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Wickiup Reservoir

The best dog-friendly glamping in Wickiup Reservoir

Not far from the town of La Pine in the Central Oregon high desert, Wickiup Reservoir is a well-known spot for cooling off in the oftentimes sweltering summer months. Both non-motorized and motorized boats are allowed here, and there are multiple boat launches, with two at the two lakeside campgrounds and a third on the reservoir’s eastern banks. Wickiup Reservoir is also a popular spot for both birdwatching and fishing, particularly if you're hoping to catch a large brown trout. While many people fish directly from their boats, shore fishing is an option earlier in the season.

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Public campgrounds in and near Wickiup Reservoir

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(7)

Crescent Lake Campground

3 sites · in Deschutes National Forest

Available this weekend

Other options in and near Wickiup Reservoir

Twin Lakes Resort

516 sites · La Pine, OR

Experience the unique charm of our lakeside retreat, where 14 cozy cabins offer stunning views of South Twin Lake and accommodate groups of 2 to 16 guests. Nestled along the sandy banks of the Deschutes Channel at Wickiup Reservoir, our riverside RV park features 23 full hook-up sites, providing the perfect base for your outdoor adventures. Indulge in delightful lakeside dining at our full-service restaurant, grab a quick coffee at the java hut, or explore our charming country store stocked with fishing supplies and essentials. We also offer boat rentals for South Twin Lake, along with convenient amenities such as showers, gas, and propane, ensuring you have everything you need for a memorable stay. Venture into the breathtaking Cascade Lakes region, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. With so much to explore, our campground is the ideal destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

Potable water

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Campfires

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best dog-friendly glamping in Wickiup Reservoir guide

Notable campgrounds

Best for groups: Gull Point Campground has two group campsites for up to 30 people.
Best for anglers: Reservoir Campground offers direct access to the water.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations for the can be made directly through the Forest Service, either online using recreation.gov or over the phone. Campsites open up for reservation six months in advance, at 6 am.
The peak season runs from the end of May until the end of September. Outside of that time, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you can’t find a spot at Wickiup, note that there are still tons of places to camp in the area, both in nearby state parks, on BLM land, and at privately run Hipcamps.

When to go

The best time to visit Wickiup Reservoir is in late spring or early autumn, when the weather is warm and dry and the crowds are fewer. July and August are also great months if you like warm weather, but the reservoir and area campgrounds can get very busy with summer vacationers. Accessing the area during the cold winter months can be challenging due to heavy snowfall.

Know before you go

The easiest place to pick up groceries and other supplies is the town of La Pine, about a half-hour drive from the reservoir.
Do not enter the water during cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms. The forest service puts out alerts about blooms, but it's always a good idea to do a visual check just in case. Water that looks foamy or thick and is a green, blue, or brownish-read color should be avoided.
Forest fires are an issue in this part of the forest, and bans on fires and even some types of cooking devices are not uncommon. Check before igniting anything.