Bully Creek Reservoir County Park, near Vale, Oregon, is a straightforward campground that offers a peaceful escape by the water. With 40 sites available, it’s a solid choice for those looking to unwind, whether you’re in a tent or an RV.

The campground is known for its clean facilities and friendly hosts who keep things running smoothly. Visitors appreciate the availability of electric hookups and drinking water, making it convenient for a short stay. As one camper noted, “The site was very spacious and the campground nice and quiet, clean and well kept.” 

If you’re into birdwatching, you’ll love the variety of feathered friends that frequent the area. The reservoir itself is a nice backdrop, although it’s important to be cautious about the water quality. The sunsets here are stunning, and the nights cool down nicely after a windy day, perfect for stargazing or sharing stories around the campfire.

While the campground doesn’t have a lot of shade, it’s a great spot to kick back for a night or two. Just keep in mind that the wind can pick up, so securing your gear is a must. Whether you’re passing through or planning a quick getaway, Bully Creek Reservoir County Park offers a simple yet enjoyable camping experience.

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

bullycreek@malheurco.org







Bully Creek Reservoir County Park

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We are regulars to tHis campground. The ladies who care for it are amazing and do a beautiful job. We have never had any problems here other than nature being its own amazing unpredictable self. We camp with a large group every year with no mix-ups or crossed wires and the cellular service is slowly starting to creep in. Clean grounds, clean bathrooms always a pleasure

Beautifully kept 

An enjoyable stay with clean facilities and friendly hosts.

Nice hidden gem

There is not much in Vale and this is the perfect escape.  Sites are large with electric only.  There is water close by or you can fill your reserve at the fresh water hose by the dump station.  
  Great one or two night stay, lots of birds.   

Peaceful 

This area is devoid of good camping spots, so I’m kind of glad we stopped here. There are a few things to know before you go, though.

- If you’re following geocoords and coming from the west, you’ll be tempted to take a more direct route from Willow Creek. The road is a disaster, don’t do it. It will be faster and much easier on your vehicle to take the tar road from Vale.

- There are incredibly high levels of arsenic in the reservoir. When you check in, you’ll get a packet of information dating back to 2012 on this. I’m surprised no other reviewers mentioned it. You basically shouldn’t touch the water. The campsite does not have shade like you might expect, most sites are in full sun.

- The wind is epic. I was grateful to be in a vehicle with the torrential gale blowing everyone’s tents halfway to Idaho. It’s the kind of wind where you get dirt in your eyes and dust everywhere. I tried to talk to other campers, but we couldn’t hear each other over the wind! It lasts until sundown, at which point it stops and the temperature gets much cooler and the nights are pretty beautiful. Sunset here is very very late in the summer, so keep that in mind.

The camp hosts live in a house nearby and were implementing a no contact check in (apparently reservations are possible if you call, but there was plenty of space on a weekday). They seem very organized and nice, but goodness, the weather made this inhospitable — and given the surrounding environment I feel confident saying that heat and wind are the norm.

Hot, dusty, arsenic… but maybe the best option

This is a basic campground but it sits on a nice lake. There were forest fires burning in the distance so I didn’t have the best timing. That being said, I think it is a good place to stay in the area for a night or two. It was quiet, easily accessible, and reasonably maintained. It would not be a destination for me, but I’d stay there again

Photos of Bully Creek Reservoir County Park

Real photos from real campers