How much does camping cost at Poison Butte Campground?

Camping fees at Poison Butte Campground range from $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Poison Butte Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Poison Butte Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Poison Butte Campground?

Poison Butte Campground is open Open year-round; potable water is available seasonally (spring/summer) at nearby Big Bend Campground.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Poison Butte Campground?

Poison Butte Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Poison Butte Campground?

Fire policies at Poison Butte Campground: Each site includes a fire ring and grill. Follow current BLM and regional fire restrictions (specific restrictions not provided in source materials).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Poison Butte Campground have?

Poison Butte Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Poison Butte Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Poison Butte Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Poison Butte Campground?

Poison Butte Campground offers: Restrooms, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Poison Butte Campground?

Popular activities at Poison Butte Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Poison Butte Campground

4.68

10 reviews

Top 18% in ORSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

Price

$8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Poison Butte Campground

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

User reports and reviews indicate a nightly fee of $8; grey water tank service has been reported at $10. Fees reported from visitor sources and may...

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Campground Map

Poison Butte Campground

44.1205, -120.7987

Nearby places

Big Bend Campground (0.9 miles south)

Prineville Reservoir State Park (distance not specified).

Weather at Poison Butte Campground

Best Time to Camp at Poison Butte Campground

The campground welcomes visitors in every season, each offering its own character. Summer days warm into the comfortable 80s°F—perfect for riverside lounging—while winter brings cooler temperatures in the 30s°F for those seeking a peaceful cold-weather retreat. Plan your visit for spring or summer if you need potable water, which is typically available at nearby Big Bend Campground during those seasons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in OR

Warm summer days into the 80s°F, ideal for riverside lounging and swimming.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; potable water is available seasonally (spring/summer) at nearby Big Bend Campground.

About Poison Butte Campground

Tucked into a dramatic basalt canyon along the Crooked River, Poison Butte Campground offers an intimate riverside escape with just five sites facing the water. This quiet BLM gem operates first-come, first-served year-round, giving you direct access to the river and a true sense of solitude in Oregon's high desert country.

Small, primitive-style campground situated along the Crooked River with five first-come, first-served sites that accommodate small trailers and RVs.

Historical Significance

No specific historical or cultural significance is noted in available sources.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground welcomes visitors in every season, each offering its own character. Summer days warm into the comfortable 80s°F—perfect for riverside lounging—while winter brings cooler temperatures in the 30s°F for those seeking a peaceful cold-weather retreat. Plan your visit for spring or summer if you need potable water, which is typically available at nearby Big Bend Campground during those seasons.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering basalt walls rise on either side of camp, creating a stunning geological corridor that frames your view up and down the Crooked River. The landscape blends classic high desert sagebrush with scattered pines, and a short riverside trail rewards explorers with a glimpse of a rare old-growth ponderosa pine—a living piece of Oregon's natural heritage. At roughly 2,600 feet elevation, you'll find yourself in the sweet spot where desert meets forest.

Geological RegionLocated on the Crooked River Canyon floor where the river cuts through rugged basalt walls; canyon/river setting at roughly 2,600 ft elevation.

Scenic ViewsCampsites overlook the Crooked River and the canyon, providing upstream and downstream river vistas from most sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Small riverfront campground with five sites that include tables, fire rings, and grills. Facilities are basic: vault toilets, trash/recycling, and on-site grey-water service; no showers, flush toilets, or electrical/water/sewer hookups.

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Riverfront recreation along the Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River with short trails, river access, and scenic biking routes nearby. Suitable for low-impact water and land activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited or no cell service in the area. Visitors report occasional snakes and riverbank hazards associated with river access. Be cautious of bicyclists on State Highway 27 when arriving/departing.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

10 reviews

Top-Rated

Poison Butte Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently describe Poison Butte as a quiet, scenic riverfront campground with clean vault toilets and well-kept sites. The campground is small (five sites), inexpensive, and first-come, first-served, which can make finding a site difficult during busy times.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic Crooked River views and easy river access; clean vault restrooms and waste/recycling facilities; each site has a table, fire ring, and grill; low cost per night; small, peaceful setting...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground is very small (reported as five sites) and operates first-come, first-served, so spots can be hard to get especially during busy times. A few reviewers expressed concern about crowding...

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Multiple reviews state the campground is very small (about five sites) and directly on the riverbank with easy in/out access to the banks. Facilities are basic: vault toilets (reported clean),...

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure one of the five sites, bring your own potable water, expect no or poor cell service (AT&T possibly marginal), and prepare for seasonal weather. Grey-water service is available...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful little riverfront camping, 5 sites, $8/night."; "Quiet, peaceful, perfect."; "Vault toilets were clean as well as the garbage/recycling area."

Based on 10 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers, families with small tents, or anyone who wants direct riverbank access on the cheap. First-come-first-served at $8, clean vault toilets, fire rings at every site, and canyon views up and down the water. Arrive by mid-morning on summer weekends or you'll find all five sit

Skip if

RVs over 28 feet won't fit, and dry campers will need to haul water in since there's no on-site potable supply year-round. No hookups, no showers, no cell signal, and zero chance of booking ahead means anyone who needs connectivity or a guaranteed site should look elsewhere.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.6

(32)

Big Bend Campground

Big Bend Campground sits along the Crooked River in a rugged canyon, where 13 first-come, first-served sites occupy the riverbank. The BLM charges $8/night for tent, RV, and group camping with vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and seasonal potable water. No cell service and finicky water spigots mean visitors trade convenience for quiet riverside nights and excellent fishing access.