Map showing campground location near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, Oregon

Camper submitted image from Kapka Butte Sno Park

Kapka Butte Sno Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Deschutes National Forest's Cascade Lakes Road reaches its highest sno-park at Kapka Butte, a large wraparound parking lot with outhouses at both ends and open sightlines toward Mount Bachelor. Snowmobiles are frequent in winter and can be loud early in the morning. Crowds thin out considerably on summer weekdays. AT&T users report five bars of LTE here, and a sno-park permit is required in winter months. Campers exploring places to camp near Deschutes National Forest will find Swampy Lakes Sno-Park/Trailhead about two miles east if this lot fills up.

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Map & DirectionsKapka Butte Sno Park is located in Oregon near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland

Public Campground

Coordinates

43.98063785 N
121.61085467 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 7/23/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 7/10/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 12/11/25

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 7/23/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 7/10/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 12/11/25

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

RV Sites

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Toilets
Pets

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

23 min from Bend, OR
2 hrs 30 min from Eugene, OR
2 hrs 41 min from Albany, OR
2 hrs 48 min from Corvallis, OR

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Kapka Butte Sno Park

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Lauren M.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 19, 2026

Parking lot

Large wrap around parking lot with bathrooms on both ends. Sno-park permit may be required depending on the time of year, but daily permits are like $4. No one car around checking them. Super close to Mount Bachelor!

Month of VisitApril

Emma A.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2021

Good free option at Mount Bachelor

This is the highest Snopark on Cascade Lakes Road. It is a huge parking lot with two out-houses and an incredible view of Mount Bachelor. Busy with snowmobiles and trailers in the winter but very open mid-week in the summer. Just a few RVs and vans. Great AT&T cell reception (5 bars LTE).

Month of VisitJune

Audrey M.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 3, 2021

Snowmobiles Galore!

We chose to car camp at this location after another sno park was full for the night. Since we were just sleeping in our car, we parked close to the bathrooms. That night was set to bring a ton of snow due to the storm and we noticed a lot of RVs parked in the lot waiting for the next morning. No one bothered us and it was relatively peaceful. You do need a parking permit for this (and any Oregon sno parks) during the winter months. You can typically purchase them at gear shops or Walgreens (I haven't tried this, I've typically bought them online and had them mailed to me). That being said, this is a great option you don't want to pay for a night in Mt. Bachelor's parking lot and you can use the permit for the entire winter season.

Heads up: lots of snowmobiles frequent this location, so if you're not okay with being woken up by them you can park further away or choose another sno park that is in the area.

Month of VisitFebruary

(5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What winter activities can you do at Kapka Butte Sno Park?

Kapka Butte Sno Park is a prime destination for snowmobiling, with many enthusiasts bringing trailers and machines to explore the surrounding trails. The park also serves as an access point for other winter recreation activities including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. With its elevated position and proximity to Mount Bachelor, it offers exceptional winter recreation opportunities with stunning mountain views as a backdrop.

Do you need a permit or pass to use Kapka Butte Sno Park?

Yes, you need an Oregon Sno-Park permit to park at Kapka Butte Sno Park during the winter season. These permits are required for all vehicles parked in designated winter recreation parking areas. Permits can typically be purchased as daily, 3-day, or seasonal passes from various vendors including online, at DMV offices, sporting goods stores, and some local businesses. Be sure to display your permit visibly on your dashboard to avoid potential fines.

Where is Kapka Butte Sno Park located and how do I get there?

Kapka Butte Sno Park is located along Cascade Lakes Road near Bend, Oregon. It sits at a high elevation point on the road, offering spectacular views of Mount Bachelor. To get there, follow Cascade Lakes Highway (also known as Century Drive or Forest Road 46) from Bend. The sno park features a large parking area that can accommodate multiple vehicles including those with trailers. It's positioned strategically for winter recreation access in the Deschutes National Forest area.

When is Kapka Butte Sno Park open during the winter season?

Kapka Butte Sno Park is typically open throughout the winter snow season, which generally runs from November through April, depending on snow conditions. The park receives significant snowfall during winter storms, making it ideal for winter recreation. While it's busiest on weekends with snowmobilers and other winter enthusiasts, you'll find it less crowded mid-week. For current conditions and specific seasonal opening dates, check with the Deschutes National Forest or Oregon Department of Transportation.

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