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 constant waters support flyfishing and whitewater boating.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area