Crooked River National Grassland manages this east-shore campground on Haystack Reservoir, a small irrigation reservoir in the high desert country outside Prineville. Junipers and sagebrush frame most of the sites, providing partial shade on open terrain that sits exposed to wind, which some visitors have used to their advantage for kitesurfing. The campground has full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer, with a maximum RV length of 140 feet, though reviewers note that individual sites run small and tend to work better for tents than trailers.
Water conditions at the reservoir vary considerably by season. Fishing draws consistent interest, with anglers catching trout over 20 inches, along with bass and sucker fish. Swimming is possible when water quality allows, but algae blooms have been documented during summer months, and the camp host has at times posted hazardous water warnings. Mosquitoes are a real factor, particularly in June. The boat ramp requires a separate fee, and firewood sold on-site runs $8 per bundle.
The campground sits within range of several notable day trips. Smith Rock State Park, the Crooked River Canyon, and Cove Palisades are all within driving distance, making this a functional base for exploring the region. Campers interested in places to camp near Culver will find the area has a handful of options. Nearby, Haystack Reservoir Campground and South Shore Group Sites offer alternatives along the same reservoir. Reservations are available, and pets are permitted. If fishing the reservoir and using the surrounding grassland as a staging point appeals, this campground delivers the basics.
Description
Overview
Haystack Campground (East Shore) is located in central Oregon's scenic Crooked River National Grassland. With a view of Mt. Jefferson in the distance, visitors can enjoy the beautiful vistas while relaxing in the high desert.
Recreation
Fishing is a popular pastime at the reservoir, which is regularly stocked. Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, kokanee, along with crappie and catfish are some of the species that inhabit the water. Recreational boating is also popular with paved boat ramps available at Haystack Campground as well as at the West Shore Campground. Swimming is also permitted. Nearby areas provide other activities such as rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATV use.
Facilities
Haystack Campground offers 24 spacious campsites that will accommodate tents to large RVs. It is located on the east shore of Haystack Reservoir and has paved interior roads and site pads. Each campsite has a picnic table and campfire ring. There are five vault toilets conveniently located throughout the campground. Potable water is available at the RV fill station located just past the entrance station. In addition to the individual campsites, there are Group Sites and Day Use areas that have covered picnic tables.
Natural Features
Near Madras, Oregon, Haystack Reservoir's 240 surface-acres are surrounded by a high desert landscape of juniper trees and sagebrush. The expanse of water attracts waterfowl such as common loon, horned grebe, red-necked grebe, and eared grebe for a respite during migration. Rarities that have been reported are trumpeter swan, surf scoter, black-necked stilt, sanderling, bald eagle, osprey, and eastern kingbird. The spring breeding season in April through May produces nature's own concert from Pacific chorus frog.
Nearby Attractions
Smith Rock State Park, a very popular area for rock climbing is about a 20-minute drive to the south. Also, a spectacular view of the Crooked River Gorge is available from an old highway bridge, now accessible by a short walk from a rest area just off Hwy 97 about 15 minutes south of the campground.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHaystack Reservoir Campground (East Shore) is located in Oregon near Culver
Directions
From Highway 97: Exit Jericho Lane and go east for approximately 1.2 miles. Turn right on Haystack Drive (FS 7130 / FS 96) and continue on for about 2.1 miles. The Haystack Campground entrance is on the left. From Highway 26: Exit on Laurel Lane (FS 96) and go west for approximately 4 miles. Bear right at the intersection of FS 7130 / FS 96 and continue on for about 2 miles. Haystack Campground entrance will be on the right.
Address
P.O. Box 739
Prineville, OR 97754
Coordinates
44.49448 N
121.141687 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 40 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 38 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 40 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 40 min from Eugene, OR
