State Recreation Area

Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Sherman County, Oregon

Also known as Deschutes River State Park, Deschutes State Park

Status: Open (per official listing)
Entrance fee: $1 per personAnnual pass available
Day-use reservations: None mentionedCan reach capacity
Dogs: Statewide rule — see below6-ft leash
Camping: Yes
Official site: stateparks.oregon.gov(541) 739-2322

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Current alerts 5

Alert Electric-assisted bicycle advisoryE-Bikes are only permitted on the first 2 miles of the Deschutes River Trail (old railbed trail). After mile 2 the property ownership changes to… (more)

E-Bikes are only permitted on the first 2 miles of the Deschutes River Trail (old railbed trail). After mile 2 the property ownership changes to Oregon Department Fish and Wildlife which does not allow e-bikes.

Posted by the park 2025-10-20. Official alert

Alert General advisoryApril - October all campsites are reservable. Call 1-800-452-5687 or book your reservation online before you arrive at the park. All sites could be… (more)

April - October all campsites are reservable. Call 1-800-452-5687 or book your reservation online before you arrive at the park. All sites could be booked prior to your arrival at the park. The reservation fee is waived when you book same-day.

Posted by the park 2026-04-01. Official alert

Alert General advisoryEmerald Ash Borer, a highly invasive insect, has been sighted in Oregon for the first time. Help contain this extremely damaging insect by following… (more)

Emerald Ash Borer, a highly invasive insect, has been sighted in Oregon for the first time. Help contain this extremely damaging insect by following these firewood tips: • Buy locally harvested firewood at or near your destination. • Buy certified heat-treated firewood ahead of time, if available.

Posted by the park 2025-10-20. Official alert

Alert General advisoryThere is no Day Use Fee, but there is an Overnight Parking fee. You can pay cash, check or card at the park, or register extra vehicles to your… (more)

There is no Day Use Fee, but there is an Overnight Parking fee. You can pay cash, check or card at the park, or register extra vehicles to your online reservation.

Posted by the park 2015-01-20. Official alert

Alert General advisoryA boater pass is required for anyone using a watercraft/floating device to access the Deschutes River or the Columbia River. All passes are per… (more)

A boater pass is required for anyone using a watercraft/floating device to access the Deschutes River or the Columbia River. All passes are per person. • DESCHUTES RIVER BOATER PASS: valid above Moody Rapid (from the Pelton Dam down to the I-84 bridge at Heritage Landing). Available for purchase online at www.recreation.gov. If accessing the Deschutes River below Moody Rapid only, just a Moody Island Boater Pass is required. • MOODY ISLAND BOATER PASS: valid downstream from Moody Rapid and between the campground and Heritage Landing. Available for purchase at the self-pay kiosks ($2/per person/per day). • HERITAGE-TO-COLUMBIA RIVER BOATER PASS: valid only from the Heritage Landing boat ramp out to the Columbia River and available for purchase at the self-pay kiosk at Heritage Landing boat ramp ($1/per person/per day) A $15 annual pass can be purchased online. A Waterway Access Permit is not required on the Lower Deschutes River, but it is required when launching from Heritage landing to access the Columbia River. In 2026 the law was expanded to boats under 10 feet and applies to stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks, rafts, and their inflatable versions. Available for purchase…

Posted by the park 2015-01-20. Official alert

Overview

Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a recreation area in Sherman County, about 12 miles east of The Dalles.

Things to do include horseback riding, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and biking. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, and showers).

Hours

Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.

Facility	Days	Hours	Season
The park’s wording doesn’t give clock times — see the official wording below.

Official wording

Open for day use: year round Open for camping: year round

Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Los Angeles).

Fees and passes

Item	Amount
Moody Island Boater Pass: valid downstream from Moody Rapid (between the campground & Heritage Landing) and available for purchase at the self-pay kiosks (	$2 · person
Heritage to Columbia Boater Pass: valid only from the Heritage Landing boat ramp to the Columbia River and available for purchase at the self-pay kiosk at Heritage Landing boat ramp. (	$1 · person
Heritage to Columbia Boater Pass: valid only from the Heritage Landing boat ramp to the Columbia River and available for purchase at the self-pay kiosk at Heritage Landing boat ramp. (	$15 · person
Available for purchase through the Boat Oregon Store, ODFW Electronic Licensing System, ODFW Offices, or ODFW License Agents. 7-Day permit =	$6
Available for purchase through the Boat Oregon Store, ODFW Electronic Licensing System, ODFW Offices, or ODFW License Agents. 7-Day permit =	$20
Available for purchase through the Boat Oregon Store, ODFW Electronic Licensing System, ODFW Offices, or ODFW License Agents. 7-Day permit =	$35
Permit applications must be accompanied by a	$100

Official wording

Do I need a Boater Pass to access the Deschutes or Columbia River? Yes, a boater pass is required for anyone using a watercraft/floating device to access the Deschutes River or the Columbia River. All passes are per person. 1. Deschutes River Boater Pass: valid above Moody Rapid (from the Pelton Dam down to the I-84 bridge at Heritage Landing). Available for purchase at recreation.gov. If accessing the Deschutes River below Moody Rapid only, just a Moody Island Boater Pass is required. 2. Moody Island Boater Pass: valid downstream from Moody Rapid (between the campground & Heritage Landing) and available for purchase at the self-pay kiosks ($2/per person/per day). 3. Heritage to Columbia Boater Pass: valid only from the Heritage Landing boat ramp to the Columbia River and available for purchase at the self-pay kiosk at Heritage Landing boat ramp. ($1/per person/per day) Also, a $15 annual pass can be purchased online, on the park store, or in the park office. A Waterway Access Permit is not required on the Lower Deschutes River, but it is required when launching from Heritage Landing to access the Columbia River. In 2026 the law was expanded to boats under 10 feet and applies to stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks, rafts, and their inflatable versions. Available for purchase through the Boat Oregon Store, ODFW Electronic Licensing System, ODFW Offices, or ODFW License Agents. 7-Day permit = $6. 1-Year Permit = $20. 2-Year Permit = $35. Can I park my vehicle overnight in the park? Is there a fee? Yes, and you may park overnight in anyone of the parking lots. But no camping is allowed in vehicles parked overnight. Camping is only allowed in designated campsites or dispersed up-river from the park. And yes there is a fee. The fee would be the extra vehicle fee per night to park overnight. Self-pay at one of the fee kiosks. We accept cash, check or card. Do I need a permit to have a Day Use Event/Special Event/Group Activity at the Park? Yes --- If you are: • using the park in a way that's not normally used for recreational activities • having a gathering over 50 people • wanting to do an event/activity that restricts public access to a certain part of the park • doing an event that disturbs natural, cultural, scenic, or recreational resources • wanting to do an event that poses a safety concern • planning to sell goods or services • having an event that requires the set-up of structures or other rental equipment. • wanting to do commercial filming/photography • conducting scientific projects or guided activities • planning an activity that requires park staff to be present • wanting to collect or gather natural resources The above list does not cover all the activities that would require a permit. And, additional restrictions/guidelines may apply for your unique event. See the Non-Traditional Activity Special Use Permit Application or contact the park for more details. General Guidelines: • NOTE: Amplified music/sound is NOT permitted within the park. You may only play music at a volume that cannot be heard by neighboring campsites. • Day use areas are open from dawn until dusk • Quiet Hours begin at 10PM • Permit applications must be accompanied by a $100 application fee • Permits will not be accepted more than 6 months in advance, and must be approved by 30 days in advance of the event. • The permit holder must also have a certificate of liability insurance for the permit to be issued.

Oregon park passes

12-month day-use parking permit — $60 Oregon residents; $75 non-residents. Day-use parking at parks that require a day-use parking permit Details
Daily parking permit — $10 per day per vehicle (residents); $12 (non-residents). Parking for the day at any state park that requires a day-use parking permit Details

From the Oregon state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.

Reservations

Day use: No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Booking system: ReserveAmerica (oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com)
Phone: 800-452-5687

We often fill up daily.

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Pets

See the park’s wording · leash up to 6 feet

Can I bring a dog to the park? Yes, you may bring your dog to the park, but the dog must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.

Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.

Camping

Campground or site type	Sites	Hookups / features	Price
Year-round Camping Book reservations up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com Note: Campfires are typically prohibited during the summer months. A Loop (open year-round, sites are first-come, first-served from Nov. 1 to March 31) • 34 electrical sites with water for RV or tent camping (water shut off in the winter) • Flush toilets (seasonal) • Hot showers (seasonal) • Paved parking pads B Loop (closed in winter) • 14 primitive RV/tent sites • Vault toilets • Potable water nearby G Loop (closed in winter) • 4 reservable primitive RV/tent camping areas • Group areas accommodate up to five…	—	34 electrical sites with water for RV or tent camping (water shut off in the winter)Showers	—

Camping details from the park

Year-round Camping

Book reservations up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com

Note: Campfires are typically prohibited during the summer months.

A Loop (open year-round, sites are first-come, first-served from Nov. 1 to March 31)

34 electrical sites with water for RV or tent camping (water shut off in the winter)
Flush toilets (seasonal)
Hot showers (seasonal)
Paved parking pads

B Loop (closed in winter)

14 primitive RV/tent sites
Vault toilets
Potable water nearby

G Loop (closed in winter)

4 reservable primitive RV/tent camping areas
Group areas accommodate up to five RVs or tents for up to 25 people
Vault toilets
Potable water nearby

T Loop (closed in winter)

11 primitive sites for tents only, no trailers permitted.
Vault toilets
Potable water nearby

If I am coming to camp by motorcycle, (no cars) how many motorcycles are allowed per site?

Up to four motorcycles are allowed per site.Two motorcycles are included with the cost of your site. Each additional will be charged an extra vehicle fee.

Is the park noisy?

For light sleepers, we recommend bringing a set of ear plugs. The park is situated between two major rail lines, and the sound of passing trains and their horns is common.

Is hike-in camping allowed in the Deschutes River Canyon?

Dispersed backcountry camping is allowed along the lower 24 miles of the Deschutes River. Many people hike in from the main park. You only need to pay for overnight parking (the "extra vehicle" parking rate) if you leave your car overnight in the park. Self-pay at one of the fee kiosks. You may park overnight in anyone of the parking lots. Camping is not allowed in vehicles parked overnight. The BLM has made detailed river maps (PDFs), and this is a Lower Deschutes Land Ownership Map (PDF). Be aware of the Rules & Regulations for the Lower Deschutes River (PDF). No overnight horse camping. Backcountry campfires are prohibited June 1 - Oct. 15. Gas cookstoves are allowed, but require an elevated firepan, and should not be left unattended. Please prevent the next wildfire.

Is the campground open year-round?

Yes, this park is open year-round for camping.

All campsites are reservable April through October, and reservable up to 6 months in advance.
The rest of the year, the park is first-come-first-serve, and limited to just the A-Loop electric sites. Water, showers, and flush restrooms are all turned off in the winter. Vault toilets and porta-potties remain open through the winter. Potable water is available in the winter from one frost-free spigot near the office.
Advanced reservations are recommended April through October. This is a small but popular park. We often fill up daily.

Is there a dump station at the park?

No, there is no dump station. The closest dump stations are located at Maryhill State Park in Washington, or in The Dalles, Oregon.

In the winter when water is turned off to the sites, is there potable water elsewhere?

Yes. Potable water is available at one frost-free spigot near the park office.

What are check-in/check-out times?

Check-in is 4PM and check-out is 1PM.

What site types are offered, and what camping equipment is allowed in the campground?

There are 4 site types:

1.) STANDARD ELECTRIC - A Loop has 34 various sized, paved back-in or pull-in sites (1 is ADA) that offer electricity and water at the site. Bring your RV, Trailer or Tent Camp. Reservable April - October. First come, first served November - March. Water gets turned off for the winter mid-October and turned back on mid-March (weather dependent). A frost-free potable water spigot is available at the Ranger Station in the winter. Sites include a picnic table and fire ring. Sites on the outer edge of the loop are for longer and wider RVs. Sites on the inside of the loop are for smaller more compact RVs.

2.) PRIMITIVE - B Loop has 14 unpaved, grassy, pull-in or back-in sites. Bring your RV, Trailer or Tent Camp. A shared potable water spigot is nearby. This loop is CLOSED in the winter. Reservable April - October. Includes a picnic table and fire ring.

3.) PRIMITIVE - T Loop has 11 unpaved, grassy, pull-in or back-in sites. Bring your compact RV (24 feet max) or Tent Camp. No Trailers. No turnaround. A shared potable water spigot is nearby. This loop is CLOSED in winter. Reservable April - October. Includes a picnic table and fire ring.

4.) GROUP PRIMITIVE - G Loop has 4 unpaved, grassy, pull-in or back-in group sites (each group area contains 5 sites side-by-side, with 5 fire rings and 5 picnic tables). Bring your RV, Trailer, or Tent Camp. 25 people max. 5 RV's max. A shared potable water pigot is nearby. This loop is CLOSED in winter. Reservable April - October. If these show up as not reserved online, ask a ranger if you can occupy for one night at a time as a walk-in (first-come-first-served).

Important Notes:

Flush restrooms and hot showers are located in A-Loop (closed in winter).
Vault restrooms available throughout the campground loops, and remain open in the winter.
All water in the park gets turned off for the winter mid-October and turned back on mid-March (weather dependent). A frost-free potable water spigot is available at the Ranger Station in the winter.
Fires are typically banned JUNE - OCTOBER.
Generator use is only permitted between 12PM and 6PM. No exceptions.
Pad length and site dimensions are described online for each site.

What are the campfire/smoking restrictions?

Fires are allowed in campground fire rings unless temporary fire restrictions are in place. Please follow posted fire restrictions. Smoking is allowed in vehicles, in a boat on the water, or while standing in the water.

Backcountry fires

June 1 - October 15: No open fires, charcoal fires or portable propane fires are allowed. Commercially manufactured gas or propane camp stoves and shielded lanterns are allowed (unless otherwise noted).

October 16 – May 31: Fires must be contained in a metal fire pan or similar metal container with sides at least 2 inches high, and is elevated above the ground. All charcoal, ash and unburned contents of a campfire must be carried out.

See the complete list of Rules & Regulations for the Lower Deschutes River (PDF).

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Things to do

BoatingFishingHikingHorseback ridingWildlife viewing and birdingBikingCampingPicnicking

Trails

Park Trails

The park has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Six miles of looping trails are reserved for hiking only; don't miss the Ferry Springs Trail that loops toward the canyon rim with views of the surrounding hills and the river.

Bring your bicycle and enjoy a 26-mile round-trip ride on the Deschutes River Trail along the east bank of the river. The trail is an easy, flat grade, but mountain bikes are recommended due to the dirt and gravel surface. Be prepared with a patch kit in case of a flat tire—it’s a long walk back. Backcountry camping is allowed along the trail.

Bicycles are also welcome on the 2-mile Rock Pile trail that follows the west bank of the river.

From March 1 through June 30, equestrians can ride on 11 miles of the Deschutes River Trail route. Go to the Park Store to reserve your trip. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset; no overnight camping with horses is allowed.

Swimming

Where can I swim?

The campground sits right along riverbank of the Deshutes River with multiple points of walk-in access throughout the campground and day use area. Note: The lakes and rivers found within Oregon State Parks are open to unsupervised for swimming. You are responsible for your own safety. Before you enter the water, you should judge your swimming skills against possible strong currents, cold water, boat traffic, underwater objects and steep drop-offs. Please bring and wear a personal flotation device and swim with a buddy.

Boating and paddling

What is the Motorboat Schedule on the Lower Deschutes River?

The Motorboat Schedule for the Lower Deschutes River (Mack's Canyon to Heritage Landing) can be located on the Oregon State Marine Board website.

Are jet boats and motorboats allowed?

Motorized watercraft are not allowed from Heritage Landing upstream to Macks Canyon on alternate weekends beginning the first Thursday through Sunday on/after June 15 and ending September 30. Check the Oregon State Marine Board motorboat schedule for dates.

Fishing

What are the fishing regulations?

Please only fish from the riverbank, and remember to observe the strict no-bait requirement and carefully follow all fishing regulations.

A state fishing license is usually required.

Amenities

Facilities

Restrooms
Flush toilets
Showers
Picnic areas
Nature center or museum

Water

Boat ramp

Camping

Tent camping
RV camping
Electric hookups

Recreation

Horse trails

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

Accessible amenities: Hot Shower, Restrooms Flush, Camping

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Rules and permits

Know Before You Go

Do not swim, float, paddle or boat without a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket, and making sure it fits properly, saves lives.
A life jacket loaner station at Heritage Landing, with life jackets of various sizes available.
Boaters: check ahead for obstructions on the Oregon State Marine Board's Reported Obstructions and Alerts page.

Is it okay to play loud music?

No. You may only play music at a volume that cannot be heard in neighboring campsites.

Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. No music is allowed during quiet hours.

Are generators are allowed?

Generator usage is allowed from 12PM-6PM. If power is necessary for any reason, you will need to reserve a site in A-loop. No exceptions will be made.

Are drones allowed?

Drone operation is prohibited at Deschutes River State Recreation Area. Oregon State Parks now has an Unmanned Aircraft Systems web page with approved areas for UAS operation beginning August 6, 2026.

Getting there

Nearest town: The Dalles — about 12 mi east (straight line)
Coordinates: 45.6343, -120.9081
Phone: (541) 739-2322

Google Maps directions Apple Maps Official park map (PDF)

Nearby state parks

Heritage Landing (Deschutes)

0.4 mi west (straight line)

Maryhill State Park

4.9 mi northeast (straight line) · Washington

Columbia Hills Historical State Park

9.5 mi west (straight line) · Washington

Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site

14.8 mi north (straight line) · Washington

Doug's Beach State Park

16 mi west (straight line) · Washington

Mayer State Park

17.9 mi west (straight line)

Klickitat State Park Trail

18.9 mi west (straight line) · Washington

Memaloose State Park

21.1 mi west (straight line)

Sources and freshness

Oregon State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 26, 2026
Oregon State Parks park finder JSON (services/park.cfc?method=getAll), used by the Find a Park page
Wikidata

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

Report a correction for this park