Overview Haystack Campground (East Shore) is located in central Oregon's scenic Crooked River National Grassland. With a view of Mt. Jefferson in the distance, visitors can enjoy the beautiful vistas while relaxing in the high desert.Recreation Fishing is a popular pastime at the reservoir, which is regularly stocked. …
Overview Haystack Campground (East Shore) is located in central Oregon's scenic Crooked River National Grassland. With a view of Mt. Jefferson in the distance, visitors can enjoy the beautiful vistas while relaxing in the high desert.Recreation Fishing is a popular pastime at the reservoir, which is regularly stocked. Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, kokanee, along with crappie and catfish are some of the species that inhabit the water. Recreational boating is also popular with paved boat ramps available at Haystack Campground as well as at the West Shore Campground. Swimming is also permitted. Nearby areas provide other activities such as rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATV use.Facilities Haystack Campground offers 24 spacious campsites that will accommodate tents to large RVs. It is located on the east shore of Haystack Reservoir and has paved interior roads and site pads. Each campsite has a picnic table and campfire ring. There are five vault toilets conveniently located throughout the campground. Potable water is available at the RV fill station located just past the entrance station. In addition to the individual campsites, there are Group Sites and Day Use areas that have covered picnic tables. Natural Features Near Madras, Oregon, Haystack Reservoir's 240 surface-acres are surrounded by a high desert landscape of juniper trees and sagebrush. The expanse of water attracts waterfowl such as common loon, horned grebe, red-necked grebe, and eared grebe for a respite during migration. Rarities that have been reported are trumpeter swan, surf scoter, black-necked stilt, sanderling, bald eagle, osprey, and eastern kingbird. The spring breeding season in April through May produces nature's own concert from Pacific chorus frog. Nearby Attractions Smith Rock State Park, a very popular area for rock climbing is about a 20-minute drive to the south. Also, a spectacular view of the Crooked River Gorge is available from an old highway bridge,
Photos
Camping at Haystack East Shore — noneHaystack Campground entrance — noneGroup sites have four parking spaces and additional shared parking — noneHAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE) — Crooked River National GrasslandHaystack boat launch — none
How to Get There
From Highway 97: Exit Jericho Lane and go east for approximately 1.2 miles. Turn right on Haystack Drive (FS 7130 / FS 96) and continue on for about 2.1 miles. The Haystack Campground entrance is on the left. From Highway 26: Exit on Laurel Lane (FS 96) and go west for approximately 4 miles. Bear right at the intersection of FS 7130 / FS 96 and continue on for about 2 miles. Haystack Campground entrance will be on the right.
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 HAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE)
Heading to HAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE)? 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 HAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE)?
No central reservation system listed for HAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234779) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at HAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE)?
HAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE) has 27 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to HAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE)?
From Highway 97: Exit Jericho Lane and go east for approximately 1.2 miles. Turn right on Haystack Drive (FS 7130 / FS 96) and continue on for about 2.1 miles. The Haystack Campground entrance is on the left. From Highway 26: Exit on Laurel Lane (FS 96) and go west for approximately 4 miles. Bear right at the intersection of FS 7130 / FS 96 and continue on for about 2 miles. Haystack Campground en…
How do I contact HAYSTACK CAMPGROUND (EAST SHORE)?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-351-1182 or email: [email protected].
