Established Camping
Rattlesnake Canyon
About
Bureau of Land Management
Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River
Located at the mouth of its namesake canyon and along the scenic Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway, Rattlesnake Canyon Campground is located 20.4 miles north of the city of Maupin, Oregon. Several campsites in the campground offer direct river access along a verdant strip of riparian vegetation.
Know Before You Go:
Rattlesnake Canyon Campground is open year-round with 8 individual campsites, one group-use campsite, a vault toilet and garbage service. No drinking water or utility hookups are available. No reservations are accepted; all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis only. Campfires and smoking are allowed only from October 16 through May 31, annually, unless posted otherwise. When recreating on public lands, practice the Leave-No-Trace Principles.
Point of Interest:
Rattlesnakes? Yes, but they are out and about in all low elevation desert river canyons in the region. As predators, rattlesnakes play an important ecological role in keeping small mammal populations in check. Please observe rattlesnakes from a safe distance and do not attempt to engage with them; they want to avoid you as much as you may want to avoid them.
Fee Info
<u>Individual Campsites</u>: <br> <i>Weekdays:</i> $8.00 per night<br> <i>Weekends*:</i> $12.00 per night<br> Additional Vehicle: $2.00 (excludes towed vehicles)<br> Senior Pass Holders are half price (Individual Campsites only)<br><br> <u>Group Campsites</u>: <br> <i>Weekdays:</i> $25.00 per night<br> <i>Weekends*:</i> $35.00 per night<br><br> *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).
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
TravelerOne of several along the Deschutes
In terms of the 5 or so campgrounds to choose from along this easy-to-access gravel BLM road, this is in the second tier for —proximity to main road (dusty drive-bys) —distance from Maupin (no Need to drive extra) I choose beavertail campground first, and if no sites there, this is a fine alternative. BRING FUN WATER STUFFS!
ScoutA new favorite of mine
You really couldn’t ask for more out of a campsite! Getting there was super easy. There are unpaved roads, but they are well-maintained w/ close to zero potholes. The campsite itself is relatively small, but every one of the sites has an incredible view, and easy access to the river. 90% of the sites have a parking spot, but there are a few that do not.
There are a few spots that were incredibly fun to scramble/climb that were right across the road. Definitely a challenge, but well worth the views.
ScoutRustic with spectacular canyon and river views
Rattlesnake Campground is about 12 miles north of Sherars Falls on the Deschutes River. Take the BLM access road just past the falls. This is a rough gravel road. Brutally hot in the summer but the river is refreshing. The canyon with its basalt columns is amazing. Big horn sheep frequent the area. The river is home to redside trout and in season, summer steelhead. This is a popular fishing destination but worth a look for non-fisher people.
There is no drinking water available at this site. Fires allowed but only in the winter.
A true high desert experience with an epic canyon & river as back drops.
Location
Rattlesnake Canyon is located in Oregon
Directions
From Maupin, Oregon: Take Bakeoven Rd for __ mile, then turn left onto the BLM Access Rd/Deschutes River Rd at the Maupin City Park. Continue 8.2 miles to the stop sign at State Highway 218. Continue for __ mile, then turn left on the graveled BLM Access Rd. Proceed another 10.9 miles; the campground is on the left.
Address
Prineville District Office
3050 NE 3rd Street
Prineville, OR 97754
Coordinates
45.336445 N
120.931064 W