The Haystack Reservoir area encompasses 271 acres of land and 233 acres of
water surface, with 5 miles of shoreline. Available species include largemouth
bass, crappie, rainbow trout, kokanee, brown trout, and brown
bullhead.Haystack Dam and reservoir are features of the Deschutes Project.

The Haystack Reservoir area encompasses 271 acres of land and 233 acres of water surface, with 5 miles of shoreline.  Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, kokanee, brown trout, and brown bullhead.<a href="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=183" rel="nofollow">Haystack Dam</a> and reservoir are features of the <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=445" rel="nofollow">Deschutes Project</a>.

## Overview

**South Shore Group Campground reservations are no longer accepted through
Recreation.gov as of March 2019. Please contact the new managing agency, Crook
County Parks and Recreation District, at 541-447-2599 to make your
reservations for Willow, Juniper, and Cottonwood campsites at South Shore
Campground.**

**Thank you for visiting Haystack Reservoir.**

South Shore Group Campground is the only designated group campground at
Haystack Reservoir in Central Oregon near Madras, Oregon. There are three
group campsites to reserve which can hold 50 people per group site. Each site
is primitive so they do not have water, electricity or sewer available. Two
vault toilets are located in the campground, and each site has picnic tables
and a firering. All campfires are required to be in the firerings at all
times. Water is available about .5 miles away at West Shore Campground up the
road. Each campsite is private from the other group sites. All roads and
campsites are gravel. These campsites are located near the lake with beautiful
views of the reservoir and Cascade Mountains. Sites are surrounded by juniper
trees, sagebrush and bitterbrush and are an ideal quiet setting for small or
large groups wanting a private natural setting on Haystack Lake. Upon arrival,
visit the Campground Host at West Shore Campground .5 miles up the road so
they can give you check-in instructions, since there is a locked gate at South
Shore Campground. The campground is open March through November.

## Recreation

Haystack Reservoir is a small and intimate lake very popular for fishing and
camping with local visitors along with many traveling and recreating through
the sunny Central Oregon area. Haystack Reservoir offers boating, fishing,
camping and sightseeing and is easy access only a few miles off of Highway 97.
Small motorized boating is allowed. Non-motorized boating is popular for those
with canoes and kayaks. Two boat ramps are located nearby at West and East
Shore Campgrounds across the lake from South Shore Group Campground. The
surrounding Central Oregon area is a destination for a variety of favorite
recreation opportunities such as boating, hiking, fishing, camping, mountain
biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, hunting and designated Off Highway
Vehicle (OHV) trails. Several premier Oregon State Parks are nearby for
recreation use such as Smith Rock State Park offering world known rock
climbing, and Lake Billy Chinook offering popular camping, boating, fishing,
hiking, picnicking, swimming, and water and jet skiing. The Lower Deschutes
Wild and Scenic River is located about 30 minutes away, and provides world
known fishing and whitewater boating.

## Facilities

South Shore Group Campground has three primitive group campsites with picnic
tables, campfire rings, and gravel roads and parking lots. Two vault toilets
are available in the campground. The group campsites are named Willow, Juniper
and Cottonwood with lots of vegetation for privacy screening and close to the
lake with great views of the mountains on a sunny day. There are no water,
sewer or electric hookups. Water is available .5 miles up the road at West
Shore Recreation Area. Once you arrive, check in at West Shore Campground with
the Campground Host, and they will give you information for entering South
Shore since there is a locked gate at the group campground entrance.

## Natural Features

South Shore Campground is located in a High Desert landscape with gorgeous
views of the lake, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood as a scenic backdrop. High
desert weather is mostly sunny and warm a majority of the time with juniper
trees, sage brush and bitter brush throughout the campground. Lakeside views
and access to this small, intimate reservoir make it a beautiful spot in
Central Oregon to relax and view waterfowl, deer, eagles, osprey and Great
Blue Herons. The combination of a low forest canopy and 3,000' elevation make
this a perfect location for stargazing at the wide open sky on clear nights.

## Nearby Attractions

There are several state parks within 30 minutes away to include Smith Rock and
Cove Palisades State Parks. Smith Rock State Park features world class rock
climbing and hiking along the Crooked River. The Cove Palisades State Park
offers many lake opportunities such as boating, swimming, hiking, water and
jet skiing. The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is a popular destination
for both whitewater boating and fishing only 30 minutes away. The nearby U.S.
National Forest Service Grasslands feature designated Off Highway Vehicles
(OHV) trails, horseback riding, hiking and primitive camping.

## Charges & Cancellations

Please contact the new managing agency, Crook County Parks and Recreation
District, at 541-447-2599 for cancellation policy.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>South Shore Group Campground reservations are no longer accepted through Recreation.gov as of March 2019. Please contact the new managing agency, Crook County Parks and Recreation District, at 541-447-2599 to make your reservations for Willow, Juniper, and Cottonwood campsites at South Shore Campground. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Thank you for visiting Haystack Reservoir. </strong></p>
<p>South Shore Group Campground is the only designated group campground at Haystack Reservoir in Central Oregon near Madras, Oregon.  There are three group campsites to reserve which can hold 50 people per group site.  Each site is primitive so they do not have water, electricity or sewer available.  Two vault toilets are located in the campground, and each site has picnic tables and a firering.  All campfires are required to be in the firerings at all times.  Water is available about .5 miles away at West Shore Campground up the road.  Each campsite is private from the other group sites.  All roads and campsites are gravel.  These campsites are located near the lake with beautiful views of the reservoir and Cascade Mountains.  Sites are surrounded by juniper trees, sagebrush and bitterbrush and are an ideal quiet setting for small or large groups wanting a private natural setting on Haystack Lake.  Upon arrival, visit the Campground Host at West Shore Campground .5 miles up the road so they can give you check-in instructions, since there is a locked gate at South Shore Campground.  The campground is open March through November.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Haystack Reservoir is a small and intimate lake very popular for fishing and camping with local visitors along with many traveling and recreating through the sunny Central Oregon area. Haystack Reservoir offers boating, fishing, camping and sightseeing and is easy access only a few miles off of Highway 97.  Small motorized boating is allowed.  Non-motorized boating is popular for those with canoes and kayaks.  Two boat ramps are located nearby at West and East Shore Campgrounds across the lake from South Shore Group Campground. 

The surrounding Central Oregon area is a destination for a variety of favorite recreation opportunities such as boating, hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, hunting and designated Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails.  Several premier Oregon State Parks are nearby for recreation use such as Smith Rock State Park offering world known rock climbing, and Lake Billy Chinook offering popular camping, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and water and jet skiing.  The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is located about 30 minutes away, and provides world known fishing and whitewater boating.

<h2>Facilities</h2>
South Shore Group Campground has three primitive group campsites with picnic tables, campfire rings, and gravel roads and parking lots.  Two vault toilets are available in the campground. The group campsites are named Willow, Juniper and Cottonwood with lots of vegetation for privacy screening and close to the lake with great views of the mountains on a sunny day.  There are no water, sewer or electric hookups.  Water is available .5 miles up the road at West Shore Recreation Area.  Once you arrive, check in at West Shore Campground with the Campground Host, and they will give you information for entering South Shore since there is a locked gate at the group campground entrance.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
South Shore Campground is located in a High Desert landscape with gorgeous views of the lake, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood as a scenic backdrop.  High desert weather is mostly sunny and warm a majority of the time with  juniper trees, sage brush and bitter brush throughout the campground.  Lakeside views and access to this small, intimate reservoir make it a beautiful spot in Central Oregon to relax and view waterfowl, deer, eagles, osprey and Great Blue Herons.  The combination of a low forest canopy and 3,000' elevation make this a perfect location for stargazing at the wide open sky on clear nights.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
There are several state parks within 30 minutes away to include Smith Rock and Cove Palisades State Parks.  Smith Rock State Park features world class rock climbing and hiking along the Crooked River.  The Cove Palisades State Park offers many lake opportunities such as boating, swimming, hiking, water and jet skiing.  The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is a popular destination for both whitewater boating and fishing only 30 minutes away.  The nearby U.S. National Forest Service Grasslands feature designated Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) trails, horseback riding, hiking and primitive camping.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Please contact the new managing agency, Crook County Parks and Recreation District, at 541-447-2599 for cancellation policy.</p>

Sunset view from South Shore Group Campground of Mt. Jefferson in the Cascade Mountains

South Shore Group Campground at Haystack Reservoir in Oregon

View of South Shore Group Campground from across Haystack Reservoir.

South Shore Group Campground at Haystack Reservoir

Haystack Reservoir in Oregon

Gravel entrance road to South Shore Group Campground at Haystack Reservoir.

View of Cascade Mountains from South Shore Campground at Haystack Reservoir

South Shore Campground at Haystack Reservoir

Year around locked entrance gate to South Shore Group Campground.  Check in with Campground Host .5 miles up the road at West Shore Campground for access to your campsite.

South Shore Group Campground

Bird's eye view of the park

Haystack Reservoir

In steps, it is only about 0.5 miles from the trailhead to Steelhead Falls. In
terms of geologic time, it is a few million years. Colorful grooves decorate
cliffs and show the erosion of time. Wildflowers dot the slopes in the spring
and golden eagles soar overhead. The trail to the falls is relatively easy,
with one small, steep section. Hike down for a picnic, fish in the Deschutes
River, explore the rocky shores, or just sit and relax and let the sound of
the falls erase the world around you.

The Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (OR-5-14) is
part of a larger study area that includes U.S. Forest Service lands. This WSA
is located in a triangle formed by the towns of Madras, Redmond and Sisters,
in Central Oregon. The Steelhead Falls study area is a long narrow area
located along the upper Deschutes River, within and adjacent to the U.S.
Forest Service-administered Crooked River National Grasslands.

## Know Before You Go

  * Open YEAR ROUND.
  * Open for overnight camping; sites are first come, first served.
  * Amenities include limited trailer parking and an outhouse, but no potable water.
  * Campfires are allowed; fire restrictions are in effect in the summer.
  * Pets should remain under owner control at all times and leashed at the trailhead and in the camping area.
  * Watch where you put your feet and hands: rattlesnakes can hide around rocks and under brush!

## Point of Interest

Need more trail time before heading home or setting up camp? Take the Foley
Waters trail off the south end of the Steelhead Falls parking lot for some
more views!

<p>In steps, it is only about 0.5 miles from the trailhead to Steelhead Falls. In terms of geologic time, it is a few million years. Colorful grooves decorate cliffs and show the erosion of time. Wildflowers dot the slopes in the spring and golden eagles soar overhead. The trail to the falls is relatively easy, with one small, steep section. Hike down for a picnic, fish in the Deschutes River, explore the rocky shores, or just sit and relax and let the sound of the falls erase the world around you.</p><p>The Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (OR-5-14) is part of a larger study area that includes U.S. Forest Service lands. This WSA is located in a triangle formed by the towns of Madras, Redmond and Sisters, in Central Oregon. The Steelhead Falls study area is a long narrow area located along the upper Deschutes River, within and adjacent to the U.S. Forest Service-administered Crooked River National Grasslands.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Open YEAR ROUND.</li><li>Open for overnight camping; sites are first come, first served.</li><li>Amenities include limited trailer parking and an outhouse, but no potable water.</li><li>Campfires are allowed; fire restrictions are in effect in the summer.</li><li>Pets should remain under owner control at all times and leashed at the trailhead and in the camping area.</li><li>Watch where you put your feet and hands: rattlesnakes can hide around rocks and under brush!</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>Need more trail time before heading home or setting up camp? Take the Foley Waters trail off the south end of the Steelhead Falls parking lot for some more views!</p>

Steelhead Falls on the Deschutes River

Steelhead Falls

Anglers near Steelhead Falls

Steelhead Falls Trail

Just minutes northwest of the fast-growing urban environment of Redmond,
Oregon, a deeply incised river canyon confines the riffles and rapids of the
Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. Delight in the trailside pool at
Steelhead Falls or challenge yourself to a short but strenuous hike at Scout
Camp trail.

## Know Before You Go

  * Although public access to the river is ample, be sure to avoid intermingled private property when visiting the Middle Deschutes River.
  * Campfires are prohibited within 0.5 mile from the river’s edge from June 1 through October 15, annually.
  * Pets are allowed but should be leashed to prevent wildlife confrontations.
  * When recreating, practice Leave-No-Trace principles.

## Point of Interest

For a spectacular hike through geologic time-and colorful volcanic rock
layers, check out the Steelhead Falls Trail.  
  
A Steelhead Falls Short Video

<p>Just minutes northwest of the fast-growing urban environment of Redmond, Oregon, a deeply incised river canyon confines the riffles and rapids of the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. Delight in the trailside pool at Steelhead Falls or challenge yourself to a short but strenuous hike at Scout Camp trail.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Although public access to the river is ample, be sure to avoid intermingled private property when visiting the Middle Deschutes River.</li><li>Campfires are prohibited within 0.5 mile from the river’s edge from June 1 through October 15, annually.</li><li>Pets are allowed but should be leashed to prevent wildlife confrontations.</li><li>When recreating, practice Leave-No-Trace principles.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>For a spectacular hike through geologic time-and colorful volcanic rock layers, check out the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/steelhead-falls-trail" title="Steelhead Falls Trail" rel="nofollow">Steelhead Falls Trail</a>.<br><br><a href="https://youtu.be/_d_BQA0mJ-s" title="A Steelhead Falls Short Video" rel="nofollow">A Steelhead Falls Short Video</a></p>

Contact the field office for more information about fees and permits.

Incised basalt canyon of the Middle Deschutes River.

Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River

Incised basalt canyon of the Middle Deschutes River

Anglers on the Deschutes River

Located on the northwest slope of Cline Buttes, the trails originating from
Cascade View Trailhead offer looping options or horseback riders may enjoy and
out-and-back option to Barr Road. This non-motorized trail system includes 5.6
miles of horse and pedestrian trail and a separate 3.9 miles of single-track
mountain bike trail also open to hiking. The area is a part of the larger
Cline Buttes Recreation Area.

## Know Before You Go

  * Horse trails have wooden trail reassurance posts to keep you and you horse on track; most are unsigned, however. Mountain bike trails are signed with marked fiberglass posts.
  * E-bikes are prohibited on this trail system.
  * Camping and campfires are not allowed at the trailhead.
  * Please close and latch the pasture gates behind you.

## Point of Interest

The trails here gradually rise in elevation ultimately providing spectacular
views of the trail system namesake, the Cascade Mountains.

<p>Located on the northwest slope of Cline Buttes, the trails originating from Cascade View Trailhead offer looping options or horseback riders may enjoy and out-and-back option to Barr Road. This non-motorized trail system includes 5.6 miles of horse and pedestrian trail and a separate 3.9 miles of single-track mountain bike trail also open to hiking. The area is a part of the larger Cline Buttes Recreation Area.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Horse trails have wooden trail reassurance posts to keep you and you horse on track; most are unsigned, however. Mountain bike trails are signed with marked fiberglass posts.</li><li>E-bikes are prohibited on this trail system.</li><li>Camping and campfires are not allowed at the trailhead.</li><li>Please close and latch the pasture gates behind you.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>The trails here gradually rise in elevation ultimately providing spectacular views of the trail system namesake, the Cascade Mountains.</p>

Haystack Reservoir

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

South Shore Group Campground

Nearby Parks

Steelhead Falls Trail

Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River

Cascade View Trail System