Camping near Deschutes National Forest
Camping areas near Deschutes National Forest include several campgrounds along the McKenzie River and Blue River corridors, offering diverse accommodation options. Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with amenities including showers, drinking water, and electric hookups. Paradise Campground and French Pete Campground feature more primitive settings with sites suitable for tents and smaller RVs. For those seeking free options, Blue River Reservoir offers dispersed roadside camping without facilities but allows pets and campfires in designated areas.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact campground availability throughout the region. Most developed campgrounds operate from May through September or October, with Paradise Campground typically open from May 8 to October 18. Winter access becomes limited as many forest roads close due to snow conditions. Travelers should note that cell coverage is extremely limited across most camping areas, particularly in canyon locations. Campgrounds like French Pete and Sunnyside feature vault toilets that receive varying levels of maintenance. As one camper noted, "There is no potable water at this site but there is a well pump at the nearby sister site French Pete. Bathrooms here are hard-to-breathe smelly but are physically clean."
Riverside campsites represent particularly popular options throughout the area, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. Sites along the McKenzie River receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic value and access to swimming areas. Several visitors highlighted the value of securing riverside sites for both recreation and ambiance. "The river is nearby; some campsites are even closer. It's pretty rocky, but nice to put your feet in after a long hot hike," mentioned one camper about Sunnyside Campground. Wildlife sightings, including cougar activity, were mentioned in multiple reviews of campgrounds in the region. Proximity to natural attractions like Terwilliger Hot Springs and hiking trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness enhances the appeal of many camping locations, with several reviewers noting the convenience of using these campgrounds as base camps for regional exploration.
