Perry South Campground

For us Oregonians, the diverse landscapes of our state offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from lush coastal forests to towering Cascade peaks and vast high desert plains. If your ideal getaway involves sparkling water, stunning natural beauty, and a chance to unwind under the Central Oregon sky, then Perry South Campground should be at the top of your list. Located near Culver, this popular campground on the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook provides a fantastic setting for both exhilarating water sports and serene relaxation, making it a beloved spot for locals seeking a true Oregon experience.

Perry South Campground is a gem tucked away in the Deschutes National Forest, offering a blend of well-appointed campsites and direct access to the expansive waters of Lake Billy Chinook. It’s a place where you can launch your boat for a day of fishing or water skiing, enjoy a quiet evening by a campfire, or simply soak in the high desert scenery. While it’s known for its popularity, especially among those who love being on the water, the campground is diligently maintained by friendly camp hosts, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for all visitors. It embodies the best of Central Oregon's outdoor lifestyle, inviting you to create lasting memories by the lake.

Perry South Campground is situated on Montgomery Rd, Culver, OR 97734, USA. This location places it strategically within Central Oregon, specifically on the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook, a large reservoir formed by the confluence of the Crooked, Metolius, and Deschutes Rivers. For Oregon residents, accessing the campground typically involves a scenic drive through the high desert landscapes, leading to a truly secluded and natural setting.

The campground's remoteness is often highlighted as a key feature, providing a sense of escape from more urbanized areas. While it offers a secluded feel, it's also practical. If approaching from Sisters, travelers can take Highway 20/126, then turn onto Forest Road 11, then Forest Road 1170, and finally Forest Road 64 (Montgomery Rd). From Culver, you can take Highland Lane and follow signs towards The Cove Palisades State Park, then proceed through the canyon, staying on Jordan Road, which eventually leads to Graham Road and then Montgomery Road. It's important to note that the last couple of miles of road leading into Perry South can be gravel, rough, and narrow with sharp corners, which might be challenging for large RVs or for vehicles passing each other. This is worth considering when planning your travel, especially with larger rigs.

Despite its secluded nature, the campground is part of a larger recreational area. It's located within the Deschutes National Forest, managed in partnership with Portland General Electric (PGE). This ensures that while you're deep in nature, the area is well-maintained and offers various recreational opportunities. The proximity to Lake Billy Chinook means direct water access, making it a prime destination for boating, fishing, and other water activities. Visitors will find that the journey to Perry South is part of the adventure, leading them to a well-kept oasis in the heart of Oregon's captivating high desert.

• Campsites with Amenities: Perry South Campground offers 55 campsites, including a mix of standard sites for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 50 feet), as well as some double sites and tent-only areas. Each site is well-appointed with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for classic campfire evenings.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to this essential resource.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets, which are frequently praised by visitors for their cleanliness and maintenance by the camp hosts.

• Boat Ramp and Docks: A key service for water enthusiasts, Perry South has a convenient boat ramp and reservable dock space. This allows for easy launching and moorage of boats on Lake Billy Chinook. Note that boat slips incur a per-night fee.

• Generator Use Permitted: Generators are allowed during specific hours, typically from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Campers are asked to refrain from using excessively noisy open-frame or construction-style generators.

• Firewood Available: Firewood can often be purchased from the camp host, making it convenient to enjoy campfires (subject to current fire restrictions).

• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a fish cleaning station is available, adding to the convenience for those looking to prepare their catch.

• No RV Dump Station On-site: It's important to note that there is no RV dump station directly at Perry South Campground. However, a dump station is available in the nearby town of Culver, located behind the firehouse, for use on your way in or out.

• Cell Service: Cell service is generally not available within the campground, contributing to its secluded feel, though some might find a signal at higher elevations outside the main camping area.

• Water Sports Paradise: Lake Billy Chinook is the central highlight, offering excellent opportunities for motorized boating, water skiing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It’s a true playground for water enthusiasts.

• Exceptional Fishing: The Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook is renowned for its fishing, with abundant populations of bass, trout, salmon (Kokanee), whitefish, and bull trout. A tribal fishing permit is required for this portion of the lake, which adds to the unique angling experience.

• Beautiful High Desert Setting: The campground is nestled in a high desert environment, surrounded by rugged hills and diverse evergreen forests, offering stunning vistas and a distinct Oregon landscape.

• Well-Maintained and Friendly Environment: Visitors consistently praise the campground for being "well taken care of" with "very clean" vault toilets. The camp hosts are frequently mentioned as being "very nice" and "wonderful," contributing significantly to a positive experience.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The area is rich in wildlife. Campers have reported seeing owls and bald eagle nesting pairs. Following the old, now-blocked road past the fish cleaning station can lead to prime viewing spots for bald eagles.

• Proximity to Metolius Balancing Rocks: A unique geological feature, the Metolius Balancing Rocks Overlook, is located nearby and is highly recommended for a short, scenic hike and unique photo opportunities. This adds an interesting land-based attraction to the water-centric activities.

• Varying Site Sizes and Layouts: The campground features two main sections: an "upper" and "lower" loop. While the lower loop is closer to water access and generally more popular, the upper loop is recommended for those seeking a quieter experience away from vehicle headlights and traffic on the main access road, as it tends to be less impacted by late-night arrivals or departures. Sites vary greatly in size, so reviewing Google Maps satellite view is suggested for RVers to choose an appropriate spot.

• Tranquil Creek: A nice little creek wanders through many of the campsites, adding to the serene natural ambiance and providing a pleasant backdrop for relaxation.

Address: Montgomery Rd, Culver, OR 97734, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (Recreation.gov for reservations)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

For local campground inquiries and information during operating season (typically Memorial Day to late September), you can also try calling PGE Parks Information Line at (503) 464-8515 or the local staff at (541) 325-5315.

For us Oregonians, Perry South Campground embodies much of what we seek in an outdoor adventure: stunning natural beauty, a wealth of recreational opportunities, and a sense of getting away from it all. Its location in Central Oregon's high desert, specifically on Lake Billy Chinook, makes it an ideal destination for various reasons.

Firstly, its unparalleled access to Lake Billy Chinook is a huge draw for anyone passionate about water sports. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch a trophy bull trout, a family eager for a day of water skiing, or someone who simply enjoys paddling a kayak on serene waters, Perry South provides the perfect launchpad. We appreciate campgrounds that truly leverage our state's incredible natural features, and the direct boat ramp and dock access here are a testament to that.

Secondly, while it can experience high traffic, particularly in the lower section, the option of choosing a site in the "upper" campground offers a quieter alternative for those seeking more tranquility. This flexibility allows locals to tailor their experience to their preferences, whether they want to be close to the action or enjoy a more peaceful retreat. The presence of friendly and attentive camp hosts consistently ensures the campground is well-maintained, with clean facilities, which is always a bonus for a comfortable stay.

Lastly, Perry South provides a fantastic base for exploring the unique landscape of the high desert. While extensive hiking trails might not be its primary feature, the nearby Metolius Balancing Rocks Overlook offers a fascinating diversion. Plus, the opportunity to observe local wildlife like owls and bald eagles further enriches the natural experience. For Oregonians, Perry South Campground offers a well-rounded and deeply satisfying outdoor escape, perfect for creating new memories by the lake in the heart of our beautiful state. It's truly a place where rugged adventure meets refreshing relaxation.

Perry South Campground

Montgomery Rd, Culver, OR 97734, USA