Perry South Campground

Deschutes National Forest

Located in the high desert region of central Oregon, Perry South Campground sits on the shores of Lake Billy Chinook in Deschutes National Forest.

It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the area's scenic beauty and year-round recreational activities.

Picnic areas and scenic overlooks, along with the conveniences of firewood, drinking water and vault toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable camping environment.


The campground has a boat ramp, and dock space is available for tie up on two docks on a first come-first served basis.

Notifications and Alerts

• Please be aware that there is no beach or designated swimming access at Perry South. The only developed lake access is an active boat launch.

• Fire restrictions are in effect for Perry South until Thursday, September 16. Beginning 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 17, campfires are allowed in designated, developed campgrounds including Perry South.

• NOTICE: Lake Billy Chinook Reservoir has a history of blue-green algae blooms with toxicity levels regularly occurring above the threshold for human health and safety. The Deschutes National Forest will not be monitoring for toxicity until further notice. Visit the Oregon Health Authority for more information on harmful algae blooms.

• Perry South Campground's season has been extended by one week. The last night of camping is now Saturday night, September 18, 2021.

Need to Know

• Driving: The route using Highway 97 and passing through Cove Palisades State Park has the most pavement and adequately maintained gravel roads. The last couple of miles of gravel and can be challenging for large RVs, trailers, and these vehicles passing each other. All alternate routes (from Highway 20) include rough, teeth-rattling, gravel Forest Service roads. 

• Vehicle Fees

  • One vehicle is included with a single site; two with a double site.
  • There will be an $8 additional vehicle fee per day for the 2nd vehicle in each single site and for the 3rd in each double.
  • Vehicles joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site are NOT subject to additional fees. Two motorcycles are considered as one vehicle for determining additional vehicle fees. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.

• Vehicle Limits: Please check your site's driveway length—this may limit the number of vehicles at your site. All vehicles must fit within the site's designated parking space. Due to variations in vehicle sizes, the maximum number of vehicles allowed is not a guarantee that the maximum number will fit in the site.

• Occupancy: All Standard Sites have a maximum occupancy of 6 persons.

• Day Use: There is a day use fee area at this location. Daily parking permits are available for $5 per day. Campers can display their camping receipt. Northwest Forest Passes and Interagency America the Beautiful Passes are honored for day use.

• Boats: 10 MPH speed limit is enforced for boating on Lake Billy Chinook. See the Oregon State Marine Board for more boater regulations. 

• Boat Slips: Slips are free. Visit the Park Host onsite to reserve a boat slip.

• Amenities: Hookups are not available.

• OHVs: Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground.

• Generators: Generators are prohibited during quiet hours. Generators may not be run during quiet hours to power medical devices or other equipment.

• The campground is managed by Portland General Electric, under a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service; more information can be found here. 

• Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest.

• Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

• Park Rules: To protect our parks and help make your stay an enjoyable experience for all, please observe the PGE Parks and Recreation Rules .

Natural Features

Lake Billy Chinook is the highlight of the area. The lake, created by Round Butte Dam, fills the canyons of the Crooked, Metolius and Deschutes Rivers.


Within these three large arms is 72 miles of shoreline, supporting fish habitats for bass, trout, salmon, whitefish, suckers, minnows and dace.


Rugged hills and a diverse evergreen forest surround the lake, providing homes for mammals such as mule deer, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbit and cougars.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors may want to explore the Tam-a-lau Trail, a scenic hike that starts on a peninsula at the confluence of the Crooked River and the Deschutes River in Cove Palisades State Park.

Under the designation of a Wild and Scenic River, nearby Metolius River is nestled in a forested valley west of Mt. Jefferson. Its clear, cold and constant waters support flyfishing and whitewater boating.

Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.

Recreation

Fishing and motorized boating top the list of recreational activities for visitors. Hikers should be sure to check out nearby Balancing Rocks Overlook, just west of Perry South Campground.

Water enthusiasts of all types will enjoy the opportunities available. Motorized and non-motorized boats share the vicinity with swimmers and water skiers braving the cold, clear waters of Lake Billy Chinook. The Day Use is a fee area; daily passes are $5. PGE also honors the NW Forest Pass and the America the Beautiful Passes. Boat slips are free—visit the Park Host to reserve one.

Changes & Cancellations

A service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see the Recreation.Gov, Rules & Reservation Policies.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

PGE Parks and Recreation Dept. 33831 E Faraday Rd Estacada OR 97023

Physical Address

Montgomery Rd Culver OR 97734

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 503-464-8515

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Sisters, travel 5.6 miles northwest on Hwy 20. Continue 20.8 miles north on Forest Road 11, then 5.0 miles east on Forest Road 1170, and then 2.6 miles northwest of Forest Road 64.

Available Campsites

• Site 008, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 048, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 063, Loop UPPE, Type Hike To
• Site 056, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 049, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 024, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 038, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 061, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 037, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 055, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 039, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 057, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop LOWE, Type Hike To
• Site 047, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 052, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 031, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 040, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 058, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 033, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 034, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 032, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 062, Loop UPPE, Type Hike To
• Site 026, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 054, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 045, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 036, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 060, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030, Loop LOWE, Type Hike To
• Site 051, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 059, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 035, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 028, Loop LOWE, Type Hike To
• Site 018, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 046, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 050, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 043, Loop UPPE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop LOWE, Type Standard Nonelectric

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