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.
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
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
PGE Parks and Recreation Dept. 33831 E Faraday Rd Estacada OR 97023
Montgomery Rd Culver OR 97734
For campground inquiries, please call: 503-464-8515
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
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.