Perry South Campground

Pacific Northwest

Perry South Campground

Pacific Northwest

About this campsite

Overview

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

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

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 are is a parking fee area; daily parking passes are $5. PGE also honors the NW Forest Pass and the America the Beautiful Passes. Boat slips are reservable with your campsite reservation.

Facilities

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 by reservation.

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.

Contact Info

Between 05/22/2026 and 09/13/2026 this location is staffed. Please call (541) 325-5315 to speak with local staff. From 09/14/2026 to 05/28/2027 this location is unstaffed. Please call (541) 325-5292 for general information.

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.

Charges & 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.

Location

PERRY SOUTH CAMPGROUND•OR

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

FRI☁️

27° / 9°

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SAT🌤️

27° / 12°

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SUN☁️

28° / 13°

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TODAY☁️

31° / 14°

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TUE☁️

28° / 12°

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Nearby Campsites

within 50km

4.4 km away

MONTY CAMPGROUND

Overview Monty is a small, first-come, first-served campground located on the lower Metolius River just above Lake Billy Chinook and offers fishing and a peaceful, rustic setting. The 12-site campground can accommodate very small RVs or vans, however it is best suited for tent camping as electric hookups are not available and the narrow access roads can be very rough. RV and trailer campers are cautioned to take it extremely slow and steady. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and vault toilets are available. You must bring your own drinking water. Recreation Fishing tops the list of recreational activities for visitors. Water enthusiasts of all types will enjoy the opportunities available at nearby Perry South Campground. Motorized and non-motorized boats share the vicinity with swimmers and water skiers braving the cold, clear waters of Lake Billy Chinook. Facilities Monty Campground can accommodate small RV, trailer or tent-campers however it is best suited for tent camping as electric hookups are not available and the access roads can be very rough. RV and trailer campers are cautioned to take it slow and steady. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and vault toilets are available. You must bring your own drinking water. Natural Features Lake Billy Chinook is the highlight of the area. Created by Round Butte Dam, it fills the canyons of the Crooked, Metolius and Deschutes Rivers. Within these three large arms are 72 miles of shoreline, supporting fish habitats for bass, trout, salmon, whitefish, suckers, minnows and dace. Rugged hills and a diverse coniferous 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. It's clear, cold and constant waters support fly-fishing 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. Contact Info Between 05/26/2023 and 09/09/2023 this location is staffed. Please call (541) 325-5315 to speak with local staff. From 11/22/2022 to 05/25/2023 this location is unstaffed. Please call (503) 464-8515 for general information. Charges & 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.

14.0 km away

LOWER BRIDGE CAMPGROUND

Overview Lower Bridge Campground earned its name for being located on the Metolius River where it flows under the corresponding bridge. You can't miss the beauty of this campground with its towering ponderosa pines and incense cedars providing ample shade. Recreation Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors. For anglers, the spring-fed Metolius river offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. The clear, cold water supports rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon. For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes in subalpine forests. Facilities Lower Bridge Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however water and electric hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and the campground has vault toilets and drinking water available. Natural Features The headwaters of the adjacent Metolius River are at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity. The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home. Nearby Attractions The Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform allows visitors the chance to view a variety of types of fish while the Metolius Research Natural Area gives bird watchers ample opportunities. Visit the Metolius Fish Hatchery or Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery display ponds to observe and feed different types of salmon and other fish. The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail. Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well. It is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can also explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon. Charges & Cancellations Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

14.0 km away

GREEN RIDGE LOOKOUT

Overview Green Ridge Lookout is perched on a ridge more than 2,000 feet above the Metolius River. It offers guests a unique lodging experience in Deschutes National Forest. The lookout, a 20-foot tall fire lookout with unmatched views of Mt. Jefferson and the Metolius River basin, was built in the 1960s. Green Ridge Lookout is available for rent early May - June and mid September - mid November. During the summer months, the lookout is staffed with Forest Service volunteers who help with forest fire detection. Recreation Fishing and hiking top the list of recreational activities in the area. For anglers, the Metolius River offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. Its clear, cold waters support rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon. For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes through subalpine forests. Several pleasant day hikes are found along the Metolius River and to the top of Black Butte. Lake Billy Chinook, approximately ten miles away, offers boating and fishing opportunities. Facilities The R6 style cab sits on a two-story tower hugging the side of Green Ridge. From the parking area, there is a short boardwalk to the lower 20x20-ft. wooden deck. A one story flight of steps leads to the catwalk of the upper deck surrounding the cabin. The one-room cabin is furnished with a futon, a table and two chairs. It is also equipped with a propane refrigerator, an overhead light, a propane wall heater, a four-burner propane stove and oven. Guests must bring several of their own amenities, including food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, cookware, dish soap, matches, toilet paper and garbage bags. There is no water available at the site. Guests must bring water for drinking, cooking and washing. Although lighting is available, bringing an additional light source is recommended. Natural Features Guests to Green Ridge Lookout are treated to views of snow-capped mountain peaks and dense forests of Douglas-fir, cedar and Ponderosa pine that stretch out to the horizon. Mount Jefferson, the most prominent peak in view, is a stratovolcano that reaches an elevation of 10,497 feet, the second highest mountain in Oregon. The scenic Metolius River flows through the basin beneath the tower lookout. The headwaters of the river are at Metolius Springs at the base of nearby Black Butte, a 6,436 ft. cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity. Nearby Attractions

14.3 km away

CANDLE CREEK CAMPGROUND

Overview Candle Creek Campground sits at the confluence of the Metolius River and Candle Creek. It is at the end of the Metolius Valley and on the river where the rapids start. This unique location makes it a very popular spot among locals. Recreation Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors. For anglers, the spring-fed Metolius river offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. The clear, cold water supports rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon. For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes in subalpine forests. Facilities Candle Creek Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however water and electric hookups are not available. Due to the gravel access road this facility is not the best for RVs or passenger cars although they can be accommodated. Drivers should go slow and use caution. This is a no water facility so campers will need to bring their own supply. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and the campground has vault toilets available. Natural Features The headwaters of the adjacent Metolius River are at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity. The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home. Nearby Attractions The Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform allows visitors the chance to view a variety of types of fish while the Metolius Research Natural Area gives bird watchers ample opportunities. Visit the Metolius Fish Hatchery or Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery display ponds to observe and feed different types of salmon and other fish. The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail. Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well. It is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can also explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon. Charges & Cancellations Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

14.4 km away

Pioneer Ford Campground

Overview Pioneer Ford is one of the most popular of the campgrounds in the area since many of the sites are well suited to RVs and most of the sites are mostly private, shaded amongst a mixture of pine and cedar trees. As you travel north away from the first in a series of Metolius-area campgrounds and Camp Sherman, the facilities become more and more isolated which is why Pioneer Ford can be so quiet. Located on the Metolius River, this campground provides access to fishing and hiking trails. Recreation Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors. For anglers, the spring-fed Metolius River offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. Its clear, cold water supports rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon. For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes in subalpine forests. Facilities With 20 campsites Pioneer Ford Campground is well-suited to trailers, tents or RVs with its mix of back-in and pull-through sites. Many sites are right along the Metolius River and site 8 also has an adjacent picnic shelter. This facility has vault toilets as well as drinking water available. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Natural Features The headwaters of the river are at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity. The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home. Nearby Attractions The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length, and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail. Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Charges & Cancellations Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.