Open
— Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No potable water is available at the campground. The Trout Creek Climbing Area is closed annually from January 15 to August 31 for golden eagle nesting.
About
Trout Creek Campground sits on the banks of the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River in central Oregon's high desert canyon country. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this year-round campground features 21 individual campsites and three group-use sites, with some pull-through options available. The recreation site includes a boat launch, seasonal ranger station, and day-use parking facilities.
The campground serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation along the river corridor. The 7-mile Trout Creek Trail originates at the south end of the campground, following an abandoned railroad grade parallel to the river and offering views of spectacular columnar basalt cliffs. The adjacent Trout Creek Climbing Area attracts climbers to its volcanic rock formations, though it is closed January 15 through August 31 to protect nesting golden eagles. The river provides year-round trout and steelhead fishing opportunities.
Access requires navigating gravel roads and a narrow tunnel that precludes tall vehicles. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no potable water available and no cell phone service. Goathead thorns are present in the area. Weekend rates apply June through mid-September, with lower rates Sunday through Thursday.
Directions
From Madras, Oregon: Drive 3 miles north on US Highway 97; turn left onto NE Cora Drive and proceed 0.7 miles. Make a slight left onto NE Clark Drive for 5.8 miles, then turn left onto NE Buckley Ln/NE Clark Drive for 0.4 miles. NE Buckley Ln/NE Clark Drive turns left and becomes NE Clemens Drive for 1.3 miles. At Gateway, turn right to stay on NE Clemens Drive which becomes Coleman Road. The road turns to gravel at Trout Creek and a narrow tunnel precludes tall vehicles. After another 4.4 miles, the campground is on the banks of the Deschutes River.
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