Deschutes National Forest, OR is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Oregon camping adventure.
$38 - $550 / night
"Rv sites available close to the lodge along the river and up the hill away from the water. Both sites have pools filled by the springs."
"Situated on the McKenzie River and near the McKenzie River Trail (MRT), this spot has it all."
$28 - $58 / night
"Paradise in Oregon (located in Oregon, DUH!), is one of my favorite places to go. I have been there twice- One with family and the other time with college friends."
"A Picturesque Getaway with Room to Roam - Paradise of Oregon Campground Review
I recently had the pleasure of camping at Paradise of Oregon Campground, and I must say, it was a memorable experience."
"Oregon State Parks have the best website, brochures and information so you can often drive in totally prepared. USFS has some major catching up to do."
"Room for several tents on nice flat spots, not too close to adjacent sites with drinking water just across from parking. The slow moving creek means mosquitos are pretty bad at dusk, but bearable."
"Absolutely a beautiful spot tucked away! Off the main road with a few dispersed spots spaced out very nicely. Not the easiest access to the river but if able easy enough."
"If you drive past all the campsites and go over the bridge take a right, there are so many spots available on that road and all have their own access to the river."
$17 - $33 / night
"Ranger review of Banner and Oak Baseball hats at French Pete campground, Oregon."
"Tucked back in the deep forest lays old french pete, everything’s covered in moss and old growth, the camp host was so sweet and was willing to help with anything. The bathrooms were cleaned nightly!"
$18 / night
"Hard to find because there is limited signage around the reservoir. Once you pass the hot springs, travel over the bridge and the campground will be located on the right side."
"The river it’s on isn’t accessible to swim at, but there are animals who drink and catch fish out of it!!"
"Complete forested sites and open meadow sites available, some lakeside. Two pit toilets, and affordable nightly camping rate."
"Lakeside (30 feet off lake in sheltered area with beach pathway). End of June. Sunday-Tuesday. Semi quiet and peaceful (loud family a couple sites over). Otherwise very nice."
$165 / night
"Though it’s near the 242, the road is not busy. Mostly used by bicycles and during a good chunk of the year there’s a snow gate blocking further up."
"The hwy is a popular ride for long distance road bikers so be prepared when driving to the close by hikes, and if you are going up to the pass."
$25 / night
"Beautiful place, quiet with sites right next to the McKenzie river."
"Plenty of places to hike and walk around. Not far from McKenzie Market for their restaurant and live music."
$18 / night
"There is no potable water at this site but there is a well pump at the nearby sister site French Pete. That’s also the home site of the friendly hosts Thom and Amy."
"Campground is easy to get to, entrance is steep but easily doable in a car, wouldn't suggest taking a trailer in as it's pretty narrow and one road for in and out, it does have a loop at the end."
LegendRelaxing RV park with lots to see from a walking distance
This is a really well laid out campground, with well kept grounds. The RV area is shaped like a horse shoe and only has 12 sites. The rest of the campground has about 20 cabins spread out around the grounds. Our site was had lots of room to easily back in our trailer. The fire pit was big and cleaned out when we arrived. There is a creek that runs behind most of the sites which was a nice addition. There are two bathrooms with showers. There are a handful of kids and adult bikes you can use. The campground is a few minutes walking distance to a stocked pond that youth can fish in. About an 8 minute walk away from the nearby general store which feels like a blast from the past. The walk to the general store includes a really beautiful bridge crossing to get across the Metolius river.
With most people in cabins and only a handful of RVs, it’s a really quiet campground. This was a really relaxing stay and it was so nice that most the things we wanted to do was just walking distance away. We will definitely come here again.
ScoutHighly recommend! We came here in early Oct and it was quiet, roads were easy to access for a 25ft camper and just a quick drive from Bend. No amenities and a range of options for parking if you want to be near other people
ScoutGreat quiet background on a beautiful lake.
ScoutPulled in last minute I’ve never been to a thousand trails campground. Great so far. Lot’s of fly fishing near by. Very inexpensive compared to other campgrounds nearby.
ScoutIt is in a vast recreation area for off road vehicles. The main road in is gravel and quite smooth. I easily found a site to car camp late at night. It was just 20 minutes from site to Bend. No amenities just a good place to car camp.
TravelerA bit past the other listing. Beautiful, just off the road. There is a pullout on both sides of the road to camp. I suggest stopping to scout each to decide what is best for your rig.
TravelerI went a bit further on the main road then pulled off on the right. A bit bumpy for my non-lifted van, but managed. Drove in about .5 miles and found a flat place to park. Yes, there was some trash scattered, I picked up around where I was. Windy in the afternoon when I was there. I enjoyed it.
TravelerLike the 1st review, just pulled off on a pull thru area. Close walk to trailhead and vault toilets. The road was a bit busy during the day. Glad I came
GuideThis is a decently well maintained campground, the road in and through is severely potholed and I wouldn’t recommend a big rig, but I did see one guy park at least 35’ class A.
Vault toilets, no water or electricity. Sites are not all level, some are not RV friendly, but most are. Host is doing a fab job keeping the grounds clean and tidy.
Many sites back right up to the lake. Many back up to the road others is a bit of traffic noise.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dispersed camping allowed in Deschutes National Forest?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Deschutes National Forest. Outside of developed campgrounds, you can camp for free in most areas of the forest, though there may be seasonal restrictions and fire regulations. Wyeth Campground at the Deschutes River represents a middle ground—a minimalist 5-site campground with basic amenities but offering river access. For true dispersed camping, follow forest service roads and look for established pull-offs. Stay at least 100 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and check current fire restrictions before your trip. Most dispersed sites have no amenities, so bring your own water and pack out all waste.
What are the best campgrounds in Deschutes National Forest?
Deschutes National Forest offers several exceptional campgrounds for different experiences. Paulina Lake Campground stands out with its location in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, providing access to fishing, paddle boarding, boating, and hiking trails. For water enthusiasts, Sunset Cove Campground on Oddell Lake features larger campsites surrounded by trees, docks for day-use boating, and a peaceful setting. Other notable options include Prairie Campground just outside Bend and Wyeth Campground along the Deschutes River near La Pine. Each campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Central Oregon's attractions.
What amenities are available at Deschutes National Forest campgrounds?
Amenities vary widely across Deschutes National Forest campgrounds. Indian Ford Campground provides basic facilities including vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site, with large campsites nestled among Ponderosa pines. It's conveniently located near Sisters but lacks water hookups. Prairie Campground offers spacious lots just outside of Bend with easy highway access. Most developed campgrounds in the forest provide pit toilets and fire rings, while some include potable water during peak season. More remote locations like Wyeth Campground offer minimal amenities (pit toilets only, no tap water). Cell service is limited throughout the forest, especially at campgrounds farther from towns.
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