About Macks Canyon Recreation Site
The Macks Canyon archaeological site is a large, prehistoric village locale overlooking the Deschutes River in north-central Oregon. The site is characterized by shallow, circular, semi-subterranean house depressions, surface artifacts, and riverine shell deposits. Limited excavations conducted in the late 1960s indicate that the site was the location of a winter village occupied by Sahaptin-speaking people of the Columbia Plateau. Although the main period of occupation appears to have occurred within the last 2,000 years, the site may have been occupied as early as 5,000 BC.A campground and boat ramps are situated at the end of the Access Road along the east bank of the Lower Deschutes River. The area is popular with boaters and fishermen. The route to Macks Canyon is also a National Back Country Byway.Know Before You GMacks Canyon Recreation Site is open year-round and is with 18 individual campsites, two group-use campsites two vault toilets and garbage service. No drinking water or utility hookups are available.No reservations are accepted; all campsites, are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.No cell phone service is available.Campfires and smoking are allowed only from October 16 through May 31, annually, unless posted otherwise.When recreating on Public Lands, please practice the seven Leave-No-Trace Principles.Point of InterestMacks Canyon Recreation Site marks the northern terminus of the Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway and the southern terminus of the non-motorized 23-mile Des Chutes Railbed Trail. This extremely rough, unmaintained trail follows a now-overgrown former railbed 11.6 miles to Harris Canyon. The northern 11.5 mile segment from Harris Canyon to Deschutes River State Recreation Area is maintained.
How to Get There
From Maupin City Park in Maupin, Oregon: Proceed a short distance north to the junction of Bakeoven Road and the BLM Access Road. Turn left onto BLM Access Road and drive 7.0 miles. Continue onto Deschutes River Road for one mile. Turn right onto OR-216 E (signs for Grass Valley) and proceed for 0.5 mile. Turn left onto BLM Access Road and drive 17.4 miles to the road's end.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Macks Canyon Recreation Site
Heading to Macks Canyon Recreation Site? 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 Macks Canyon Recreation Site?
No central reservation system listed for Macks Canyon Recreation Site. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272256) for the latest entry policy and availability.
Is Macks Canyon Recreation Site accessible?
Vault toilets and campsite 20 are wheelchair accessible.
How do I get to Macks Canyon Recreation Site?
From Maupin City Park in Maupin, Oregon: Proceed a short distance north to the junction of Bakeoven Road and the BLM Access Road. Turn left onto BLM Access Road and drive 7.0 miles. Continue onto Deschutes River Road for one mile. Turn right onto OR-216 E (signs for Grass Valley) and proceed for 0.5 mile. Turn left onto BLM Access Road and drive 17.4 miles to the road's end.
How do I contact Macks Canyon Recreation Site?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-416-6700 or email: BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
