Penland Lake Campground
4.4313 reviewsPenland Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
This is a fee-free site.
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About this campground
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Penland Lake, this waterfront campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of aquatic adventures and peaceful retreat. Seven well-maintained campsites dot the National Forest portion of the property, with additional sites available on the neighboring Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife grounds. Whether you're launching your boat from the convenient ramp, casting a line from the dedicated fishing dock, or simply soaking in the scenery from one of the dam-side benches, this destination offers something for every nature lover. Two vault toilets serve the Forest Service sites, while lakeside picnic tables invite day visitors to linger over lunch with stunning water views.
Penland Lake Campground supports a variety of camping types, including primitive, tent, and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this particular site remains unwritten, the surrounding landscape whispers stories of the generations who have found solace and adventure along these shores.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Pacific Northwest, where warm, sun-drenched summers give way to crisp autumn days and snow-dusted winters. The campground truly shines from late spring through early fall, when comfortable temperatures create ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and starlit evenings around the campfire. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland, though access may be limited during the coldest months.
ElevationSpecific elevation information is not currently available for this location.
Natural Features and SceneryDrift off to nature's symphony as crickets and frogs orchestrate the evening chorus, then awaken to the splash of eager bluegill and rainbow trout breaking the morning's glassy surface. The campground's gentle, rolling terrain makes it accessible for visitors of all ages, while the famously clear night skies transform into a celestial theater after dark – perfect for counting shooting stars or tracing constellations. This unique setting, where national forest meets state wildlife lands and private property, creates a diverse ecosystem that supports abundant wildlife and offers varied recreational opportunities.
Geological RegionSituated within the majestic Umatilla National Forest, the campground occupies a unique position where federal lands meet those managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This convergence of public lands, bordered by private property, creates a protected haven around Penland Lake, ensuring both wildlife habitat preservation and recreational access for generations to come.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and gentle-sloped, suitable for tents and smaller trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy of campsites varies. Some sites are closer to the lake and clustered, while others are further away, offering more seclusion.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Sites near the lake are only tent sites." "Further into the campsites you will find a dirt road and a few more campsites near the water." "I recommend a scouting trip to this location to make sure your trailer will fit. There are some tight places."
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers not mentioned. Sites near the lake are described as tent-only, with a dirt road leading to more distant campsites offering greater privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSeven campsites on National Forest property, additional sites on adjacent ODFW property.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen late May through mid-November, winterized condition without services outside this period.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; solely first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. "Gets VERY FULL Friday's and Saturday's" noted in user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyNo formal reservation or cancellation policy in place as all sites are first-come, first-serve.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Penland Lake Campground offers various outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife observation.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are limited around Penland Lake itself but available in nearby areas. Trails are noted to range from easy to medium difficulty.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with opportunities to catch Rainbow Trout and Blue Gill. However, reviews are mixed. One camper described the trout fishing as 'mediocre,' while another praised it as 'beautiful place to fish for Rainbow Trout in the late Spring/early Summer.'Swimming
Swimming areas are available but come with caveats. Users reported leeches in the water and advised caution. 'It smelled awful and wasn't really the ideal wading water,' one user noted.Boating
Electric motors are allowed, but gas-powered motors are prohibited. The site features a boat ramp and fishing dock.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is available, with campers reporting sightings of frogs, as well as opportunities for mushroom hunting.Winter Activities
During the winter, the campground is accessible via snowmobiles, and services are not provided.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are supported, as noted by one reviewer: 'Beautiful lake to Kayak on or go fishing or just picnic and stay!'Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire policies not explicitly mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mosquitoes near the lake, leeches in the water as experienced by visitors, and narrow gravel roads with potholes and blind spots.
Active alertsCurrently in winterized condition; no services available during this period.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Contact Heppner Ranger Station for detailed winter conditions. No emergency services explicitly mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season during summer weekends, citing popularity in user reviews.
Trash and recyclingNo garbage service is provided; visitors are required to pack out all trash and dispose of it at home.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the shore of Penland Lake with access to swimming, boating, and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints include poorly maintained vault toilets, trash left by previous campers, narrow roads posing challenges for RVs, and disturbances such as gunfire from target practice nearby.
HostNo campground hosts available, as stated in official information.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Access involves narrow gravel roads with potholes and blind spots as mentioned in user reviews. Snowmobiles are required when roads are inaccessible due to snow.Nearby places
Heppner, Oregon (22.4 miles, ~1 hour)
Pendleton, Oregon (~1 hour and 54 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies not detailed. Visitors are advised to pack in and out all necessary resources, including potable water and trash disposal essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Penland Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The reviews for Penland Lake Campground are highly mixed. Positive aspects include the scenic beauty and quiet atmosphere, while negatives focus on the poor maintenance of bathrooms and issues with mosquitoes and leeches.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's serene setting, starry skies, and fishing opportunities. 'Camping with the kids was great go there every year for the past 3 years.. so peaceful,' one user noted.
Based on 13 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include dirty vault toilets, leeches in the swimming areas, and overcrowding during weekends. 'The toilet was disgusting,' one user reported.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommended visiting mid-week to avoid crowds and bringing supplies such as toilet paper and water. 'Be sure that you bring your own tp during busy times,' advised one user.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer weekends are popular but crowded, while early spring offers frog choruses and clear skies. Late October is noted for colder temperatures and reduced activity.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Rustick camping right on the water. Frogs can get loud in the spring.' - Larry Holub. 2. 'Beautiful place to fish for Rainbow Trout in the late Spring/early Summer.' - Steven Ebker. 3. 'Bathrooms...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites closer to the lake are tent-only and offer less privacy, while sites further away provide more space but are harder to access with RVs. 'The sites near the lake are only tent sites,' one...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for campers with disabilities.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, with users recommending bringing them for swimming and exploring. 'Would recommend bringing your pets and children because they'll have easy access to the swimming areas,' one user...
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Last updated August 10, 2025