Trout Creek Campground.

Hello, Oregon adventurers! If you’re looking to immerse yourselves in the stunning beauty of Central Oregon and experience the renowned Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, Trout Creek Campground near Madras is a destination you won't want to miss. This popular Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground serves as a fantastic basecamp for a variety of river-based activities, offering breathtaking scenery and a true taste of Oregon's high desert landscape. Whether you're planning a multi-day float trip, a dedicated fishing excursion, or simply a peaceful retreat by the river, Trout Creek Campground provides the perfect setting for your next outdoor escape.

Trout Creek Campground is particularly famous among the rafting and drift boat communities, known as a primary launch point for unforgettable multi-day journeys down the Lower Deschutes. During late spring and early summer, the river buzzes with drift boats, while later in the season, rafts become the dominant sight, all vying for their spot on the ramp. But it's not just for boaters; the campground is a beautiful spot with truly breathtaking scenery that will captivate any visitor. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the river, surrounded by towering volcanic cliffs and the unique flora of the high desert. While it's a popular spot, especially on the weekends, finding the "right spot," as some locals attest (like campsite #6), can lead to an incredibly rewarding and relatively quiet experience. For Oregonians, this campground offers an accessible and authentic way to engage with one of our state's most iconic rivers and landscapes.

Trout Creek Campground is located near Madras, OR 97741, USA, specifically along the banks of the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 44.815894, -121.095326. To reach the campground from Madras, Oregon, you typically drive 3 miles north on US Highway 97, then turn left onto NE Cora Drive for 0.7 miles. A slight left onto NE Clark Drive for another 5.8 miles follows, then a left onto NE Buckley Lane/NE Clark Drive for 0.4 miles. NE Buckley Lane/NE Clark Drive then turns left and becomes NE Clemens Drive for 1.3 miles. At the community of Gateway, turn right to stay on NE Clemens Drive, which becomes Coleman Road. The road turns to gravel at Trout Creek, and a narrow tunnel precludes tall vehicles. After another 4.4 miles, Trout Creek Campground is on the banks of the Deschutes River.

While the final stretch of road involves gravel and a narrow tunnel, the campground is generally accessible for RVs and trailers, with parking spurs ranging from 24 to 100 feet in length, and some pull-through sites available. Its remote location contributes to the sense of escape, but it also means cell phone service is typically poor or non-existent in the campground itself, encouraging a true disconnection. The nearest town with multiple restaurants and grocery stores, Madras, is about a 30-40 minute drive away, so campers should plan to bring most of their supplies. The campground's direct access to the Deschutes River and the beginning of the 7-mile Trout Creek Trail make it incredibly convenient for launching multi-day river trips, fishing, hiking, and climbing. This combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and direct access to outdoor activities makes it a highly desirable location for Oregonians seeking adventure.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Offers approximately 21 individual campsites and three group-use campsites.
• Boat Launch: Features a very popular boat launch for multi-day trips on the Lower Deschutes River.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Designated fire rings with grills are provided at each site for campfires (check for current fire restrictions).
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available from a hand pump well, though some advise bringing your own.
• Trash Collection: Trash services are available, contributing to the cleanliness of the site.
• Camp Host: A campground host is often on-site, providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant experience.
• Day-Use Picnic Shelter: A day-use picnic shelter with a fireplace is centrally located.
• Parking Spurs: Gravel parking spurs are available, with paved camp roads.
• Firewood: Firewood may be available for purchase from the camp host.
• Seasonal Ranger Station: A seasonal ranger station may be present.

Features / Highlights:

• Breathtaking Scenery: Offers spectacular views of the Lower Deschutes River canyon, towering volcanic cliffs, and columnar basalt formations.
• Premier River Access: Ideal for multi-day float trips (drift boats, rafts) and single-day river activities like kayaking and canoeing.
• Excellent Fishing: Known as a fantastic destination for fly fishing for native trout ("redside" rainbow trout) and wild steelhead.
• Direct Trail Access: The 7-mile Trout Creek Trail, popular for hiking and mountain biking, originates at the south end of the campground.
• Rock Climbing Opportunities: Close proximity to the Trout Creek Climbing Area, known for its crack climbing on columnar basalt (subject to seasonal wildlife closures).
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot various wildlife, including potential sightings of golden eagles (with seasonal closures to protect nesting sites).
• Quiet and Peaceful: Despite its popularity as a boat launch, the individual campsites can offer a quiet and peaceful environment, especially if you get a good spot.
• Year-Round Operation: The BLM campground is open year-round, making it a great option for various seasons.
• Historic Significance: The area includes the historic Long Ranch, now an Elk Refuge, and is near the Old Santiam Wagon Road.

Contact Information:

Address: Trout Creek Campground, Madras, OR 97741, USA

Phone: (541) 416-6700

Mobile Phone: +1 541-416-6700

For Oregon locals, Trout Creek Campground is an incredibly suitable and appealing destination that embodies the spirit of our state's diverse outdoor offerings. Its prime location on the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River makes it a unique hub for a wide array of activities that resonate with the Oregon lifestyle. Whether you're an avid angler eager to cast a line for wild trout, a family planning a thrilling rafting adventure, or a hiker seeking dramatic canyon views, this campground provides direct access to these experiences right from your campsite. The fact that it's a popular boat launch speaks volumes about its utility and reputation among those who cherish river recreation.

While the campground offers a more primitive experience with vault toilets and a hand pump for water, this contributes to its authentic outdoor feel, which many Oregonians appreciate. Being prepared for limited cell service also encourages a true digital detox, allowing for deeper immersion in the natural surroundings. The breathtaking scenery, characterized by towering volcanic cliffs and the winding river, offers a visually spectacular backdrop for any visit. Despite potential boater traffic during the day, particularly near the launch, finding a well-placed campsite can still ensure a peaceful retreat.

Moreover, the availability of hiking and mountain biking trails directly from the campground, along with nearby climbing opportunities, caters to the active and adventurous spirit prevalent among Oregonians. Trout Creek Campground is not just a place to sleep; it’s a gateway to some of Oregon’s most iconic landscapes and exhilarating outdoor pursuits. It's an ideal spot for locals to create lasting memories, explore the wild beauty of the Deschutes River canyon, and truly embrace the outdoor heritage that defines our state.

You can see more about this location in this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evbR5qCdpeg)

Trout Creek Campground.

Trout Creek Campground, Madras, OR 97741, USA