Penland Lake Cg

About

Penland Lake Campground offers a quiet lakeside camping experience in the Umatilla National Forest of eastern Oregon. Set on the shore of Penland Lake at approximately 4,900 feet elevation, the campground provides seven campsites on National Forest land, with two vault toilets available. Additional campsites are located on the adjacent Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife property. The setting is rustic and primitive, with no potable water, garbage service, or campground hosts. The lake is popular for fishing, with bluegill and rainbow trout available. A boat ramp and fishing dock are located on the dam, and benches offer spots to relax and enjoy the scenery. Gas motors are prohibited on the lake; only electric boat motors are permitted. Swimming is also available. Note that hiking around the lake is limited, as the east side and portions of the north, northwest, and south sides are private property. All camping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is maintained seasonally from Memorial Day through mid-November, but remains accessible year-round unless snow blocks the road. During winter, snowmobile access may be the only option.

Directions

From Heppner, Oregon (1 hour): Head south on Main Street which becomes OR-207 South. About 0.7 miles south of Heppner, turn left onto Heppner Spray Willow Creek Road (FS Road 53/County Road 678) for 22.4 miles. After passing Cutsforth Park and Coalmine Hill Campground, continue on the Western Route (FS Road 53) for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto FS Road 21 (County Road 603) for 2.8 miles. Turn left on FS Road 2103 (Penland Lane) for 2 miles. Turn left onto FS Road 2103-030 for 0.3 miles to arrive.