The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, you may want to give Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping a try. The BLM is a government agency responsible for protecting many diverse public sites around the United States. These natural areas include campgrounds, hiking routes, wilderness areas, and national monuments, and many of them are popular camping destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. If you search online for "BLM camping near me," you can discover the coolest BLM locations in your area. If you find yourself in northern Oregon, one BLM site you may want to check out is the Trout Creek Campground. Located on the banks of the beautiful Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, this BLM campground offers excellent opportunities for activities like fishing, hiking, boating, and climbing. There's also a seasonal ranger station located at the site, and if you explore the area, you can get a breathtaking look at the nearby volcanic cliffs.
This scenic point-to-point trail starts near the Trout Creek Campground and takes hikers along an old railroad bed along the Deschutes River. During your hike, you can enjoy wonderful views of the nearby canyon and basalt walls. In addition to hiking, the Trout Creek Trail offers excellent mountain biking opportunities, and you're welcome to bring your dogs as long as they remain leashed. Length: 7.2 miles Intensity: Moderate
This out-and-back trail is also located very close to the BLM campground. The serene trail is open year-round, and during the winter, it becomes a great route for snowshoeing. You'll likely experience plenty of solitude during your visit, and you'll want to keep an eye out for the many local birds that inhabit the area. The trail takes hikers to the peak of Olallie Butte, which is the third-highest peak in the region. At the top of the butte, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the forests below. Length: 6.7 miles Intensity: Hard
The Trout Creek Campground is situated right beside the Deschutes River and features an on-site boat launch. The river is frequently used for activities like kayaking and canoeing. The Deschutes River is also known as a wonderful destination to fish for both native trout and wild steelhead. Another nearby body of water is Lake Billy Chinook, which is a great place to catch kokanee salmon.
Only a short distance from the BLM campground, you'll find the Trout Creek Climbing Area. This popular climbing area is known for its crack climbing opportunities and has routes available for climbers of various skill levels. The Trout Creek Climbing Area is closed every year between January 15 and August 31 to protect nesting golden eagles.
One of the best areas for wildlife viewing near the Trout Creek Campground is Mt. Hood National Forest, which is located northwest of the BLM site. As you hike through the forest's trails, some of the species you might spot include opossums, beavers, porcupines, red and gray foxes, black bears, raccoons, wolverines, western spotted skunks, bobcats, mountain lions, elk, and mule deer. You might also spot interesting avian species, such as great blue herons, turkey vultures, Canada geese, bald eagles, red-tail hawks, and many others.
There are plenty of lovely places to lay out a picnic blanket near the Trout Creek Campground. However, if you're looking for an established picnicking area, you could head down to The Cove Palisades State Park. The park features a reservable picnic pavilion as well as plenty of picnic tables.
You're welcome to enjoy BLM RV camping at the Trout Creek Campground. The campground features 21 campsites and three group campsites, and several of the sites offer pull-through capabilities. The campsites don't feature RV hookups or modern amenities, and there aren't any other nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. If you'd like to camp somewhere with electricity and water, you could head to nearby Warm Springs, OR and stay at the Deschutes RV Park.
If your preference is to partake in Bureau of Land Management free camping, you'll need to do so outside the boundaries of the Trout Creek Campground. There should be many spots along the Deschutes River where it's possible to set up a primitive campsite in a secluded, peaceful area.
If you're planning a trip to the Trout Creek Campground, you should bring along plenty of your own drinking water. There is no potable water available at the BLM site. You should also bring enough food to get through your stay, and ideally, the meals should be easy to prepare. There is no cellular service at the BLM campground, so you should communicate with your loved ones before you make the trip to the site. During your visit, you should be careful to protect your pets and bicycle tires from the puncturevine plants that grow throughout the area. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While visiting the Trout Creek Campground, please adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles for preserving the natural land. If you stay in one of the campsites, make a point to treat all other campers with respect and courtesy.
To reach the Trout Creek Campground from Madras, OR, travel north for three miles on US Highway 97, and then take a left onto NE Cora Drive. Continue for 0.7 miles, make a slight left onto NE Clark Drive. Follow NE Clark Drive for 5.8 miles, take a left onto NE Buckley Ln/NE Clark Drive, and continue for 0.4 more miles. This road will turn left and become NE Clemens Drive, which you will then follow for 1.3 miles. When you reach the community of Gateway, take a right to stay on NE Clemens Drive. NE Clemens Drive will then become Coleman Road, which will become a gravel road at Trout Creek. After another 4.4 miles, you will reach the Trout Creek Campground on the banks of the Deschutes River. Address: Trout Creek Campground, Madras, OR 97741 Ready to visit Trout Creek Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
