Trout Creek Campground

4.34

101 reviews

3050 NE Third Street, Prineville, OR, USA, 97754

Quick Facts

1,283 ft

Price

$8 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Prineville District Office (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,283 ft

Price

$8 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Prineville District Office (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Trout Creek Campground

$8.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campground fees are $8 per night Sunday through Thursday, and $12 per night Friday and Saturday. Group sites are $25 per night Sunday through...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$35.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

541-416-6700BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 101 reviews

92 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

Some mention

noise

"The reviews for Trout Creek Campground are mixed overall. Positive sentiments focus on its natural beauty, fishing opportunities, and access to hiking trails, while negative sentiments highlight the lack of amenities such as water and showers, potential for noisy neighbors, and road conditions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3050 NE Third Street, Prineville, OR, USA, 97754

Trout Creek Campground

3050 NE Third Street, Prineville, OR, USA, 97754

Driving directionsFrom Madras, Oregon: Drive 3 miles north on US highway 97; turn left onto NE Cora Drive and proceed another 0.7 miles. Make a slight left onto NE Clark Drive for another 5.8 mi, then turn left onto NE Buckley Ln/NE Clark Drive; proceed another 0.4 miles. NE Buckley Ln/NE Clark Drive turns left and becomes NE Clemens Drive for another 1.3 miles. At the community of Gateway, turn right to stay on NE Clemens Drive which becomes Coleman Road. The road turns to gravel at Trout Creek and a narrow tunnel precludes tall vehicles. After another 4.4 miles Trout Creek Campground is on the banks of the Deschutes River.

The road turns gravel at Trout Creek and includes a narrow tunnel that precludes tall vehicles. The gravel road is described as washboarded and rough in some user reviews, but it is passable for most vehicles. Winter conditions may add challenges with snow or ice.

Nearby places

Madras (approximately 15 miles), Gateway (approximately 5 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest grocery and camping supplies are likely in Madras, Oregon, approximately 15 miles away. No supplies available directly at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Trout Creek Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high desert, where each time of year paints the canyon in different hues. Summer arrives as the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, bringing warm, sun-drenched days, crystal-clear skies, and blissfully bug-free evenings around the campfire. As autumn settles in, gentle rains refresh the landscape, while spring awakens the canyon with moderate temperatures and renewed life. Winter transforms the area into a quieter wonderland, though snow and ice can create challenging access conditions—making it a season best suited for the prepared and adventurous.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 15–Sep 15); ideal for fishing, boating and hiking despite busier crowds.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Seasonal color and quieter conditions; good for scenic enjoyment and hiking.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late spring is bustling with fishermen; attractive season for river activities and trails.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but snow/ice on gravel road and limited activity options in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. However, fees apply during peak season from May 15 to September 15.
Current Alerts: Annual closure for Trout Creek Climbing Area from January 15 to August 31. Limited shade and lack of potable water require preparation.

About Trout Creek Campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, Trout Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with 21 individual campsites and 3 spacious group sites perfect for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Adventure beckons from every corner, with direct access to a convenient boat launch for river enthusiasts, the scenic Trout Creek Trail for hikers, and the renowned Trout Creek Climbing Area just moments away. Thoughtfully designed with pull-through sites and ample day-use parking, this riverside haven makes it easy to settle in and explore one of Oregon's most spectacular river corridors.

The Trout Creek Campground offers standard campsites, group camping, and RV camping, though it is first-come, first-served with no reservations. The campground's remote and rugged nature attracts outdoor enthusiasts seeking a rustic experience.

Historical SignificanceTrout Creek Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, a waterway that has carved its story through millennia of geological evolution and ecological adaptation. This protected corridor preserves not just stunning landscapes but vital habitats, with climbing areas thoughtfully managed through seasonal closures that honor the rhythms of local wildlife. Here, recreation and conservation dance in careful balance, inviting visitors to become part of an ongoing story of environmental stewardship.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high desert, where each time of year paints the canyon in different hues. Summer arrives as the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, bringing warm, sun-drenched days, crystal-clear skies, and blissfully bug-free evenings around the campfire. As autumn settles in, gentle rains refresh the landscape, while spring awakens the canyon with moderate temperatures and renewed life. Winter transforms the area into a quieter wonderland, though snow and ice can create challenging access conditions—making it a season best suited for the prepared and adventurous.

ElevationCarved into the dramatic depths of a high desert canyon, the campground rests in a natural amphitheater where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stark beauty and surprising intimacy.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be humbled by nature's architecture in this high desert canyon, where towering volcanic cliffs and striking columnar basalt formations create a geological gallery millions of years in the making. The Deschutes River threads through this ancient landscape like a ribbon of life, its waters supporting a vibrant ecosystem where mule deer browse the canyon floor, golden eagles soar on thermal currents, and osprey dive for trout in the rushing waters below. While exploring this rugged paradise, keep an eye out for the notorious goathead puncturevine—a spiky reminder that even in Eden, it pays to watch where you and your four-legged friends step, and to pack extra tire repair kits for your bikes.

Geological RegionStep into a living textbook of volcanic history where the high desert canyon reveals its secrets through magnificent displays of columnar basalt and ancient cliff faces. This extraordinary landscape along the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River showcases nature's raw power, where volcanic eruptions and erosive forces have collaborated over eons to create a photographer's dream and a geologist's playground. Each twist of the river reveals new perspectives on these monumental formations, making every visit a journey through deep time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time mentioned.

Check-out

No specific check-out time mentioned.

Stay Limit

14 Day limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

No guest limit mentioned.

Groups

The campground includes three group-use campsites. Group site fees range from $25.00 to $35.00 per night, depending on the day of the week.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes 21 individual sites and 3 group sites. Pull-through sites and day-use parking are available.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms available; first-come, first-served only.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability for all sites, including group campsites.

Cancellation PolicyNo advanced reservations are available. Policies for cancellations are aligned with first-come, first-served arrangements. Late cancellation fee for individual sites is $10 and forfeiture of the first night’s fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source material. Some user reviews mention uneven terrain, such as washboard roads leading to the campground, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeMost campsites are spacious, and some are pull-through. A user described, 'Most camp sites have lots of room, some next to the Deschutes River.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some sites appearing open and others more secluded. One review mentioned the campground has 'lots of open space between campsites,' while another noted, 'Some sites have shade.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites near the river for views and easier access to water activities. Shaded sites are recommended for summer visits.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Trout Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and climbing. The Trout Creek Trail connects directly to the campground, providing excellent access to nature.

HikingThe campground provides access to the 7-mile Trout Creek Trail, which includes views of volcanic columnar basalt cliffs. User reviews describe the trails as 'neat' with opportunities for wildlife spotting and exploring wildflowers.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFishing is a major draw at Trout Creek Campground, as it is on the Deschutes River. One review highlights, 'Great place to fish/camp,' and another notes, 'Fishing is great—lots of fishermen here.'

BoatingThe campground features a boat launch, making it a popular spot for kayakers and rafters. User reviews frequently mentioned rafting activities and the busy boat ramp.

Wildlife viewingWildlife spotting opportunities include 'wild horses, mule deer, rattlesnakes, and birds of prey,' according to one review.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, wildlife encounters, and puncturevine. The gravel road can be challenging for some vehicles. No potable water and limited shade may affect comfort during summer.

Active AlertsAnnual closure for Trout Creek Climbing Area from January 15 to August 31. Limited shade and lack of potable water require preparation.

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.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions are in place most of the year due to high desert fire risk.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned. User reviews note conflicts regarding noise and generator use.

Emergency ServicesPrineville District Office, 3050 NE Third Street, Prineville, OR; approximately 1 hour away. Local ranger station is seasonal.

Water FeaturesLocated directly along the Deschutes River, with easy access to fishing and rafting activities.

Camp HostSeasonal ranger station available; no details on host availability or services.

Weather at Trout Creek Campground

Reviews

4.3

101 reviews

Recommended

Trout Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The reviews for Trout Creek Campground are mixed overall. Positive sentiments focus on its natural beauty, fishing opportunities, and access to hiking trails, while negative sentiments highlight the lack of amenities such as water and showers, potential for noisy neighbors, and road conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 101 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the campground's beauty, tranquility, and proximity to the Deschutes River. For example, one user described it as a 'beautiful secluded campground in the high...

Based on 101 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of potable water and showers, noisy neighbors, and the rough gravel road leading to the campground. One user noted, 'No fires most of the year,' while another mentioned,...

Based on 101 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water and supplies since there are no services on-site. Bug spray and sunscreen are also advised. It’s also important to note seasonal restrictions on the Trout...

Based on 101 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During late spring and early summer, the campground is bustling with activity, especially among fishermen. Winter reviews caution about potential snow and ice on the gravel road.

Based on 101 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Freaking awesome place. Saw lots of fishermen and rafters setting off but not many campers.' 2. 'The river was an absolutely beautiful blue color.' 3. 'By far, the worst campground we've ever...

Based on 101 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The best sites are those near the Deschutes River due to their scenic views and proximity. Some reviews note uneven distribution of restrooms, with certain campsites having long walking distances.

Based on 101 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing the accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, and the gravel roads may pose mobility challenges.

Based on 101 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campground, but visitors are warned about goathead plants (puncturevine) that can harm paws. One user stated, 'Protect your pets.'

Based on 101 reviews

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