Boat slips are available by talking to the Park Staff
PGE operates the campground in partnership with the US Forest Service
The boat ramp area is available to campers and day users for a fee

Perry South Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late May through September and is unstaffed from late September through late May. Lake Billy Chinook is currently at lower water levels through winter for dam maintenance, and the Perry South boat ramp may not be usable during drawdown.

Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 12:03PM PST until January 1 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Pendleton OR

12:03 PM — December 30th, 9:00 AM

* WHAT...Stagnant conditions will have the potential to trap pollutants near the ground and deteriorate air quality. * WHERE...Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington, North Central Oregon, Central Oregon, Kittitas Valley, and Yakima Valley. * WHEN...Until noon PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the buildup of pollutants near the surface, potentially leading to poor air quality.

Alcohol Prohibitions

This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.

Aquatic Invasive Species

This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.

Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products

This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.

Newberry #2 Snowmobile Trail Closure

Effective December 1, 2025, Order #06-01-01-25-05

West Bend Area Trail Closures

We are restoring the forest adjacent to the City of Bend to improve forest health, create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and to protect our communities and quality of life.

Cabin Butte Area Closure

Cabin Butte Area Closure (Effective May 1, 2025, Order #06-01-01-25-03)

Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order

Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order (Effective November 14, 2024, Order #06-01-25-01)Describes the prohibition of camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive c

Wilderness Permit, Camping & Fire Restrictions Order

Wilderness Permit, Camping, and Fire Restrictions Order (Effective May 1, 2024, Order #06-01-24-01)Describes the special restrictions and prohibitions for Wilderness areas on the Deschutes and Willamette Natio

Blue-Green Algae Information

The Deschutes National Forest encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae.

Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area

Please use caution when recreating in areas that were impacted by the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.

Camping & Campfire Forest Order

Camping and Campfire Forest Order (Effective April 6, 2021, Order #06-01-21-01)Describes where camping and campfires are prohibited on the Deschutes National Forest.This Order becomes effect

Cave Resource Protection Forest Order

Cave Resource Protection Forest Order (Effective April 1, 2021 Order #06-01-21-02)Describes the prohibitions for entering or exploring caves or areas near caves on the Deschutes National Forest.This O

From Recreation.gov

**NOTICE**: Generator use is permitted from **8:00 AM to 8:00 PM**. Due to customer feedback, we ask that campers **refrain from using open-frame**, construction-style** generators**, as they create excessive noise and may violate our peace and quiet rules.

From Recreation.gov

**NOTICE** – **Lake Billy Chinook will be approximately 2–3 feet lower than usual** this winter for dam maintenance. Drawdown starts Sept. 16; refill begins Jan. 1. The **Crooked River Day Use ramp **at The Cove Palisades State Park will remain open, but others (including **Perry South**) may not be usable.

From Recreation.gov

**MOORAGE:** Slips are $10/night and available to registered campers only. Vehicles at the launch or overflow are subject to a $10/day permit. Please check slip dimensions before booking, and reserve larger slips only if needed.

About

Perry South Campground sits on the shores of Lake Billy Chinook in central Oregon's high desert region within the Deschutes National Forest. Managed by Portland General Electric under partnership with the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project, the campground offers a prime location on the Metolius Arm of the lake with direct water access. The campground features standard and double sites, tent-only sites, and hike-to sites, along with 30 reservable boat slips. An active boat launch provides lake access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Lake Billy Chinook, created by Round Butte Dam, fills the canyons of three rivers and offers 72 miles of shoreline supporting diverse fish populations including bass, trout, and salmon. The surrounding rugged hills and evergreen forest provide habitat for mule deer, coyotes, and other wildlife. Campers can enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, and hiking. Nearby Balancing Rocks Overlook offers scenic views west of the campground. Access to Perry South requires traveling several miles on gravel Forest Service roads, with the route through Cove Palisades State Park being the most maintained option. The campground enforces a 10 MPH no-wake zone for boating and has a maximum RV spur length of 50 feet.

Directions

From Sisters, travel 5.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 20.8 miles north on Forest Road 11, then 5.0 miles east on Forest Road 1170, and then 2.6 miles northwest on County Road 64. The route through Cove Palisades State Park via Highway 97 has the most pavement and best-maintained gravel roads. The last couple miles are gravel. Alternate routes from Highway 20 include rough gravel Forest Service roads.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $10 - $24

Vehicle

Max RV Length 50ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email pgeparks@pgn.com
Phone +1 (503) 464-8515

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Boat slips are available by talking to the Park Staff
PGE operates the campground in partnership with the US Forest Service
The boat ramp area is available to campers and day users for a fee
Sites offer flecked sun and shade

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