Macks Canyon riverside campsite, which boasts amazing canyon views

Camping Information and River Segments

Camping Information

  • Private property, including the Warm Springs Reservation except by permit, is closed to public use. No trespassing.
  • Camping at boat-in sites is limited to 4 consecutive nights except when camping with motorized watercraft.
  • When motorized watercraft is allowed, camping in one campsite is limited to 9 consecutive nights between May 15 and October 15. After these limits are reached, ALL camping equipment and personal property must then be removed and cannot be relocated within 1/4 mile of the same site for 14 days.
  • Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Generators, amplified music and other excessive or loud noise is prohibited within this time frame.
  • No camping on islands.

River Segment Descriptions

The Lower Deschutes River is divided into four segments based on geographical features, road access, and recreational use patterns. Boating experiences and recreational opportunities vary by segment. The information below can help you select the segment that best meets the experience you want to have. A Deschutes River Boater’s Guide is available to purchase in person or by phone for $8.00 at the Prineville BLM office (3050 N.E. 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754; 541-416-6700).

Segment 1, Warm Springs to Harpham Flat: Outstanding fishing opportunities abound for steelhead, Chinook and trout with seasons that vary, but generally run from April through October. This 27-mile, remote section of the river is also becoming popular for multi-day rafting trips, especially during the warmer months of mid-June through mid-September. The 10 mile stretch from Warm Springs to Trout Creek has no rapids so it is a good choice for those with less experience. Motorized boating is not permitted in Segment 1. Limited entry days for Segment 1 include: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 15 - September 15. Boat-in camping in Segment 1 is restricted to designated sites only. Sites are marked by posts and numbered according to river mile.-

Segment 2, Harpham Flat to Sandy Beach: Several challenging rapids (Class III+) and easy road access make this the most popular segment for one-day whitewater boating trips, with most use occurring from June through mid-September. This segment also sports year-round trout and steelhead fishing. All boaters must exit at Sandy Beach or above. A vehicle portage around Sherars Falls is required if continuing into Segment 3. Motorized boating is not permitted in Segment 2. All camping in Segment 2 is restricted to developed fee campgrounds.

Segment 3, Buckhollow to Macks Canyon: Steelhead fishing is popular on this segment, as are multi-day boating trips that continue into Segment 4. The 15 mile stretch from Pine Tree to Macks Canyon offers a scenic float without rapids, for those with less experience. Motorized boating is not permitted in Segment 3 between June 15 and September 30. Limited entry days for Segment 3 include: 7 days a week from May 15 - September 15. All camping on the east side (river right) in Segment 3 is restricted to developed fee campgrounds.

Segment 4, Macks Canyon to Heritage Landing: Fall steelhead fishing is very popular from late July to October, with some trout fishing and whitewater rafting also taking place. Rapids are Class III or less. There is no road access between Macks Canyon and Heritage Landing on this remote, 24-mile section of river. Motorized boating is allowed all year, except on alternating weekends from June 15 - September 30 in accordance with the Motorboat Schedule. Limited entry days for Segment 4 include: 7 days a week from May 15 - October 15.

All floating craft except float tubes must observe a pass-through zone in Segment 4 from Rattlesnake Rapids to the no-wake zone below Moody Rapids. All boaters are prohibited from stopping in this zone. This area is set aside for hike-in and bike-in recreationists. Swimming or use of inner tubes and other water toys are not allowed in Moody Rapids on days when motorboats are allowed. Water toys attached to banks by line are prohibited. Fixing line across the river is prohibited.