Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and frogs chirping and croaking and wake up to Blue Gill and Rainbow Trout jumping at the bit. This campground is set on the shore of Penland Lake, which also abuts private land and land owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Penland is popular on summer weekends and offers access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There are seven campsites and two vault toilets on the National Forest portion of the campground, with more campsites located on the adjacent ODFW property. There is also a boat ramp, fishing dock, and benches located on the dam. Picnic tables are available for Day Use on the lakefront as well. There is no potable water or garbage service; please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | The campground is not maintained but is still available throughout the winter. Access will be snowmobiles only once the road is not accessible due to snow. It is not maintained during the winter. Please contact the Heppner Ranger Station for more information. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | This campground is closed only by snow. However, it is only maintained seasonally from Memorial Day through mid-November. This campground is currently in winterized condition. No services are available at this time. Please practice Know Before Your Go Principles and come prepared with your own supplies. Fees are not charged during while the campgrounds are not being maintained. |
| Reservations: | Not reservable. First come, first serve. |
| Area Amenities: | Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
| Fees: | This is a fee free site. All campsites are first come first serve. |
| Open Season: | Late May |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Busiest Season: | July, August |
| Restrictions: | No gas motors on lake. Electric boat motors only. There are no garbage services or campground hosts. Hiking is limited around the lake itself. The east side of the lake and parts of the north, northwest, and south sides of the lake are private property. What is packed into this campground, will need to be packed out of this campground. |
| Closest Towns: | Heppner, OR |
| Water: | No potable water |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet (2) |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:From Heppner, Oregon (1 hour): Head south while following Main street which turns into Oregon Highway-207 South. For 0.7 miles south of Heppner take a left turn onto Heppner Spray Willow Creek Road (Forest Service Road 53 and County Road 678) for 22.4 miles. After passing Cutsforth Park, climbing Coalmine Hill, and passing Coalmine Hill campground, continue on the Western Route (Forest Service Road 53 and County Road 678) for 0.2 miles. Turn right to take Forest Service Road 21 (County Road 603) for 2.8 miles. Then take a left on Forest Service Road 2103 (Penland Lane and County Road 849)for two miles. Take a left turn onto Forest Service Road 2103-030, at 0.3 miles you have arrived.
From Pendleton, Oregon (1 hour and 54 minutes): Take Southwest Emigrant Avenue to US Highway-395 South for 47.4 miles. At a four-way intersection take a right onto the Western Route Road (Forest Service Road 53, The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway, and County Road 244) for 21.7 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 21 (County Road 603) for 2.8 miles. Then take a left on Forest Service Road 2103 (Penland Lane and County Road 849) for two miles. Take a left turn onto Forest Service Road 2103-030, at 0.3 miles you have arrived.
Accessibility:
Access to the lake may be hindered in the springtime due to muddy roads, specifically Forest Service Road 2103 (County Road 849).
Activities
Campground Camping
Lake and Pond Fishing
This campground offers fishing and boating opportunities (electric motors only).| Water/Flow Level | Blue Gill and Rainbow Trout |
Boating - Motorized
Only electric motors are allowed on this lake.
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | 3 Tent/Trailer, 2 Group sites |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | At campsites only |
| Tent camping: | 7 Campsites (2 Tent Only, 2 Group sites) |
| Parking: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Vault (2) |
| Boat ramp: | 1 ramp and dock |
| Drinking water: |
Quick Links
Location