Camping near Deschutes National Forest

Camping near Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin or a spacious RV site, there are options for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails around the area. One camper mentioned, “Easy access to various trails within the park” at LaPine State Park Campground. Another noted, “Great biking, fishing” at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens.
• Water Activities: Enjoy the lakes for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. A review from Lava Lake Campground said, “The lake was so beautiful, with nice views of sisters and bachelor.”
• Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted wildlife. One camper at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver shared, “Lots of bunnies and a doe and 2 grown fauns came through our site today.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A review for River Bend County Park stated, “Clean showers, private, lots of trees, clean site.”
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Creekside Sisters City Park mentioned, “We truly enjoyed our night here... the hosts were very hospitable and the campsites were very clean.”
• Scenic Views: The beautiful surroundings are a big hit. A visitor at Big Lake said, “The lake is serene, even with boater activity there was plenty of room for my kids to very safely swim.”

What you should know:

• Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel packed. A review for LaPine State Park Campground noted, “It’s a little crowded but no one was too loud.”
• Limited Privacy: Campers at Whitcomb Creek County Park mentioned, “Some of the sites are close together.”
• No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A camper at Lava Lake Campground pointed out, “There are no showers, but the vault toilets were exceptionally clean.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Bring Bug Spray: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially near water. A camper at Big Lake advised, “Bring bug spray, the bugs are outrageous.”
• Check for Amenities: Make sure to choose a campground with family-friendly features. One review for Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort highlighted, “There is an on-site pool and outdoor gathering place.”
• Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds near fun activities. A visitor at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens mentioned, “The hot mineral pools were wonderful and the staff friendly.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A review for Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver noted, “The sites are very large, the power is good.”
• Bring Cash for Reservations: Some campgrounds may not accept cards. A camper at LaPine State Park Campground mentioned, “If you come without a reservation you should bring cash to pay for your spot.”
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at River Bend County Park said, “We drove through loops E and F to check them out... there were only 3 sites available for walk-up.”

Camping near Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a little planning, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful area.