Off Harrington Loop Road in the Deschutes National Forest, this dispersed camping area sits 3.5 miles from Cloverdale and provides free camping with drive-in and walk-in access. The Forest Service maintains multiple sites scattered through both forested and open terrain, with many accommodating larger RVs and fifth wheels. Campers can access the area by vehicle, though late arrivals may find site visibility challenging in low light conditions.
Sites feature established fire rings at some locations, and the area stays relatively clean according to multiple visitor reports. The terrain tends toward dusty conditions, particularly when winds pick up, creating a dry camping environment typical of the high desert. Cell service reaches the area, with Verizon coverage confirmed by recent campers. Some sites offer more exposure than others, allowing campers to choose between open and more sheltered positions.
John L. notes the area has "manicured grounds" with "so many pull through sites." Nearby lighting from area buildings provides some visibility after dark without creating significant sleep disruption. The campground allows pets and campfires, and campers can bring alcohol. Several other dispersed camping options operate within a half-mile, including Peterson Ridge Road Dispersed and Sisters Rodeo Dispersed Camping.
Plan to arrive with adequate water and supplies, as this remains true dispersed camping despite the maintained appearance.
Description
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. If you are dispersed camping in the winter, recognize that the Forest Service does not plow or maintain Forest Roads in the winter, so plan your trip accordingly. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that's been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines: Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 200 feet of any water source, plants near water are especially fragile. Don't camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow. Make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting. Don't try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Select a campsite with good natural drainage. Visit the Leave No Trace website for more information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingHarrington Loop Rd - Dispersed is located in Oregon
Coordinates
44.25049742 N
121.49603275 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/25/26- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 71 usersLast on 4/25/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 4/25/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/25/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 71 usersLast on 4/25/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 4/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Harrington Loop Rd - Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 19 min from Bend, OR
- 1 hr 57 min from Albany, OR
- 1 hr 59 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 59 min from Eugene, OR
