Located in central Oregon, Crooked River National Grassland is a pristine tract of green land with some of the best hiking in the region. Trails take you through forests at the base of the Cascade Mountains, making for perfect spring hikes. Many of the trails in the forest are multi-use, allowing for mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-roading.
There are a number of lakes in the grasslands that are well stocked with a variety of fish species, from largemouth bass to rainbow trout. You can boat at Haystack Reservoir, a lake near the main RV campgrounds in the forest. Hunters will also find a wide range of game in the forest, including deer, elk, and pronghorn. Birdwatchers will be able to sight a number of rare species in the grasslands, including the occasional bald eagle.
There are eight RV campgrounds located throughout the grasslands, many of them sitting on the water. Skull Hollow Campground has excellent hiking and fishing in a secluded setting. Haystack Reservoir Campground is right on the shore, making it a great destination for RV campers interested in fishing and boating. Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground is another great spot for aquatic activities with scenic views of pine forest peaks. Read on for more details on these featured campgrounds.
Located in the heart of Oregon, Crooked River National Grassland is a fairly quick drive from Eugene and Portland. The grasslands are easy to navigate, with a number of main roads cutting through the area.
If you are coming from Portland, take US-26 east out of the city and you’ll get to the grasslands in around two and a half hours. Driving from Eugene, you’ll take OR-126 east out of the city to arrive in just under three hours. From Seattle, take I-5 south to US-26 east and you’ll reach the grasslands in around five hours.
Many of the RV campgrounds in the forest are located near main roads, so you should have few issues getting to your site. Haystack Reservoir, the most popular campground in the area, is right off US-97.
Situated right on the water, this campground is great for boating and fishing. There are 24 sites, all located near the water. None of the sites have hookups of any kind, but you will have a fire pit and a picnic table. Vault toilets and drinking water are available.
All of the sites can be booked up to six months in advance, and must be reserved at least a day before your visit. Try to book early if you plan on visiting during peak season in the summer, as the campground fills up quickly. RVs, campers, and trailers up to 32 feet in length are permitted.
This is one of the best RV campgrounds in the forest for campers interested in hiking and fishing. There are 28 sites in the campground, none of which have hookups of any kind. All of the sites have a fire pit and a picnic table, and you’ll have access to vault toilets. The campground is near the Gray Butte Trail, as well as Haystack Reservoir, where you can enjoy boating and fishing. All of the sites in the campground are first-come, first-served.
If you are into fishing and boating, then Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground is the camping spot for you. This idyllic campground features 24 RV and tent campsites nestled under lush pines. Most sites can accommodate almost any-sized RV and offer fire rings and picnic tables. While there are no hookups available, you will have access to potable water, restrooms, and a boat ramp. Rainbow trout are plentiful in the 170-acre Antelope Flat Reservoir. Bird enthusiasts will also love the chance to spot birds of prey across the lake.
There are dozens of miles of hiking trails that lead up the steep rolling hills to lookouts above the Crooked River. You can take Gray Butte Trail through juniper and sagebrush to get some of the best views of the Cascades you’ll find in the area.
Hiking is excellent year round, although many people prefer to visit in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The temperatures are manageable during the summer, but make sure to bring plenty of water.
Many of the trails in the forest also make for great mountain biking. You can head up to the top of Gray Butte for a panoramic view of the forest and the nearby Cascade Mountains. Or take Cole Loop Trail, a 25-mile long route that is the longest in the forest.
The trails in the area are shared with hikers and horseback riders, so take caution when coming around tight corners. The main RV campgrounds don’t offer rentals, although you can find a number of stores in the area that do.
With dozens of lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers, anglers will have plenty of opportunities when visiting Crooked River National Forest. Haystack Reservoir is a 220-acre lake that is well-stocked with rainbow trout. You’ll also find fishing at Lake Billy Chinook, with largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as brown, bull, and rainbow trout. You’ll need an Oregon state fishing license if you plan on fishing on any of the lakes in the forest.
There are a number of lakes in the forest that allow motorized boating, so you’ll be able to water and jet ski. Antelope Flat Reservoir, Lake Billy Chinook, and Haystack Reservoir can all be used for motorized boating, as well as kayaking and canoeing. There are no boat rentals at most of the lakes in the forest, so make sure you bring your own along with your trailer if you plan on going out onto the water.
This area is known for its mix of big game and waterfowl hunting, with hundreds of thousands of acres of forest to explore. You’ll be able to hunt mule deer, pronghorn, and elk, in addition to a variety of waterfowl. Anyone hunting in the forest will need an Oregon state hunting license. Make sure not to trespass, as there are plots of private land in the area. You can check out maps provided by the Forest Service that show the areas where hunting is allowed.
Central Oregon has a great variety of bird life, making it one of the best areas in the region for birdwatching. You’ll be able to spot a number of robins, bluebirds, and a variety of birds of prey. Bald eagles have also been seen flying over the grasslands, although they are a rare sight. Check the websites of local audubon societies for more information on the bird species that live in the area. You may be able to find field guides and checklists. With so many birding opportunities in the area, don't forget to pack your favorite binoculars in your campervan.
