Prineville Reservoir State Park

Star4.34
92 reviews
19020 SE PARKLAND DR, PRINEVILLE, Oregon, 97754, United States
Stargazing

Quick Facts

3,983 ft

Price

$7 - $33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

62 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Oregon State Parks site

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Prineville Reservoir State Park
$7.00 - $33.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees vary based on amenities and site type. Extra vehicles are charged $7 per night.
Standard Site Fee$33.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 92 reviews

587 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanstafffriendlysites

"Overall, the park is praised for its stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and cleanliness, but frequent mentions of low reservoir levels and closely spaced campsites highlight some drawbacks."

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Campground Map

19020 SE PARKLAND DR, PRINEVILLE, Oregon, 97754, United States

Prineville Reservoir State Park

19020 SE PARKLAND DR, PRINEVILLE, Oregon, 97754, United States

Driving directionsFrom Portland: (approximately 3 1/2 hours) Take Highway 26 east, over Mt. Hood, to Madras. Continue on Hwy 26 to Prineville. At the east end of Prineville, turn right on Combs Flat Road. After approximately 1 mile, turn right on Juniper Canyon Road. Proceed 15 miles to park entrance which is SE Parkland Drive. From Salem: (approximately 3 1/2 hours) Take Highway 22 over Santiam Pass, to Sisters, then take Hwy 126 to Redmond. Continue on Hwy 126 to Prineville. At the east end of Prineville, turn right on Combs Flat Road. After approximately 1 mile, turn right on Juniper Canyon Road. Proceed 15 miles to park entrance, which is SE Parkland Drive.
The roads to the park are paved but windy and narrow closer to the campground. Several user reviews mention this can be challenging, particularly at night. "I would not recommend driving here at night," said Gerald Wilkerson in his review.
Nearby places
Prineville (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Madras (approximately 1 hour), Redmond (approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Prineville, 15 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Prineville Reservoir State Park

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of Oregon's high desert, where winter nights sparkle with frost and temperatures dip well below freezing, creating crystalline mornings perfect for cozy cabin stays. As spring unfolds into summer, the landscape awakens with warmth, bringing balmy days in the 80s°F that beckon swimmers, anglers, and sun-seekers to the reservoir's inviting shores.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with best camping conditions; water and boating more usable in late spring/summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall offers pleasant weather and views; fewer mentions than spring/summer but still solid.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring and early summer cited as ideal with better water levels and moderate weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round with unique frozen-reservoir scenery, but cold, limited amenities and light snow.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late spring and summer.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Late spring and summer are the peak seasons, but the campground operates year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Water levels in the reservoir are often very low, limiting boating and fishing activities.

About Prineville Reservoir State Park

Escape to Prineville Reservoir State Park, where the vast Oregon sky meets pristine waters in a high desert paradise. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars, settling into a full hookup site with your RV, or retreating to one of the deluxe cabins, you'll find yourself immersed in one of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated stargazing destinations. As an internationally recognized dark sky park, Prineville Reservoir transforms each night into a cosmic spectacle that draws astronomers and dreamers alike.
The park offers diverse accommodations, including campsites for tents, RVs, and trailers, as well as deluxe cabins. Group camping is also available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specific time detailed.
Check-out
No specific time detailed.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit not mentioned explicitly.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Prineville Reservoir State Park offers an array of activities, from stargazing in an international dark sky park to fishing, boating, and hiking. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with visitors noting tracks and sounds near cabins. Some activities are seasonal, such as boat moorages in summer and frozen reservoir exploration in winter.
HikingThe park features hiking trails, including one near the cabins. "We enjoyed the trail to Jasper Point as well. Great views of the lake from all along the trail," mentioned one guest. Trails are described as easy and family-friendly.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with opportunities for crappie and bass. However, water levels can impact the experience. "Love coming here for the Crappie spawn," noted a camper. Some reviewers mentioned that low reservoir levels can affect fishing quality.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed, but the reservoir's low water levels and occasional algae issues may deter visitors. "The water itself is very muddy, not a great place to swim," remarked one user.
BikingBiking is common throughout the campground. A reviewer stated, "You can ride bikes all over the campground, and it is a perfect family vacationing spot."
BoatingThe park includes facilities for boating, though water levels may impact usability. "The boat launch completely out of the water and the swimming area nothing more than sand and rocks," noted one visitor during low water levels.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with tracks and sounds near cabins. "We saw tons of tracks from wildlife," mentioned one reviewer.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention rattlesnake presence and narrow, windy roads leading to the campground.
Active AlertsWater levels in the reservoir are often very low, limiting boating and fishing activities.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available, particularly useful in bear country.

Weather at Prineville Reservoir State Park

Reviews

4.3
92 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Prineville Reservoir State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, the park is praised for its stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and cleanliness, but frequent mentions of low reservoir levels and closely spaced campsites highlight some drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 92 reviews

What Campers Love

1. "A trip to a high desert state park is worth it for the night sky alone." 2. "The whole area is very well maintained, and the staff is extremely friendly." 3. "Camping sites are very clean and...
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Based on 92 reviews

Common Concerns

1. "The campsites are nice but too close to each other." 2. "Low water levels in the reservoir affect some activities." 3. "No Wi-Fi and limited cell service." 4. "The park map could be more clear in...
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Based on 92 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring extra water and bug spray during the summer, as the area is hot and dry. 2. Reserve early, especially for cabins, as they are limited. 3. Try to visit during the spring or early summer for...
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Based on 92 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer are ideal for camping, with better water levels and moderate weather. Winter offers unique experiences, such as exploring a frozen reservoir, but some amenities may be closed....
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Based on 92 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This international dark sky certified park is a short drive from Portland and Seattle." 2. "The cabin was clean and cozy, and the cabin is very well heated." 3. "Camp hosts are awesome, and the...
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Based on 92 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Cabin #5 is highlighted as having an excellent location and amazing reservoir views. Deluxe cabins are praised for their privacy and well-kept interiors.
Based on 92 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible toilets are available, and the cabins cater well to families and groups, offering privacy and convenience.
Based on 92 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is dog-friendly, with dog stations and trash cans at every cabin. "Huge thank you for being so dog-friendly!" exclaimed one reviewer.
Based on 92 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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