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Access Site OR

Haystack Campground

Haystack Reservoir

Source: oregon_gov Updated 1 year ago

City: Culver, OR
County: Jefferson County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.49480000, -121.14308000
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Haystack Campground offers a paved boat ramp providing convenient access to Haystack Reservoir, a 233-acre impoundment of the Crooked River located 8 miles south of Madras, Oregon. The single-lane ramp features a gentle slope and is approximately 16 feet wide, making it suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and larger motorboats. The reservoir spans 5 miles of shoreline across 271 acres of surrounding land, offering plenty of space for paddling and exploration in a scenic high desert setting with views of Mt. Jefferson.

The campground is situated on the east shore and offers both camping and day-use facilities. Note that there is a fee to use the boat ramp and parking area. Anglers frequent the reservoir for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, kokanee, crappie, and catfish. The facility is located just 1.2 miles east of Highway 97 via Jericho Lane, making it easily accessible for day trips or extended camping adventures. For planning purposes, contact the campground office at 541-351-1182 to confirm current conditions and any access requirements.
Federal Facility Information
541-351-1182 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
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.Recreation
Fishing is a popular pastime at the reservoir, which is regularly stocked. Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, kokanee, along with crappie and catfish are...

Overview
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.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.Facilities
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.
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.
Nearby Attractions
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.

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Nearby Campgrounds (3 within 10 miles)
HAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE)
On-site Reservable
Cyrus Horse Camp
On-site
South Shore Group Campground
On-site Reservable
Nearby Recreation Areas
Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Located within
Haystack Reservoir Located within
Steelhead Falls Trail Located within