Chickahominy Recreation Site

🎣 **Introduction / Overview**

For Oregonians traveling across the stunning, rugged expanse of the state’s high desert, or those simply seeking some of the **best trout fishing in Central Oregon**, the **Chickahominy Recreation Site** is an invaluable stop. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this site is situated right on the banks of the man-made Chickahominy Reservoir, a popular destination renowned for its excellent rainbow trout fishery. It serves as a necessary and welcoming oasis for both long-haul travelers and dedicated local anglers.

The campground’s appeal is its simplicity and functional design. It provides a peaceful, no-frills setting that is highly accommodating to RVs and trailers, as well as tent campers. As one traveler noted, it was a "good place to stop for the night," with "easy registration with no added fees" and a "Clean and tidy" environment. A feature that particularly impresses local users is the presence of a **fish cleaning station**, a welcome amenity seldom seen at comparable sites on the western side of the state. This spot is truly about enjoying the open air, the vast 360-degree high desert vistas, and the quiet pursuit of a great catch.

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🗺️ **Location and Accessibility**

Chickahominy Recreation Site is strategically located in **Central Oregon** on the primary east-west corridor, making it an excellent midpoint for travelers. It sits directly on the **Central Oregon Highway (US Highway 20)**, approximately five miles west of the small community of Riley and about midway between the larger Oregon cities of Bend and Burns. This makes it an incredibly convenient overnight stop or a dedicated weekend trip from either side of the state.

The official address is listed as **Central Oregon Hwy, Riley, OR 97758, USA**. Accessibility is exceptionally easy, as the site is directly off a major paved highway. While the remoteness contributes to the peaceful ambiance, visitors should be aware that the area is characterized by open high desert. Shade is limited, and, as one review mentions, "The wind does blow here," so preparedness for a true desert environment is key. Its location makes it a gateway to exploring the unique natural history and expansive landscapes of the Oregon high desert country.

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🔧 **Services Offered**

As a Bureau of Land Management site, Chickahominy Recreation Site focuses on providing clean, essential services that support a comfortable dry-camping experience. It is designed to be highly functional for both tent and RV users, with several key amenities that enhance the experience, particularly for anglers.

• **Campsites:** Approximately **28 level, gravel-padded sites** are available, many of which are pull-through, making them ideal for large RVs and trailers (up to 40 feet). All sites are available on a **first-come, first-served** basis.

• **Water:** **Drinking water** is available via collection points/spigots within the campground (availability may be seasonal; check current conditions).

• **Restrooms:** Clean and well-maintained **vault or portable restrooms** are provided throughout the site.

• **Site Furnishings:** Each campsite is equipped with a **picnic table** and a **fire ring/grill** for cooking and campfires (always check local fire restrictions).

• **Fishing Facilities:** A dedicated, clean **fish cleaning station** is available, usually during the peak season when a campground host is present (May through August).

• **Boating Access:** Features a functional **boat ramp** for easy access to Chickahominy Reservoir.

• **Waste Disposal:** **Garbage cans** are generally available, and a **gray water dump station** is sometimes present, though full black-water hookups are not offered.

Note that while sites are available for a reasonable nightly fee (which may vary; currently $16 per vehicle, $8 with a Senior Pass, according to some reports), there are **no electrical or sewer hookups** at the campsites. You will be dry-camping, though clean water is a notable inclusion.

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⭐ **Features / Highlights**

The true highlights of the Chickahominy Recreation Site center on its premier fishing and the distinctive atmosphere of the Oregon high desert. It offers unique experiences not found in Oregon’s forested or coastal campgrounds.

• **Exceptional Trout Fishing:** Chickahominy Reservoir is famous for its **rainbow trout**, which are stocked annually by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Anglers frequently report great success, especially during the peak seasons in late spring and early fall, and it is a popular spot for **ice fishing** in the winter.

• **RV-Friendly Layout:** The spacious, semi-circular, and level gravel sites are highly appreciated by RV and big-rig drivers, offering **plenty of room for maneuvering** and comfortable overnight stays directly off a major highway.

• **Unique Fish Cleaning Station:** This amenity is a significant convenience for successful anglers, demonstrating the site's focus on the fishing community. It helps maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of the overall campground.

• **Spectacular High Desert Views & Dark Skies:** The lack of light pollution and the open surroundings make this site an **incredible location for stargazing**. Campers enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the distant buttes and rolling hills.

• **Convenient Rest Stop:** Its prime location on US 20 makes it an essential and comfortable stopover point for travelers driving long distances between population centers like Bend and Boise, as several customer reviews attest.

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📞 **Contact Information**

For the most current information regarding reservoir water levels (which can fluctuate seasonally), fishing conditions, or fee changes, it is recommended that Oregon residents contact the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burns District Office, which oversees the site.

• Address: **Central Oregon Hwy, Riley, OR 97758, USA** (For official correspondence, the BLM Burns District Office manages the site, located at 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, Oregon 97738).

• Phone (BLM Burns District Office): **(541) 573-4400**

• Mobile Phone: **+1 541-573-4400**

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🌟 **What is Worth Choosing**

The Chickahominy Recreation Site is worth choosing for the Oregonian who values a **convenient, functional, and fishing-focused experience** in the dramatic landscape of the high desert. You should choose this spot if you are: **1)** A passionate angler seeking a consistently stocked, high-quality trout reservoir with dedicated facilities like the fish cleaning station; **2)** An RVer or trailer owner looking for a spacious, easy-access, and level overnight stop right on Highway 20 without the hassle of unpaved back roads; or **3)** A traveler eager for a classic, quiet BLM camping experience where the focus is on the vast open sky, the incredible solitude, and the unique wildlife viewing opportunities the desert offers. It’s an honest, well-managed site that delivers excellent value for a low nightly fee. While the wind and lack of shade require preparation, the stunning dark skies, the clean facilities, and the promise of a successful fishing trip make Chickahominy a truly standout destination in Central Oregon.