About PERRY SOUTH CAMPGROUND
Overview Located in the high desert region of central Oregon, Perry South Campground sits on the shores of Lake Billy Chinook in the Deschutes National Forest. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the area's scenic beauty and year-round recreational activities. Recreation Fishing and motorized boating top the list of recreational activities for visitors. Hikers should be sure to check out nearby Balancing Rocks Overlook, just west of Perry South Campground. Water enthusiasts of all types will enjoy the opportunities available. Motorized and non-motorized boats share the vicinity with swimmers and water skiers braving the cold, clear waters of Lake Billy Chinook. The day use are is a parking fee area; daily parking passes are $5. PGE also honors the NW Forest Pass and the America the Beautiful Passes. Boat slips are reservable with your campsite reservation. Facilities Picnic areas and scenic overlooks, along with the conveniences of firewood, drinking water and vault toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable camping environment. The campground has a boat ramp, and dock space is available by reservation. Natural Features Lake Billy Chinook is the highlight of the area. The lake, created by Round Butte Dam, fills the canyons of the Crooked, Metolius and Deschutes Rivers. Within these three large arms is 72 miles of shoreline, supporting fish habitats for bass, trout, salmon, whitefish, suckers, minnows and dace.Rugged hills and a diverse evergreen forest surround the lake, providing homes for mammals such as mule deer, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbit and cougars. Nearby Attractions Visitors may want to explore the Tam-a-lau Trail, a scenic hike that starts on a peninsula at the confluence of the Crooked River and the Deschutes River in Cove Palisades State Park. Under the designation of a Wild and Scenic River, nearby Metolius River is nestled in a forested valley west of Mt. Jefferson. Its clear, cold and co
How to Get There
From Sisters, travel 5.6 miles northwest on Hwy 20. Continue 20.8 miles north on Forest Road 11, then 5.0 miles east on Forest Road 1170, and then 2.6 miles northwest of Forest Road 64.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (47°F low → 73°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to PERRY SOUTH CAMPGROUND
Heading to PERRY SOUTH CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for PERRY SOUTH CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for PERRY SOUTH CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234140) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PERRY SOUTH CAMPGROUND?
From Sisters, travel 5.6 miles northwest on Hwy 20. Continue 20.8 miles north on Forest Road 11, then 5.0 miles east on Forest Road 1170, and then 2.6 miles northwest of Forest Road 64.
How do I contact PERRY SOUTH CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 503-464-8515.
References & Official Resources
