Penland Lake Campground

Star4.45
55 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,003 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open late May throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website
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Penland Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This is a fee-free site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

4.45

Recommended

Based on 55 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"The reviews for Penland Lake Campground are highly mixed. Positive aspects include the scenic beauty and quiet atmosphere, while negatives focus on the poor maintenance of bathrooms and issues with mosquitoes and leeches."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Penland Lake Campground

45.1172, -119.3188

Driving directionsFrom Heppner, Oregon (1 hour): Head south while following Main Street which turns into Oregon Highway-207 South. For 0.7 miles south of Heppner take a left turn onto Heppner Spray Willow Creek Road (Forest Service Road 53 and County Road 678) for 22.4 miles. After passing Cutsforth Park, climbing Coalmine Hill, and passing Coalmine Hill campground, continue on the Western Route (Forest Service Road 53 and County Road 678) for 0.2 miles. Turn right to take Forest Service Road 21 (County Road 603) for 2.8 miles. Then take a left on Forest Service Road 2103 (Penland Lane and County Road 849) for two miles. Take a left turn onto Forest Service Road 2103-030, at 0.3 miles you have arrived. From Pendleton, Oregon (1 hour and 54 minutes): Take Southwest Emigrant Avenue to US Highway-395 South for 47.4 miles. At a four-way intersection take a right onto the Western Route Road (Forest Service Road 53, The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway, and County Road 244) for 21.7 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 21 (County Road 603) for 2.8 miles. Then take a left on Forest Service Road 2103 (Penland Lane and County Road 849) for two miles. Take a left turn onto Forest Service Road 2103-030, at 0.3 miles you have arrived.
Access involves narrow gravel roads with potholes and blind spots as mentioned in user reviews. Snowmobiles are required when roads are inaccessible due to snow.
Nearby places
Heppner, Oregon (22.4 miles, ~1 hour)
Pendleton, Oregon (~1 hour and 54 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies not detailed. Visitors are advised to pack in and out all necessary resources, including potable water and trash disposal essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Penland Lake Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Pacific Northwest, where warm, sun-drenched summers give way to crisp autumn days and snow-dusted winters. The campground truly shines from late spring through early fall, when comfortable temperatures create ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and starlit evenings around the campfire. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland, though access may be limited during the coldest months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating, fishing and swimming; open late May–mid-Nov but crowded on weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Crisp autumn days and reduced crowds make fall appealing; colder late Oct noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring highlighted for trout fishing and frog choruses; campground opens in late spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground winterized and without services outside late May–mid-Nov.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season during summer weekends, citing popularity in user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open late May through mid-November, winterized condition without services outside this period.
  • Current Alerts: Currently in winterized condition; no services available during this period.

About Penland Lake Campground

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Penland Lake, this waterfront campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of aquatic adventures and peaceful retreat. Seven well-maintained campsites dot the National Forest portion of the property, with additional sites available on the neighboring Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife grounds. Whether you're launching your boat from the convenient ramp, casting a line from the dedicated fishing dock, or simply soaking in the scenery from one of the dam-side benches, this destination offers something for every nature lover. Two vault toilets serve the Forest Service sites, while lakeside picnic tables invite day visitors to linger over lunch with stunning water views.
Penland Lake Campground supports a variety of camping types, including primitive, tent, and RV camping.
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Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Penland Lake Campground offers various outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife observation.
HikingHiking opportunities are limited around Penland Lake itself but available in nearby areas. Trails are noted to range from easy to medium difficulty.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with opportunities to catch Rainbow Trout and Blue Gill. However, reviews are mixed. One camper described the trout fishing as 'mediocre,' while another praised it as 'beautiful place to fish for Rainbow Trout in the late Spring/early Summer.'
SwimmingSwimming areas are available but come with caveats. Users reported leeches in the water and advised caution. 'It smelled awful and wasn't really the ideal wading water,' one user noted.
BoatingElectric motors are allowed, but gas-powered motors are prohibited. The site features a boat ramp and fishing dock.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is available, with campers reporting sightings of frogs, as well as opportunities for mushroom hunting.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes near the lake, leeches in the water as experienced by visitors, and narrow gravel roads with potholes and blind spots.
Active AlertsCurrently in winterized condition; no services available during this period.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Penland Lake Campground

Reviews

4.5
55 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Penland Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The reviews for Penland Lake Campground are highly mixed. Positive aspects include the scenic beauty and quiet atmosphere, while negatives focus on the poor maintenance of bathrooms and issues with mosquitoes and leeches.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's serene setting, starry skies, and fishing opportunities. 'Camping with the kids was great go there every year for the past 3 years.. so peaceful,' one user noted.
Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include dirty vault toilets, leeches in the swimming areas, and overcrowding during weekends. 'The toilet was disgusting,' one user reported.
Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommended visiting mid-week to avoid crowds and bringing supplies such as toilet paper and water. 'Be sure that you bring your own tp during busy times,' advised one user.
Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer weekends are popular but crowded, while early spring offers frog choruses and clear skies. Late October is noted for colder temperatures and reduced activity.
Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Rustick camping right on the water. Frogs can get loud in the spring.' - Larry Holub. 2. 'Beautiful place to fish for Rainbow Trout in the late Spring/early Summer.' - Steven Ebker. 3. 'Bathrooms...
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Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites closer to the lake are tent-only and offer less privacy, while sites further away provide more space but are harder to access with RVs. 'The sites near the lake are only tent sites,' one...
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Based on 55 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility for campers with disabilities.
Based on 55 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, with users recommending bringing them for swimming and exploring. 'Would recommend bringing your pets and children because they'll have easy access to the swimming areas,' one user...
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Based on 55 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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