Oregon / Jefferson County / Crooked River National Grassland

Haystack Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 1 and operates through October 31. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Haystack Campground (East Shore) is the premier camping destination in the Crooked River National Grassland, situated on the eastern shore of the 240-acre Haystack Reservoir in central Oregon's scenic high desert. The campground offers 24 spacious campsites with paved interior roads and site pads that accommodate everything from tents to large RVs. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The reservoir is regularly stocked and provides excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, kokanee, crappie, and catfish. A paved boat ramp at the campground makes launching easy for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Swimming is also popular on hot summer days. The surrounding landscape of native sagebrush and juniper trees creates a classic high desert environment, with views of Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters in the distance. Nearby recreation includes world-class rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park (20 minutes south), hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV use in the surrounding grasslands. The spectacular Crooked River Gorge viewpoint is accessible from a historic highway bridge about 15 minutes south off Highway 97. The area also attracts waterfowl during migration seasons, including common loon, grebes, and occasional rarities like trumpeter swan and bald eagle.

Directions

From Highway 97: Exit Jericho Lane and go east for approximately 1.25 miles. Turn right on Springer Road (FS 7130/FS 96) and continue for about 2.5 miles. Turn left onto FS 9605. The campground entrance is on the left. From Highway 26: Exit on Laurel Lane (FS 96) and go west for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Springer Road (FS 7130/FS 96) and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right onto FS 9605.

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