Map showing campground location near Alder Springs, Oregon

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Pelton Park Campground

Camp hosts greet arriving visitors at this Bureau of Land Management campground on Lake Billy Chinook's shoreline. Pelton Park operates seasonally from April through September, offering both tent sites and RV spots with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections.

The campground provides level sites with adequate spacing between them, according to campers who note the well-maintained facilities. A community kitchen serves groups needing extra cooking space, while flush toilets and shower facilities handle daily needs. Kristina G. found "Pelton park was clean and well taken care of during our visit." The on-site store and cafe stock essentials like ice, fishing tackle, and food, while also renting kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft for lake activities.

Fishing draws many visitors to the deep waters, though an Indian permit available at the store is required for targeting Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, and Bull Trout. A 10-mile-per-hour speed limit covers most of the lake, creating calmer conditions for paddlers and anglers. The playground and swimming area accommodate families, while a fenced dog run gives pets space to exercise. Clean docks provide boat access, and a fish cleaning station handles the day's catch.

Quiet hours are enforced by camp hosts and regular law enforcement visits. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds near BLM Land — Prineville Deschutes Field Office offer additional options in the high desert landscape surrounding Madras.

Description

Located near Madras on the shore of Lake Simtustus, Pelton Park and campground is a vacationer's paradise where you can boat, camp, fish, view wildlife and relax. Fun for everyone

67 campsites, including yomes and cabins

Restrooms and showers

Concessions

A swim area (for campers only)

Boat launch, moorage and motorboat, kayak, paddle board rentals

Fishing docks and fish cleaning stations

Marina store and café

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Map & DirectionsPelton Park Campground is located in Oregon near Alder Springs

Public Campground

Directions

Look for NW Pelton Dam Rd about two miles south of Warm Springs on Highway 26. Follow this road for 3 ½ miles to the park.

Address

3300 SW Elk Dr
Madras, OR 97741

Coordinates

44.68716053 N
121.23368067 W

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Connectivity

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Good Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/27/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/27/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin
Yurts

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 1 min from Bend, OR
2 hrs 1 min from Portland, OR
2 hrs 37 min from Salem, OR
2 hrs 55 min from Albany, OR

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Pelton Park Campground

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5 Stars

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5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the clean facilities, friendly staff, and family-friendly amenities including playground and lake access. Guests commonly noted the pet-friendly features and variety of accommodation options from tents to yomes and cabins.

Kathy B.

Legend

Reviewed Mar. 17, 2026

Nice in May

Visited this popular campground in May and it was half empty. It got warm, but not too hot.

Sites were level and nice spacing between them. Check in with camp hosts as you pull in. Super friendly staff. There's a little cafe and you can rent water craft.

Had a great time here kayaking and enjoying the sunshine.

Month of VisitMay

(7) View All

Troy M.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 4, 2022

Favorite Campground

I’ve camped here for many years, the campground is my absolute favorite. The friendly staff does an amazing job keeping the restrooms, showers and grounds clean. They offer Tent sites, Yurts, cabins, large RV spaces with full or partial hookups, boat rental, store, cafe, fish cleaning station, group shelter with electricity and electric cooking stoves.

SiteC4

Month of VisitJuly

Kristina G.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 16, 2020

Great dog and family friendly campground

Pelton park was clean and well taken care of during our visit. The park is very family-friendly, with easy physical access to restrooms, the docks and playground equipment. Pet-friendly too, stocked poo bags, poles by restrooms to hold leashes and a small fenced-in area to let the dogs run and play. Docks were clean and safe. Rental boats were well-maintained. The yomes are small, 6 people and 2 dogs is tight and gear had to stay outside with that many people, but we all fit. The lake itself is beautiful, good fishing, and appreciate the 10mph speed limit throughout the majority of the lake.

Sarah W.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Nice park!

Nice park with amazing views. It is a perfect spot for a day visit. Just park and enjoy the small trail. Maybe have a picnic and soak up the sun!

Lisa K.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Family campground on a fishing lake with amenities

Generations of campers have stayed here, and if you have little ones, no doubt they'll want to continue the tradition. The park has experienced many improvements since the landslide transformed and closed it many years ago. Available to rent now are yomes (yurt domes) with bunkbeds and inexpensive lake view cabins with AC and heat. A swimming hole, playground and amphitheatre delight little campers, and a store/restaurant/rental business delight adults who run out of ice, beer, fishing tackle, or other necessities. Kayaks, paddle boards and other water sport equipment is available for rent. The lake is long and deep with Kokanee, Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout, but you'll need to make sure you purchase an Indian permit (available at the store) if you want to fish for them. Take a trolling boat up the narrows to the back of Round Butte Dam in the morning and rev up the engine for a mile of skiing area near Pelton Dam to cool off in the afternoon. This is a PGE park with on-site camp hosts and regular visits from the local law enforcement. You'll feel safe camping here solo or with your children. Quiet time is politely enforced. There is a community kitchen available for cooking or washing dishes and clean flush toilets and shower facilities are on site. Electrical hookups abound, even if you are tenting, you can bring an extension cord to recharge, light, or cool off your campsite.

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Pelton Park Campground?

Pelton Park Campground offers an impressive range of amenities for campers. The grounds feature various accommodation options including tent sites and RV spaces with full or partial hookups. Facilities include clean restrooms, showers, and a playground for children. The park is pet-friendly with stocked poo bags, leash poles near restrooms, and a fenced dog area. Water recreation enthusiasts will appreciate the docks and boat rentals. Additional amenities include a store, cafe, and fish cleaning station. The campground is well-maintained with friendly staff ensuring the grounds stay clean and accessible for all visitors.

What do reviews say about Pelton Park Campground?

Pelton Park Campground is consistently rated highly for its cleanliness, maintenance, and family-friendly atmosphere. The park features stunning views and is considered perfect for both overnight stays and day visits. Many visitors appreciate the accessible facilities, including easy access to restrooms, docks, and playground equipment. The friendly staff receives praise for their dedication to keeping the grounds and facilities clean. The park has a special place in many visitors' hearts, with some considering it their absolute favorite camping destination and returning year after year.

Are there cabins available at Pelton Park in Oregon?

Yes, Pelton Park does offer cabins for overnight stays. In addition to traditional cabins, the park features unique accommodations called "yomes" (yurt domes) that come equipped with bunkbeds. These structures are part of recent improvements to the park following a landslide that temporarily closed it years ago. The cabins provide a comfortable alternative to tent camping while still enjoying the outdoor experience. For specific cabin availability, amenities, and reservation requirements, contact the park directly.

Is Pelton Park Campground located near Pelton Dam?

Yes, Pelton Park Campground is located in proximity to Pelton Dam. The park's location offers visitors amazing views of the surrounding area, likely including views related to the dam and its reservoir. The park's setting near the water provides opportunities for various water-based activities. For those interested in exploring the dam itself, the park serves as a convenient base. Contact the park management for specific information about access to dam viewing areas or any restrictions that might be in place.

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