Several campgrounds near Chemult offer alternatives to the well-known RV parks along Highway 97. Located at 4,764 feet elevation in central Oregon, Chemult experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with winter lows frequently reaching below freezing. Summer camping typically runs from May through October when daytime temperatures average 70-80°F, while nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even in summer months.
What to Do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Diamond Lake RV Park provides access to excellent trout fishing opportunities. "When the bite's on the fishing is amazing. Have never been skunked on this lake. From mid August on the bugs are few," reports Dean from Diamond Lake RV Park.
Hiking waterfall trails: The Umpqua region offers numerous waterfall hikes. "There are over 25 waterfalls with Toketee being my favorite... There is white water rafting...fishing and a lot of hiking trails too much to do and is why I will be back," shares Sergio T. from Umpqua's Last Resort.
Biking around lakes: Diamond Lake features a 12-mile path circling the water. "Hiking/biking path around lake gives you access to a pizza parlor and Diamond Lake lodge with swimming and boat rentals. Great for bike riding," notes Valerie J.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate space between campsites. "The campground is well maintained, nicely treed, and laid out in a way that gave privacy to the sites," reports Thomas B. from Crater Lake RV Park.
Clean bathroom facilities: Several parks feature newly renovated facilities. "The bathrooms are probably the only area of opportunity but they were functional and clean," writes Matthew E. about Crater Lake RV Park, while another reviewer notes: "Bathrooms are beautifuly updated an clean!!"
Off-season camping options: Camping outside peak summer months can offer advantages. "We stayed two nights, August 15 through August 17, 2019... The campground is at an elevation of 4150 ft... Weather was sunny upper 80's, the nights low 40's," reports Jeff C. from Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver.
What You Should Know
Winter access limitations: Many facilities close during winter months. "We got stuck in a snowstorm and Katelyn answered the phone and cheerfully and quickly hooked us up with a site that had electric hook up for our truck camper," shares Allison S. from Crescent RV Park.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "Cell service is strong and there is free WiFi," notes Lee D. about Waterwheel RV Park, while another reviewer reports: "Disappointing, and for us a disadvantage, there was no cellphone reception and no internet access possible. Also no WiFi available."
Reservation requirements: During peak season, securing spots in advance is essential. "Reservations are a must! It fills up quick in the summer," advises Lacy M. from Waterwheel RV Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Child-friendly activities: Several parks offer designated recreation areas. "The kids are helping us out with reviews for parks. Kids loved Sunriver-Bend Thousand Trails because there is bunnies, bullfrogs, mini-golf, a great little river to float on or swim in, ladderball, bingo, movies outside, and some pretty great pools!" shares Nicole R.
Mosquito preparation: Insect activity varies by season. "We stayed here mid June 2018, it was very quiet. We arrived late at night and were able to find a site to stay in with little difficulty. The mosquito population, however, was quite thick at that time if year so cooking during the daytime wasn't as fun as we would have liked," warns Racheil H.
Proximity to swimming spots: Water access provides cooling options during hot days. "Park hosted live music with bonfire in the evening with hotdogs and s'more," notes Lai La L. from Crater Lake RV Park, while a different campground reviewer mentions: "You and your dog can swim in the Williamson River that is there onsite."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies across rv parks near Chemult, Oregon. "Our RV site was so poorly graded that achieving a level setup proved impossible, even with extensive adjustment. At one point, I had three wheels completely off the ground," cautions Casey L. from Diamond Lake RV Park.
Full hookup availability: Not all sites offer complete services. "Only the middle row of the park has full hookups, although the park has been making improvements since the current owners took over a couple of years ago," explains On the Road of Adventure K. from Waterwheel RV Park & Campground.
OHV trail access: Some campgrounds provide direct access to off-highway vehicle routes. "If you ride ohv's there is a trailhead connected to the Gilchrist Forest with tons of great riding and a lot of non technical smoother dirt roads for little ones in training," notes Chris S. from Big Pines RV Park.
