Camper submitted image from Trout Creek - Madras - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Trout Creek - Madras - 2

Nature

Camper submitted image from Trout Creek - Madras - 3

Buildings

Camper submitted image from Trout Creek - Madras - 4

Animals

Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Trout Creek - Madras

2 Reviews

Description

Featuring a boat launch, a seasonal ranger station and trailhead, Trout Creek campground offers 21 campsites and three group-use campsites along the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. Some pull-through campsites as well as day-use parking are available in the recreation site. Access to the 7-mile Trout Creek Trail and Trout Creek Climbing Area originate at the south end of the campground. Know Before You Go: The campground is open year round but no potable water is available Cell phone service is not available in the campground. Goathead, also known as puncturevine, is present in the area; protect your pets and bicycle tires The Trout Creek Climbing Area is subject to an annual seasonal wildlife closure from January 15 to August 31 to protect sensitive nesting golden eagles. Point of Interest: Spectacular and towering volcanic cliffs - fine examples of what geologists call columnar basalt - can be seen on the Trout Creek trail upriver from the campground. ADA Access: Some campground facilities are accessible.

Fee Info

Individual Campsites: Weekdays: $8.00 per night Weekends*: $12.00 per night Additional Vehicle: $2.00 (excludes towed vehicles) Senior Pass Holders are half price (Individual Campsites only) Group Campsites: Weekdays: $25.00 per night Weekends*: $35.00 per night *Weekend rates apply June 1 through September 15 $8.00/night fee applies Sunday through Thursday nights, Friday and Saturday night fee is $12.00/night, Group Sites are $25.00/night Sunday through Thursday nights, Friday and Saturday night fee is $35.00/night. May 15th September 15th. There is a $2.00 charge per extra vehicle (tow vehicles excluded).

Suggest an Edit

Location

Trout Creek - Madras is located in Oregon

Directions

From Madras, Oregon: Drive 3 miles north on US highway 97; turn left onto NE Cora Drive and proceed another 0.7 miles. Make a slight left onto NE Clark Drive for another 5.8 mi, then turn left onto NE Buckley Ln/NE Clark Drive; proceed another 0.4 miles. NE Buckley Ln/NE Clark Drive turns left and becomes NE Clemens Drive for another 1.3 miles. At the community of Gateway, turn right to stay on NE Clemens Drive which becomes Coleman Road. The road turns to gravel at Trout Creek and a narrow tunnel precludes tall vehicles. After another 4.4 miles Trout Creek Campground is on the banks of the Deschutes River.

Address

Prineville District Office 3050 NE 3rd St.
Prineville, OR 97754

Coordinates

44.815894 N
121.095326 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Crooked River National Grasslands Dispersed Camping

37 min away

Pelton Park Campground

38 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

1 hr 15 min from Bend, OR
2 hrs 18 min from Portland, OR
2 hrs 54 min from Salem, OR
3 hrs 12 min from Albany, OR

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol

Contact

General Info

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented by

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Kristina G.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2020

Solid rafting drop-in campground

This campground isn't full of amenities, but it isn't designed to be. This spot is a secluded, well-laid out campground for a night before rafting, or a good stop along the river. There is a tight tunnel to drive through, likely your large RV width won't fit. The bathrooms were clean, and river access is well-designed. Parking a trailer was easy too. Sites were spread out, and there's a great view of the river from 2/3 of them.

Lisa K.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Deschutes River boat launch dry camp

Reservations are not taken at this BLM campground, but it's not usually very full. That could be due to the fact that it's a dry camp with (very nice) pit toilets, or it could be due to the 14' clearance tunnel you need to pass through that limits some RVs, or it could be because of the rutted washboard gravel road that pleads for you to drive 20mph. If none of that scares you off, and you like to camp in a hot, dry spot with few neighbors, this place is for you! Many people use it for the boat launch to start their Deschutes River rafting trip, so not many actually stay. Which is exactly why this place is at the top of my list. You can sit by the river in the shade of an ancient juniper and watch the wild horses from the Warm Springs Indian Reservation collect at the watering hole while dipping your feet in the icy rushing water. And do absolutely nothing but watch the sky turn colors against the surrounding rimrock, listen to the baby ospreys calling for their meal, watch the cows and horses graze across the river (and a mountain goat who thinks he's a cow!) and cook your dinner on your propane stove (grills and campfires are prohibited during summer fire season - leave your s'mores makings at home). Leave your motorized off-road vehicles at home, too. You won't need them here, anyway. There's hiking trails and fly fishing and rafting instead!

SiteNot telling

Month of VisitJuly

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Trout Creek Campground near Madras, Oregon?

Trout Creek Campground is a basic BLM facility offering clean pit toilets but no running water or hookups. This is a dry camp, meaning campers need to bring their own water supply. The campground provides direct river access, making it convenient for fishing and rafting activities. While amenities are minimal, the focus is on providing a natural, secluded camping experience along the Deschutes River. There are no electricity hookups, shower facilities, or dump stations, so campers should come prepared with necessary supplies.

What are the best camping options near Madras, Oregon?

Trout Creek Campground is an excellent option near Madras for those seeking a secluded riverside experience. This well-laid out BLM campground offers a peaceful setting ideal for tent camping or smaller RVs. The campground's proximity to the Deschutes River makes it perfect for fishing enthusiasts and rafters. For those needing more amenities, consider Lake Simtustus RV Park or The Cove Palisades State Park, which offer more developed facilities including hookups. Haystack Reservoir also provides camping options with better access for larger rigs. Each location offers unique benefits depending on whether you prioritize solitude, water activities, or comfort amenities.

How do reviews rate Trout Creek Campground on the Deschutes River?

Trout Creek Campground receives positive ratings for its secluded setting and well-designed layout. Campers appreciate the clean pit toilets and the direct access to the Deschutes River. The campground earns high marks for its purpose as a peaceful overnight spot for fishing and rafting enthusiasts. While noted for not being full of amenities, this is viewed as part of its charm rather than a drawback. The natural surroundings and riverside location are consistently highlighted as standout features. Some mention the accessibility limitations due to the 14' clearance tunnel that restricts larger RVs.

Keep Exploring