Tumalo State Park provides year-round camping access in Central Oregon with sites situated 10 minutes north of Bend. The campground offers both full-hookup RV sites and a variety of tent camping options alongside their yurt accommodations. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 80s while nights can drop to the 40s even in peak season, creating distinct temperature swings campers should prepare for.
What to do
Lakeside relaxation: South Shore Suttle Lake offers easy water access from nearly every campsite. "We stayed in a yurt here and inside was a sign in book with a lot of fun adventures shared from other travelers. There's walk path across the street to the river and park which was fun to tube down in the summer heat," notes Nicole R., who found the experience memorable enough to return multiple times.
Mountain biking: The forest roads around BEND FS 4610 Dispersed provide extensive trail networks for cyclists. "Extensive mountain biking trials throughout as well," confirms Kaitlin B., who appreciated how these free camping sites offer both wilderness experience and access to recreation without fees or reservations. Sites are available along several miles of forest road, with increasing privacy the further you drive in.
Fishing opportunities: Round Lake provides excellent fishing access for those seeking yurt camping near Cloverdale, Oregon alternatives. "Fishing is great for Rainbows and Cutthroat trout and the lakeside is great for setting up a hammock to kick back and enjoy the view," shares Matthew F., who noted the interesting underwater features make this "a great kayak spot with some interesting features in the water."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Deschutes River Campground earns praise for its clean amenities. "The campgrounds are very well kept. The staff were super friendly. Automatic firewood dispenser so you don't need anyone there to get wood," notes Troy B., who appreciated the enforced quiet hours that ensure peaceful evenings. Located at The Cove Palisades State Park, this campground operates mid-May through mid-September.
Family activities: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver offers numerous structured recreation options beyond basic camping. "My 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," reports Nicole R., highlighting the variety of entertainment options available on-site.
Convenience to attractions: The proximity to natural areas while maintaining access to town amenities makes central Oregon yurt camping popular. "We took advantage of the lodge and restaurant for our friends birthday. We managed to pack in pinatas, rentals of all types of flotation devices, full bar, delicious food and friendly staff," shares Luke W. about his experience at Link Creek Campground, noting the balance of outdoor activities with lodge amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds in the area have restricted operating seasons. "Steep and curving roads to get there, but a great little campground near the water. Only open mid May to mid September," advises Jennifer R. about Deschutes River Campground, highlighting the important timing restrictions campers should note when planning.
Temperature fluctuations: The high desert climate creates significant day-to-night temperature swings. "Weather was sunny upper 80's, the nights low 40's," reports Jeff C. at Thousand Trails, demonstrating the need to pack for both hot days and cool nights even during summer months.
Reservation requirements: Crooked River Ranch has strict policies about check-in and checkout. "We were friendly advised to leave the whole property after checkout. We parked the car on a normal parking place after checkout just to take a last walk on a trail," notes Raul D., indicating the management strictly enforces property use rules even for day visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Bring quarters for showers: Many campgrounds require coins for shower facilities. "My only issue was the bathrooms were clean and great but you needed quarters to take a shower. I don't carry quarters and usually only use them for laundry," shares Sarah R. about Crooked River Ranch, suggesting families should bring $6-8 in quarters for cleaning up after outdoor activities.
Check pool availability: Recreational facilities sometimes close for maintenance. "The pools were under construction so the kiddos were disappointed. The women's shower closest to the F section was out of order," notes Christie U. from Thousand Trails, highlighting the importance of confirming amenity availability before promising specific activities to children.
Look for educational programs: Deschute County Expo RV Park and nearby campgrounds often offer ranger activities. "They put on a power point for the kids about local animals," shares Troy B., mentioning one of the educational opportunities available that can enhance a family camping experience with structured learning.
Tips from RVers
Select sites carefully: Campground layouts vary significantly in terms of privacy and convenience. "If have tent site, nearest dump station is CampingWorld... only a few miles away at north side of Bend. Dump station list provided at entry gate is outdated," advises Leonard H. about Tumalo State Park, sharing practical information about facilities that may not be obvious from campground maps.
Beware of summer dust: The dry climate creates challenging conditions for equipment. "Super super dusty. It just gets all over everything. Spent an extra hour packing up just to wipe things down," warns Chelsie from FS 4610 Dispersed camping, highlighting the need for RV owners to protect sensitive equipment from fine central Oregon dust.
