Haystack Campground (East Shore)
Haystack Campground (East Shore) is located in central Oregon's scenic Crooked River National Grassland. With a view of Mt. Jefferson in the distance, visitors can enjoy the beautiful vistas while relaxing in the high desert.
More like this: electric hookups in Oregon · reservable in Oregon · big rigs in Oregon · pets allowed in Oregon · group sites in Oregon
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 23 |
| group shelter nonelectric | 3 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Site guide
26 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 002 | Standard | Back-in | 56 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | |
| 003 | Standard | Back-in | 38 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | |
| 004 | Standard | Back-in | 42 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | |
| 005 | Standard | Back-in | 52 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | |
| 006 | Standard | Back-in | 58 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | |
| 007 | Standard | Back-in | 67 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | |
| 008 | Standard | Back-in | 48 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | |
| 009 | Standard | Back-in | 75 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | |
| 010 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | |
| 011 | Standard | Back-in | 45 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | Electric, sewer |
| Max vehicle length | 140 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
Haystack Campground offers 24 spacious campsites that will accommodate tents to large RVs. It is located on the east shore of Haystack Reservoir and has paved interior roads and site pads. Each campsite has a picnic table and campfire ring. There are five vault toilets conveniently located throughout the campground. Potable water is available at the RV fill station located just past the entrance station. In addition to the individual campsites, there are Group Sites and Day Use areas that have covered picnic tables.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | April 1 to October 31 |
| Forest | Ochoco National Forest |
| Booking | Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, but not less than 1 day in advance. To make a reservation call 1-877-444-6777 or visit http://www.recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Camping per site per night: $20 single campsite/ $10 extra vehicle fee. $50 weekday group site/$75 weekend. Day Use fee: $7/vehicle or group |
| Rules | There is a 14 day stay limit on all National Grassland and US Forest Service land including but not limited to campgrounds and other developed facilities. |
Weather by month
Getting there
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 on for about 2.1 miles. The Haystack Campground entrance is on the left. From Highway 26: Exit on Laurel Lane (FS 96) and go west for approximately 4 miles.
| Nearest town | Prineville, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 44.4945° N, 121.1417° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- WildfireBench
14 mi from the campground · 67,071 acres · 90% contained
- PrescribedJunction Rx
41 mi from the campground
- PrescribedSlow Dxp/Lemiti Rx - West
42 mi from the campground
- PrescribedSisi Lookout Admin Piles Rx - West
44 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 6.5 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Redpoint ↗ | 10.1 mi |
| RV sales & service | Big Country RV ↗ | 16.4 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
(4K UHD) REVIEWING EACH CAMPSITE @ Haystack Reservoir (East) Campground! | Crooked River G
Worth a stop
Smith Rock State Park, a very popular area for rock climbing is about a 20-minute drive to the south. Also, a spectacular view of the Crooked River Gorge is available from an old highway bridge, now accessible by a short walk from a rest area just off Hwy 97 about 15 minutes south of the campground.
- 4.9 miTrail Crossing Corrals Trailhead ↗Trailhead
Trails nearby
- 3.6 miOHV # 220.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 3.6 miOHV # 10 ↗6.4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 3.6 miOHV # 162 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 3.7 miRidge Rider - Warner Loop ↗8.9 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 3.7 miRidge Rider - Cole Loop ↗23.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 3.7 miOHV # 180.8 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Oregon Trunk Passenger and Freight StationBuilding · Metolius · 6.7 mi
- Jefferson County CourthouseBuilding · Madras · 9.7 mi
- Max and Ollie Lueddemann HouseBuilding · Madras · 9.7 mi
Natural features
Near Madras, Oregon, Haystack Reservoir's 240 surface-acres are surrounded by a high desert landscape of juniper trees and sagebrush. The expanse of water attracts waterfowl such as common loon, horned grebe, red-necked grebe, and eared grebe for a respite during migration. Rarities that have been reported are trumpeter swan, surf scoter, black-necked stilt, sanderling, bald eagle, osprey, and eastern kingbird. The spring breeding season in April through May produces nature's own concert from Pacific chorus frog.
Recreation
Fishing is a popular pastime at the reservoir, which is regularly stocked. Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, kokanee, along with crappie and catfish are some of the species that inhabit the water. Recreational boating is also popular with paved boat ramps available at Haystack Campground as well as at the West Shore Campground. Swimming is also permitted. Nearby areas provide other activities such as rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATV use.
Guidebooks for Oregon
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Haystack Campground (East Shore)?
Sites at Haystack Campground (East Shore) are reservable on Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, but not less than 1 day in advance. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Haystack Campground (East Shore)?
Camping per site per night: $20 single campsite/ $10 extra vehicle fee. $50 weekday group site/$75 weekend. Day Use fee: $7/vehicle or group
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Haystack Campground (East Shore)?
Check-in 00:00 PM, checkout 00:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Haystack Campground (East Shore) open right now?
Open as of Oct 16, 2026. Season April 1 to October 31.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Haystack Campground (East Shore) have?
27 sites, including 23 standard sites without power and 3 group shelter nonelectric.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Haystack Campground (East Shore)?
Recreation.gov lists no practical vehicle capacity limit for the largest site here, which usually means pull-through or open parking. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Does Haystack Campground (East Shore) have hookups?
Yes, electric and sewer hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Haystack Campground (East Shore)?
Yes, pets are allowed at Haystack Campground (East Shore). Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Haystack Campground (East Shore)?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 4 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. There is a 14 day stay limit on all National Grassland and US Forest Service land including but not limited to campgrounds and other developed facilities.
Source: Fire nearby
Is there cell service at Haystack Campground (East Shore)?
FCC coverage maps show AT&T 4G LTE and T-Mobile 5G at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Haystack Campground (East Shore)?
Fishing is a popular pastime at the reservoir, which is regularly stocked. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Haystack Campground (East Shore)?
Prineville, Oregon. Smith Rock State Park, a very popular area for rock climbing is about a 20-minute drive to the south.
Source: Getting there