The sound of freight trains running through the night is one of the first things repeat visitors mention about Deschutes River State Recreation Area, and knowing that upfront shapes the experience considerably. Set where the Deschutes River meets the Columbia River Gorge corridor near Wasco, Oregon, this state park campground draws travelers crossing the region as well as anglers, paddlers, and cyclists who come specifically for the river access. The gorge location also means wind is a regular factor, particularly in summer.
The campground is divided into several loops with meaningfully different characters. The A loop has mature trees, water and electric hookups (50/30/20 amp), and flush toilets with showers, making it the most developed option. It sits closer to I-84, which some reviewers note adds road noise on top of the train traffic. The T loop, at the back of the campground, accommodates vehicles up to 24 feet and has a more open, natural feel with vault toilets nearby. Some sites in the park sit directly on the river. As Jeff O. notes, the campground is "clean, showers and bathrooms nice," a sentiment that comes up consistently across reviews spanning multiple years.
Wildlife is active throughout the park. Geese and goslings are common sights in spring, and reviewers have spotted deer, eagles, vultures, and turkeys. A word of caution: earwigs have been reported in significant numbers at ground-level tent sites, and rattlesnakes have been observed on the hillside trail during early morning hours. The Deschutes River Trail starts from the campground and runs 16 miles, well-suited to mountain biking though it gets rough in sections. An Oregon Trail interpretive display within the park is worth a stop, especially for families.
Cell reception runs one to two bars on Verizon; AT&T users report better results. There is no dump station on-site, though options exist nearby. Reservations are available and recommended for summer weekends, when the campground fills. Rates run $15 to $119 per night depending on site type, and Oregon Disabled Veterans Pass holders camp free. The nearest fuel and supplies are roughly 15 minutes away in Rufus. Campers planning a broader itinerary along this stretch of the Columbia can browse campgrounds near Deschutes River State Recreation Area or consider nearby options like Celilo Park Recreation Area a few miles to the northwest.
This campground works well as an overnight stop on a cross-state drive, and equally well as a base for river-focused activities, provided campers come prepared for train noise and wind.
Description
Looking for Deschutes River camping? Look no further than the campground at Deschutes River State Recreation Area. Located in north-central Oregon, this campground gives you access not only to the Deschutes River, but also the Columbia, with tons of fun activities year-round. This campground has four loops full of campgrounds for tent campers, RVers and backpackers alike.
This is The Deschutes River Rec. Area, which is on the Columbia River, not the Deschutes campground at The Cove Palisades State Park near Madras.
Welcome to Deschutes State Recreation Area. We have 32 miles of bike trails and 7.5 miles of hiking trails. All sites allow Tents or RVs (with a 24 foot combined vehicle length restriction in T-Loop). A-Loop electric sites have 50/30/20 amp connections available. Restroom building closed from from late fall to early spring. Port-a-potty available. There is no water available from from late fall to early spring.
MAKE SURE YOUR SITE MEETS YOUR CAMPING NEEDS Before reserving, please become familiar with the particulars of your chosen site, including the size of the tent pad area and the type of equipment that you may bring to the park. Site details and tent pad sizes can be viewed online by clicking on the site name.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDeschutes River State Recreation Area is located in Oregon near Wishram
Directions
Directions to Deschutes State Recreation Area Traveling east: On I-84 travel 12 miles east of The Dalles to the Deschutes State Recreation Area exit 97/Biggs Rufus Hwy. Continue eastbound 4 miles, cross the Deschutes River Bridge. The park is the first right after the bridge. Traveling west: On I-84 travel 34 miles west of Arlington to exit 104, turn left on Hwy 97. Go 1/4 mile and turn right on Biggs Rufus Hwy. Continue westbound 4.5 miles, turn left into park before crossing the Deschutes River Bridge. Traveling south: On Highway 97 travel approx. 10 miles from Goldendale, WA. Cross the Columbia River to Biggs Junction. Turn right on Biggs Rufus Hwy. Continue westbound 4.5 mile. Turn left into park before crossing the Deschutes River Bridge. Traveling north: On Hwy. 97 from Bend travel to Biggs Junction, turn left on Biggs Rufus Hwy. Continue westbound 4.5 miles. Turn left into park before crossing the Deschutes River Bridge.
Address
89600 BIGGS-RUFUS HWY
Wasco, OR 97065
Coordinates
45.63335654 N
120.90877836 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/20/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 25 usersLast on 7/20/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/20/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/20/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 25 usersLast on 7/20/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 27 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 32 min from Yakima, WA
- 1 hr 34 min from Kennewick, WA
- 2 hrs 7 min from Longview, WA
























































