Haystack Campground

About

Haystack Campground (East Shore) is the most developed campground at Haystack Reservoir, located in central Oregon's Crooked River National Grassland near Madras. The 24 spacious campsites feature paved interior roads and site pads, accommodating everything from tents to large RVs. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with five vault toilets distributed throughout the campground. Potable water is available at the RV fill station near the entrance. The 240-acre reservoir sits in a high desert landscape of juniper and sagebrush, with distant views of Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters. Fishing is a major draw, with regular stocking of rainbow trout and kokanee, plus resident largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. A paved boat ramp provides easy water access, and swimming is permitted. The area attracts diverse wildlife, particularly migrating waterfowl including common loons, grebes, and occasional rarities like trumpeter swans and bald eagles. Pacific chorus frogs provide evening concerts during spring breeding season. Smith Rock State Park, renowned for rock climbing, is a 20-minute drive south. Other nearby activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV use.

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 for about 2.1 miles. The 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 for about 2 miles. The campground entrance will be on the right.