Wind defines the experience at Bully Creek Reservoir County Park before anything else. Afternoon gusts across this high-desert reservoir in Vale, Oregon can be strong enough to drown out conversation and drive dust into everything, though reviewers note conditions calm noticeably after sundown. Sites sit in full sun with little shade, so summer heat is a real factor, particularly for tent campers arriving mid-afternoon. Late summer sunsets come well after 9 p.m., which gives evenings a long, open quality.
The campground provides electric and water hookups for RVs up to 45 feet, gravel parking spurs with grassy tent areas alongside, and a dump station with a freshwater fill hose. Showers, toilets, drinking water, and WiFi round out the amenities. Sites are consistently described as clean and well-maintained, and the on-site hosts have drawn repeated praise for their organization. Reservations are available by phone, though mid-week visits typically find open space.
One detail worth noting before arrival: the reservoir carries documented high arsenic levels, and the campground provides informational materials at check-in. "You basically shouldn't touch the water," allison W. writes, based on materials dating to 2012. Campers coming from the west should also take the paved road from Vale rather than the rougher direct route from Willow Creek. Nearby alternatives include Bully Creek Park to the east and Vale Valley RV Park further along the same corridor. For a one or two-night stop in a region with limited options, this county park gets the job done.
Description
The following is information about the park and the check-in and Reservation process:
We are a county Campground with a great layout, grass and trees along the eastern edge of the Bully Creek Reservoir. (Map attached) We have showers and restrooms which are included in your camping fee and therefore not an extra cost. The Park season is April 15th to November 15th each year. Most sites are "back-in".
Our fees are $15.00 per camping unit per night. We can only accept cash or checks. (If paying with cash, please have the exact amount as we are not making change in the office at this time. If paying by check, please make checks payable to "Bully Creek Park.") We cannot process credit/debit cards.
We take phone reservations and you are also welcome to drop in if you are unsure of your dates. Most weekends from May though mid-July will become fully booked so if arriving over a weekend, reservations are strongly recommended. We write reservations in the book and have you pay upon arrival. If you are not able to make it, we ask that you call us so we have a chance to re-rent the site.
All sites have power (20-30-50 amp) but not all sites have water. Some sites are close enough to a faucet that you can hook up with a 'Y' splitter so other folks can still access the water. Right now, the Well water is testing high for Arsenic (has been a problem in the area for years) So it is safe to bathe in or wash dishes but it is suggested that you bring alternative forms of drinking water. There is NO Arsenic in Bully Creek Reservoir. One dump is also included in the cost of your stay (approximately once a week).
Check in and check out is noon.
Just as you cross over the dam, you will see the lake on the left hand side and the caretakers house on the left hand side. Drive down the pull through driveway.
There is a door on the side of the building that says "office". We are doing contact-less check-in at the office so there is a table with literature and a registration Roster for you to complete. Payment envelopes will be in the card holders on the door. Put your payment in the envelope for your site then put it through the "mail" slot in the door. Receipts will be available later that day or the next morning depending on what time you arrive.
Thank you for your interest in Bully Creek Park!
Sue and Mishelle
Bully Creek Park
2475 Bully Creek Rd
Vale OR 97918
5414732969
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBully Creek Reservoir County Park is located in Oregon near Harper
Public CampgroundDirections
From town, NW 7 mi on Graham Blvd to Bully Creek Rd, NW 3 mi (L)
Address
2475 Bully Creek Rd
Vale, OR 97918
Coordinates
44.02500085 N
117.403 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 8/19/26
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 8/19/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 39 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 3 hrs 54 min from Kennewick, WA
- 4 hrs 40 min from Lewiston, ID
