Is Trout Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Can I see photos of campsites at Trout Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Trout Creek Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Trout Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Trout Creek Campground have?

Trout Creek Campground has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Trout Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Trout Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Trout Creek Campground?

Trout Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Trout Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Trout Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Trout Creek Campground

4.26

101 reviews

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

Top 4% in ORSpring

Scenic Views

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

1,283 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Prineville District Office (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

1,283 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Prineville District Office (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

Trout Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$35.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-416-6700BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Trout Creek Campground

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

Nearby places

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

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.

Weather at Trout Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Trout Creek Campground

Best season: spring. Spring is the best time to visit for mild, comfortable weather (daytime highs roughly 50–75°F, nights 30–45°F), blooming high‑desert wildflowers, and higher river flows that make boating, fishing, and canyon photography especially rewarding. Trails and climbing routes are pleasant before the summer heat sets in, and crowds are lighter than mid‑summer—expect moderate visitation that increases after mid‑May when fees take effect. Wildlife viewing is active in spring, and the canyon contrasts (lush Peak months: May, June, April

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 4% in OR

Described as the 'sweet spot' — wildflowers, higher river flows aid fishing and boating.

Planning Tips

About Trout Creek Campground

Trout Creek Campground sits in the high-desert foothills near Prineville, managed by the BLM's Prineville District Office, with direct access to the Deschutes River. The small campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites along a gravel road where visitors fish, raft, and hike canyon trails. Expect limited shade, vault toilets, and no potable water in a secluded setting that draws spring wildflower seekers and anglers.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring is the best time to visit for mild, comfortable weather (daytime highs roughly 50–75°F, nights 30–45°F), blooming high‑desert wildflowers, and higher river flows that make boating, fishing, and canyon photography especially rewarding. Trails and climbing routes are pleasant before the summer heat sets in, and crowds are lighter than mid‑summer—expect moderate visitation that increases after mid‑May when fees take effect. Wildlife viewing is active in spring, and the canyon contrasts (lush Peak months: May, June, April

Elevation1283 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a high desert canyon at 1,283 feet elevation, where the Deschutes River runs between volcanic cliffs and columnar basalt formations. Mule deer browse the canyon floor, golden eagles and osprey hunt above the water. Vegetation is sparse. Expect little shade at most sites. And the landscape shows the classic contrast of desert scrub against dark volcanic rock. Watch for goathead puncturevine, a spiky nuisance that can flatten bike tires and hurt bare feet or paws.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesReviews mention sites directly next to the river for easy access and views. Shaded sites are rare but worth grabbing if you're visiting in summer heat. No specific site numbers appear in the feedback.

Amenities available

Trout Creek Campground offers 21 campsites and 3 group-use campsites with a boat launch along the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. It is accessible year-round and features pull-through sites and day-use parking. Visitors can connect to the 7-mile Trout Creek Trail and Trout Creek Climbing Area from the south end of the campground. However, there is no potable water available, and cell phone service is not accessible. Vault toilets are provided, but no showers or flush toilets are available. Firewood is not explicitly mentioned as being for sale on-site, and no camp store exists. Trash and recycling facilities are not detailed in the sources.

Potable water

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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. According to a review, 'No showers or running water bathrooms okay.' This suggests the presence of only simple restroom facilities.

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).

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

101 reviews

Satisfactory

Trout Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want Deschutes River access for fishing or rafting and value solitude over amenities.

Skip if

You need shade, potable water, or paved access roads.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.0

(60)

Mecca Flat Campground

3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, Oregon, USA, 97754

Mecca Flat Campground sits along the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River in Oregon's high desert foothills near Warm Springs. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Prineville District Office, this small riverside campground draws anglers chasing trophy trout and hikers exploring sagebrush canyon trails. The rough access road and basic vault toilet setup keep crowds thin, while spacious group sites and river frontage reward those who make the drive.