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Located partway along the Crooked River’s 125-mile journey from the Ochoco Mountains to its confluence with the Deschutes River, the Prineville Reservoir is a vast blue pool filling a colorful canyon of volcanic rock, sagebrush and juniper. The reservoir was created in the 1960s with the construction of the Bowman Dam. The state park was established shortly after to provide campers, anglers and water lovers an opportunity to enjoy the natural area—and a chance to beat Central Oregon’s summer heat. The park lies adjacent to the Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area, which preserves the habitat of a wide variety of mammals, waterfowl, songbirds and raptors.
Prineville Reservoir State Park is located just 15 miles south of the town of Prineville, and 50 miles east of Bend. The park’s Main Campground features 67 sites, including full- and partial-hookup RV sites and primitive tent sites. The Jasper Point Campground features 28 partial-hookup sites. Both locations provide drinking water, flush and vault toilets, hot showers, and recycling stations; a dump station is located at the Jasper Point site. There are also a few camping cabins for rent. The park hosts interpretive programs at an outdoor amphitheater, and onsite amenities include sports courts, hiking trails, a dog park, and a fishing pier. The park host sells ice and firewood. Dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed. Seasonal campsites are $21–$33/night; cabins are $89–$99/night; reservations recommended.
For enjoying some on-the-water fun time, boaters can launch watercraft from the ramp at the day-use area, which has plenty of parking for vehicles and trailers. Nearby, sunbathers and swimmers can enjoy some beach time at the designated swim area. Picnic tables are available for packing lunches and refreshments to enjoy by the water. For paddling around the shoreline, kayaks and SUPs can be put in from either the boat launch or the beach. Anglers can cast for trout, catfish, bass and black crappie, then take their catches back and prep them for dinner at the park’s fish cleaning station. Another boat ramp, beach and parking area is located west of the state park at Powder House Cove, near the Bowman Dam.
Lot of Amenities for people to get out into nature, whether advanced hikers or ada requirements.
Beautiful, open, lots of privacy and space to explore.
Great fishing, we ended up catching a few bass within minutes. Though the second day we went was harder due to heat and a lot of boats.
Seemed clean, clear, and swimmable.
Stayed 1 night in cabin #5. Excellent location! Amazing view of the reservoir from the front porch! Cabin and campground were clean and well cared for. Restrooms and showers were well kept. Central location for purchasing firewood and ice. Showers available for $2 for non registered campers. Staff and park rangers seemed friendly. Dog stations and trash cans at EVERY cabin. Huge thank you for being so dog friendly! Overall a great place to stay. Campsites appeared to be well placed, most with nice flat areas for tents.
Fantastic, well maintained, and well equipped camp ground. The Prineville Reservoir camp sites were clean, had a variety of hookups depending on what site type you book, and had very clean bathrooms and showers available. Not a fisher myself, but heard multiple good reports from the numerous people on the water who were fishing.
The reservoir doesn't feel man-made at all, and it stretches for miles. Lots of wake boarding and kayaking. Water felt nice to swim in as well.
To my delight, we discovered that this camp ground is a recognized International Dark Sky spot, meaning the especially dark sky is perfect for star gazing. They even have an observation spot with telescopes that they will occasionally open to the public on weekend evenings. Very relaxing area, will be coming back again! Reasonably priced as well.
