mdi-tent Reserve

Prineville Reservoir
State Park

Near Bend, Oregon, United States
mdi-tent Reserve

Scenic beauty, camping and water recreation are at their finest at this high desert park. Mountain waters flowing out of the Ochoco Mountain Range join to form the Crooked River. The river, confined by its canyon and the Bowman Dam, forms the 15-mile long, 3,000-acre Prineville Reservoir.  The park comprises the main day-use area and campground, the Jasper Point boat ramp and campground, and numerous drive-in and boat-in primitive campsites along the 43-mile shoreline.

The stars truly shine brighter here, earning the park a rare designation as a certified International Dark Sky Park. The certification recognizes the exceptional quality of the park's night skies as well as the park's efforts to install responsible lighting that minimizes light pollution.

If you're staying the night, check the park calendar on site for scheduled night sky programs. Are you coming in for the evening only? Please print, complete and place the Stargazing Permit on your vehicle dash when you're viewing the stars after hours in the designated day-use area.

The main day-use area has a boat ramp as well as a roped-off swimming area, accessible fishing pier and fish cleaning station; 32 boat moorages are available. Boat launching is also available at Jasper Point and the US Bureau of Reclamation's Crook County, Powderhouse Cove, and Roberts Bay East boat ramps. To escape the crowds and see more wildlife, drive east on a dirt road that follows the northeast shoreline for 6 miles to Combs Flat Road. This portion of the lake is more shallow and narrow, and the shoreline is mudflat, meadow, or willow shrubland. 

Fishing is excellent anytime; the lake supports rainbow trout, small and largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and crayfish. Fish for trout year-round by boat or from shore; the biggest fish are known to bite during the winter months.  Bass, catfish and crappie fishing is best between May and October. For information, see the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing report.

Drive an electric vehicle?

EV charging stations will be available soon at the main day-use parking area. Learn more

Year-round Camping

Book reservations for the main campground up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.

  • 22 full-hookup sites
  • 22 electrical sites with water
  • 23 tent sites with water nearby
  • Five deluxe log cabins (one pet-friendly)
  • Flush toilets and hot showers
  • Firewood and ice for sale
  • Universal Access: Two campsites and two cabins are accessible to campers with disabilities.

Seasonal Camping at Jasper Point

Located 3 miles east of the main campground, Jasper Point is a small, quiet loop with 28 electrical sites that are first-come, first-served, and one reservable cabin. A lakeside trail connects the two campgrounds. 

Know Before You Go

  • Some boat ramps on the reservoir may close when water levels are low. Visit the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation website for current water levels and boat ramp elevations.
  • Campfire restrictions are often in place during the summer months.
mdi-alert-outline General Advisory
mdi-alert-outline General Advisory
mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-tent Open for camping year round mdi-cellphone Call for reservations: 800-452-5687
Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 541-447-4363
Current Conditions Directions Feedback

Amenities & Features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline General

Is the park open year round?

Yes.  The main park campsites and deluxe cabins are open year round for reservations or walk in use.  Jasper Point campground closes Oct. through April.

Can I launch my boat year round on the reservoir?

Yes and No.  The main park boat ramp is the only ramp long enough to use year round.  In the winter the lake can ice up prohibiting boat launching.   

How many boat ramps are on the reservoir?

There are six official boat ramps on the reservoir.  Locations include, Prineville Resort, Jasper Point, Prineville main park, County boat ramp, Powder House Cove, Robert's Bay West.  Depending on water levels, most of these ramps are useable between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Is there a day use fee on the reservoir?

No.  There are no fees to use any of the day use recreation sites on the reservoir. 

Are there any restrictions to boating use on the reservoir?

House Boats are not allowed on Prineville Reservoir.  The Bureau of Reclamation restricts their use on this reservoir.  Other power boats, personal water craft, sail boats, kayaks and other forms of paddling are allowed.  Boating laws are enforced by the Crook County Marine Patrol.   

mdi-help-circle-outline What's Allowed

Where can I swim?

The lakes and rivers found within Oregon State Parks are open to unsupervised swimming. You are responsible for your own safety. Before you enter the water, you should judge your swimming skills against possible strong currents, cold water, underwater objects and steep drop-offs. Remember, that many of our natural bodies of water and man-made reservoirs are filled by snow runoff and remain cold year round. Please bring and wear a personal flotation device and swim with a buddy.

Can I fill a personal pool, run sprinklers or misters?

No. Because of the drought and water shortage, water from the campsite, campground  or other park water sources can't be used to fill personal pools, sprinklers or misters.

For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

As part of the Crooked River Federal Reclamation Project, the Department of the Interior authorized the construction of Bowman Dam between 1958 and 1961.  The project's purpose was to furnish water for irrigation, flood control and fish and wildlife management.   Through the Crook County Court, and a lease from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the land for the park was obtained in 1961.  A lease agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department allows the State to manage and maintain the natural resources and recreational uses on the reservoir.

Brochures and Maps

mdi-file-pdf-box Prineville Reservoir campground brochure and map mdi-file-pdf-box Prineville Stargazing Permit for designated day-use area

Photos

Events

Prineville Reservoir State Park

Next happening
May 12, 2024
mdi-clock 9:00 AM
Registration required
12 other sessions