Prineville Reservoir State Park encompasses this main campground alongside several smaller camping areas along the reservoir's shoreline. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages the 70-site facility, which operates year-round with full hookups available for RVs and options for tent camping. Sites are arranged in loops that descend toward the water, with some offering direct lake views while others sit back from the shore under shade trees.
The campground attracts a mix of boaters, anglers, and stargazers drawn to the area's minimal light pollution. Amy B. notes that she returns each spring to "get a spot overlooking the lake/reservoir" and appreciates that "this is also a dark sky park and if the moon is not bright the stars are amazing." Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting both the scenery and lake access. During peak summer months, the campground fills with boaters and water sports enthusiasts, while spring and fall see fewer crowds.
The reservoir provides the primary recreation focus, with a fishing dock, boat ramp, and designated swimming area where dogs are prohibited. Crappie fishing draws many visitors, and the park includes a fish cleaning station near the dock. A four-mile shoreline trail follows the water's edge, and wildlife sightings include deer, great horned owls, and ospreys. Ice and firewood are available from camp hosts.
Site pads accommodate RVs but run smaller than some state parks, with perpendicular rather than angled parking at many spots. The campground includes restrooms with hot showers, and most sites feature standard picnic tables and fire rings. Cell service remains limited throughout most of the campground, though some campers report finding signal near the fishing platform. Susan F. warns that sites without sewer hookups must use the dump station at nearby Jasper Point, requiring a drive on narrow roads.
GPS directions may route visitors on unpaved back roads, so checking maps beforehand helps ensure easier access. The facility works well for water-focused camping trips and those seeking dark skies for astronomy.
Description
Located partway along the Crooked River’s 125-mile journey from the Ochoco Mountains to its confluence with the Deschutes River, the Prineville Reservoir is a vast blue pool filling a colorful canyon of volcanic rock, sagebrush and juniper. The reservoir was created in the 1960s with the construction of the Bowman Dam. The state park was established shortly after to provide campers, anglers and water lovers an opportunity to enjoy the natural area—and a chance to beat Central Oregon’s summer heat. The park lies adjacent to the Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area, which preserves the habitat of a wide variety of mammals, waterfowl, songbirds and raptors.
Prineville Reservoir State Park is located just 15 miles south of the town of Prineville, and 50 miles east of Bend. The park’s Main Campground features 67 sites, including full- and partial-hookup RV sites and primitive tent sites. The Jasper Point Campground features 28 partial-hookup sites. Both locations provide drinking water, flush and vault toilets, hot showers, and recycling stations; a dump station is located at the Jasper Point site. There are also a few camping cabins for rent. The park hosts interpretive programs at an outdoor amphitheater, and onsite amenities include sports courts, hiking trails, a dog park, and a fishing pier. The park host sells ice and firewood. Dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed. Seasonal campsites are $21–$33/night; cabins are $89–$99/night; reservations recommended.
For enjoying some on-the-water fun time, boaters can launch watercraft from the ramp at the day-use area, which has plenty of parking for vehicles and trailers. Nearby, sunbathers and swimmers can enjoy some beach time at the designated swim area. Picnic tables are available for packing lunches and refreshments to enjoy by the water. For paddling around the shoreline, kayaks and SUPs can be put in from either the boat launch or the beach. Anglers can cast for trout, catfish, bass and black crappie, then take their catches back and prep them for dinner at the park’s fish cleaning station. Another boat ramp, beach and parking area is located west of the state park at Powder House Cove, near the Bowman Dam.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
**B and most of C Loops do not have water hookups from October 15th through April 15th.** Sites C7, C8, C9, C11, C13, C14 and C21 are the only sites with water hook ups from October 15th through April 15th. Electricity and sewer hookups are not turned off during this time.
Emerald Ash Borer, a highly invasive insect, has been sighted in Oregon for the first time. Help contain this extremely damaging insect by following these firewood tips: - Buy locally harvested firewood at or near your destination. - Buy certified heat-treated firewood ahead of time, if available.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPrineville Reservoir Main Campground — Prineville Reservoir State Park is located in Oregon
Directions
Directions to Prineville Reservoir State Park From Portland: (approximately 3 1/2 hours) Take Highway 26 east, over Mt. Hood, to Madras. Continue on Hwy 26 to Prineville. At east end of Prineville, turn right on Combs Flat Road. After aprox. 1 mile, turn right on Juniper Canyon Road. Proceed 15 miles to park entrance which is SE Parkland Drive. From Salem: (approximately 3 1/2 hours) Take Highway 22 over Santiam Pass, to Sisters, then take Hwy 126 to Redmond. Continue on Hwy 126 to Prineville. At east end of Prineville, turn right on Combs Flat Road. After aprox. 1 mile, turn right on Juniper Canyon Road. Proceed 15 miles to park entrance, which is SE Parkland Drive.
Address
19020 SE PARKLAND DR
Prineville, OR 97754
Coordinates
44.12982935 N
120.72155218 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 18 min from Bend, OR
- 3 hrs 17 min from Albany, OR
- 3 hrs 19 min from Eugene, OR
- 3 hrs 22 min from Salem, OR






























