Haystack Campground
The campground is open for the 2026 season, operating April 1 through October 31. Sites are a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served. Fire danger is currently high. Off-highway vehicles and horses are prohibited in the campground.
Red Flag Warning issued July 20 at 12:37PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 140ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 416-6500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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