 011, 048, and 036 have received high praise for cleanliness and location.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 4 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is 12 PM.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard occupancy is 6 persons per site. Double sites accommodate up to 12 persons.
Groups
No specific details on group camping sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops, with distinct areas closer to the creek and more open sections along the boat ramp.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 23 and closes September 27. No out-of-season reservations are allowed.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov, accessible via website, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are reserved but limited first-come-first-served availability exists, particularly in the lower loop.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10.00 fee. Late cancellations are charged $10.00 and forfeiture of the first night's fee. Refunds are restricted based on timing and facility policies.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Perry South Campground is a hub for outdoor activities, with popular options including fishing, motorized boating, wildlife viewing, and hiking. While the campground is geared towards water-related recreation, it also offers opportunities for more serene activities like paddling and photography.
Hiking
Hiking options include nearby trails such as the Balancing Rocks Overlook and the Tam-a-lau Trail, providing scenic views and moderate difficulty hikes.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are plentiful, with species such as bass, trout, salmon, and whitefish populating Lake Billy Chinook. Reviews indicate mixed experiences, with some enjoying the fishing and others finding it challenging.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are popular at the campground. Reserved boat slips are available for $10 per day, providing convenience to boaters, particularly those with larger vessels.Wildlife viewing
Mule deer, coyotes, black-tailed jackrabbits, and cougars are commonly sighted in the surrounding forest. The area offers ample opportunities for wildlife observation.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs such as the Jr. Ranger program are available, enhancing the educational experience for visitors.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the primary or user reviews.Water Sports
Motorized and non-motorized water sports, including paddling and water skiing, are prominent activities at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are available at each site. Firewood is sold within the campground for convenience.
- Quiet hours are enforced, and generator use is restricted to 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad access includes washboard gravel sections that may be difficult for large RVs. Visitors should note that cell phone reception is unavailable. Lake vegetation can pose challenges for motorized boating.
Active alertsEnsure compliance with wildfire restrictions and check for local air quality alerts before arrival.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest staffed location during peak season is accessible via (541) 325-5315. Emergency services and general information outside of peak season are available at (503) 464-8515.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 27 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is available, but recycling facilities were not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on the shores of Lake Billy Chinook, offering lake access for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
Common complaintsCamp host behavior has drawn mixed reviews, ranging from helpful and accommodating to rude and unprofessional.
HostHosts are available during peak season and provide services such as maintaining clean restrooms and managing reserved boat slips.
Campground Map
Montgomery Rd, Culver, OR 97734
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, travel 5.6 miles northwest on Hwy 20. Continue 20.8 miles north on Forest Road 11, then 5.0 miles east on Forest Road 1170, and then 2.6 miles northwest of Forest Road 64.
The route using Highway 97 and passing through Cove Palisades State Park has the most pavement and adequately maintained gravel roads. The last couple of miles of gravel can be challenging for large RVs and trailers. All alternate routes from Highway 20 include rough, teeth-rattling gravel Forest Service roads.Nearby places
Sisters (approximately 33 miles), Bend (approximately 50 miles), Culver (approximately 25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Day-use parking permits ($5) are required at the location, honoring the NW Forest and America the Beautiful passes. Visitors are encouraged to fill RV water tanks before arriving as no fill stations are available within the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
55 reviews
Perry South Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Perry South Campground are mixed, with a majority praising the scenic beauty, cleanliness, and friendly camp hosts. However, some criticism is directed towards rude behavior from certain camp hosts and issues such as bees at campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback highlights the cleanliness of the campground, including vault toilets described as "immaculate" and "citrusy." Visitors also appreciated the reserved boat slips and well-maintained...
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Common Concerns
Complaints often center around camp host behavior, with some describing rude or unprofessional interactions. Issues such as bee infestations, extra charges for vehicles, and noisy weekend nights were...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing cash for boat slip rentals and extra vehicle fees, avoiding the gravel road from Highway 20 due to its poor condition, and selecting campsites closer to the creek for...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with visitors praising the sunny weather and recreational activities. Some reviews noted challenges such as noisy weekends and high vehicle charges during peak...
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Camper Quotes
"Been camping there for 40 years. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been." — Nick D. Hanson; "The nearby toilet was squeaky clean and smelled citrusy! Camp hosts are doing a great job...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews for specific campsites mention varying levels of privacy and space. For example, campsite 048 offers good tent space and privacy, while sites closer to the creek are noted for better...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are praised, although specific reviews detailing user experiences with disabilities are limited.
Based on 55 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, but no specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences are provided.
Based on 55 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025