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Best Dispersed Camping near Deschutes National Forest

156 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas near Deschutes National Forest offer several free options with varying accessibility. Blue River Reservoir provides multiple roadside sites, with some campers noting that "if you follow the road to the right of the reservoir there are some developed campsites/boat launches with a fee, keep driving for dispersed sites." Sites along forest roads include Black Pine, which features big-rig friendly areas, and FS Rd 1514, both rated highly by visitors. The primitive sites at Rock Creek accommodate various camping styles including tent and RV camping.

Most dispersed areas lack amenities – no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Bring all supplies and pack out waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with several locations prohibiting fires during dry months. One camper noted of Sparks Lake Recreation Area that it has "several spots off of the road to the Spark Lake Day Use area. The road is very rough, but taken slow does not require a 4wd." For backpacking opportunities, Moraine Lake offers primitive sites with "stunning sunsets and sunrises" though requires a "2 mile straight uphill hike" to access. Sites fill quickly during peak season, particularly on weekends.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Deschutes National Forest (55)

    1. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Blue River, OR
    11 miles

    "The coordinates take you to right by the reservoir with one or two spots but if you keep going down the road into the National Forest/Recreation area, (not in towards the reservoir— that road is rough,"

    "The marker on the map is where the information kiosk is. If you follow the road to the right of the reservoir there are some developed campsites/boat launches with a fee (and composting toilets)."

    2. Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Deschutes National Forest, OR
    18 miles
    Website

    "No amenities, and a 2 mile straight uphill hike to get here. Theres a map of the campsites, but they are hard to find. None are near te lake so fill upwater in bulk! Stunning sunsets and sunrises."

    "Wonderful backcountry camping accessed by a mostly uphill 2 mile hike."

    3. Sparks Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    20 miles

    "Access to water. Gorgeous sunsets. Not far from toilet if you're up for a walk, or have wheels. Firepits. This site has it all. Room to back in 15' trailer to camp or of."

    "There are several spots off of the road to the Spark Lake Day Use area. The road is very rough, but taken slow does not require a 4wd."

    4. Sisters, Oregon - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    32 miles
    Website

    "Love this dispersed camping area just south of Sisters, OR. We've camped here a few times over the years and there are never many campers around."

    "Maybe 15min outside bend, a little hard to see the turn off in the dark, but once we did it was easy to find a spot and set up camp! We only stayed one night and were car camping so it was perfect!"

    5. Craig Lake

    2 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    19 miles

    6. Black Pine Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    27 miles

    "We drove around looking for a place to boondock near Sisters for what felt like forever, but all the remote sites we planned on were taken."

    "One of the best dispersed camps we’ve been to all year!"

    7. BEND FS 4610 Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 383-5300

    "The main red dirt road is gorgeous with various pull offs spaced decently far apart. I saw one or two neighbors to the left and right of our spot but it was far enough that our spot felt private."

    "Dirt road through the forest. Pretty flat but sites were spaced out far enough that you couldn’t really see neighbors. Decent cell service, no complaints!"

    8. Rock Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    La Pine, OR
    25 miles

    9. FS Rd 1514 Dispersed camping

    3 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    27 miles

    "We spent some time driving around the Sisters area looking for a spot with a view.  Found a beauty!  The area is large enough for several rigs, including large ones. "

    "Great view of the mountains with access to other view points. Only issue is the provided GPS coordinate isn't correct. It send me close by but down a long awful gravel road."

    10. Dispersed wikiup camping

    4 Reviews
    La Pine, OR
    28 miles
    Website

    "Easy slop to flat river side camp. The upper camp was empty and I cleaned gun shells, burned aerosol cans and lots of melted and broken glass from the area."

    "It's all so close to the reservoir and not too far from town."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Deschutes National Forest

65 Photos of 55 Deschutes National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Deschutes National Forest

156 Reviews of 55 Deschutes National Forest Campgrounds

  • Aaron M.
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

    Fine dispersed camping close to town

    Just a forest service road. The area close to the road is closed to camping entirely. I showed up at 1am and missed that part since I'm so used to seeing no campFIRES and was hassled by a local for making their scenic walk less pretty. But if you look at the map posted you just need to be further in from the road - you'll see new signs for 14-day limits. Lots of mountain bikers riding past since there are a ton of trails out here. They also seem to be grumpy about seeing a vehicle parked out here, but oh well. 

    I don't know who is marking this area for services and water and toilets and RV hookups.... it's just a dirt road. However I do get 2-3 bars LTE on AT&T and Verizon even further in where you can camp.

  • Mark F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful site at base of Cascade mountains

    We were looking for a dispersed camping site on Forest Service land outside of cell range so we used The Dyrt PRO maps to help us find this spot. It is just off of paved roads on a smooth gravel road that our RV easily handled - it is a pull off from Whiskey Jack road and has room for 1 RV or several tents on flat land with some soft ground cover from grass and pine needles. There are no services so this is dry camping and you’ll need to be self sufficient. There is a fire pit circle but with recent fires we wouldn’t use it and it may be prohibited. I am sure this road could be snowed in in winter months but was dry and clear in June. We picked the spot with fewer trees as we were testing out a Starlink satellite dish on our RV to see if we could get internet access deep in the woods. Lots of ponderosa pines, manzanita bushes, and chirping birds in warm weather days and cool nights. There is some traffic passing the site during the day but there is a road that a 4 wheel drive could travel if you wanted to get away from the road for some extra privacy and quiet. Overall a classic Oregon Cascades mountain meadow location that is only 10-15 minutes off highway 20 and makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere to rest and rejuvenate!

  • Erin P.
    Aug. 7, 2017

    Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great South Sister base camp

    Hiked up on Friday night and got the last spot. No amenities, and a 2 mile straight uphill hike to get here. Theres a map of the campsites, but they are hard to find. None are near te lake so fill upwater in bulk! Stunning sunsets and sunrises. Made for a nice striking point to the summit. Gets busy. Have bug spray handy!

  • Sarah R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2021

    Black Pine Dispersed Camping

    Spacious and remote

    We drove around looking for a place to boondock near Sisters for what felt like forever, but all the remote sites we planned on were taken. When we arrived at the Black Pine dispersed area, it was surprisingly empty for how busy the rest of the area was. 

    The sites were huge with enormous fire rings and would be ideal for groups. We just had one small van, but there was one other large party with multiple vehicles and a large camper van, and they fit comfortably in one site. 

    The actual sites are not very forested or private, but it still felt secluded since only two of probably 10 sites were taken. Definitely recommend this area, especially for groups!

  • Adrianne D.
    Jul. 3, 2021

    Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground

    HOT and scenic

    So so beautiful and scenic! Also very hot and dry, as to be expected in the high desert. The scent of Mock orange hung heavy in the evenings air and the waterfalls area had a pool nearby you could hang out in. TONS of desert wildflowers too, along with several hundred year old juniper trees and sagebrush lizards all over bathing on rocks in the morning sun. It was during bitterly breeding season too, it’s a breeding ground for monarchs! No fires due to fire restrictions and the GPS coordinates on here took us an hour past the destination.. we found it eventually after good going though.

  • Hannah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2019

    Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    Free camping beside the reservoir

    Free dispersed roadside camping beside the reservoir. There’s some nice sites off blue river reservoir road and across the dam. Nice lake and a vault toilet with a dumpster in the day use section. Nice basic free spot!

  • Braden M.
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground

    Favorite type of terrain to camp in

    Beautiful trip. Breathtaking drives and not hard to find with given coordinates. Dirt roads are not too hard to drive but during the dry months it is extremely dusty. The campground on the trailhead is nice but a little too close for dispersed camping. Trail is not too long to a waterfall. You can fish and jump off the rocks into the water. We stayed one night at the designated camp site but ended driving about 10 minutes down a dirt road next the the campground entrance that is actual dispersed camping. Really enjoyed that spot with a trail down to the river and 2 drive in spots and multiple walk in campsites along the cliffs. 

Guide to Deschutes National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Deschutes National Forest in Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can find secluded spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

  • This spot allows for both drive-in and walk-in access, making it convenient for all types of campers.
  • Visitors have noted the stunning scenery along the McKenzie River, ideal for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
  • While fires are allowed, be mindful of fire restrictions due to recent fire activity in the area.

Top activities while free camping near Deschutes National Forest

  • Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, perfect for hiking and photography.
  • The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place for stargazing after a day of exploring.
  • Be prepared for cooler temperatures at night, as this location is at a higher elevation, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • Sparks Lake Recreation Area provides access to beautiful water views and is a fantastic spot for sunset watching.
  • Campers can enjoy the tranquility of the lake while also having the option to engage in various water activities.
  • The rough road leading to the area adds to the adventure, but it’s manageable for most vehicles, ensuring a rewarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed near Sisters, Oregon in the Deschutes National Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed near Sisters in the Deschutes National Forest. Black Pine Dispersed Camping offers spacious sites with fire rings and is often less crowded than other areas near Sisters. Peterson Ridge Road Dispersed provides free camping with a 14-day limit. When seeking dispersed sites near Sisters, follow Forest Service roads and look for established pull-offs with evidence of previous use. Forest roads around Sisters typically open after snow melts, usually by late May through October. Remember that many sites fill quickly during summer weekends, so arriving mid-week or early provides the best options. No reservations are needed, but standard dispersed camping regulations apply.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Deschutes National Forest?

Deschutes National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping options. Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite is accessible via smooth gravel roads suitable for RVs. For a higher elevation experience, Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping offers stunning views after a 2-mile uphill hike. Most dispersed sites in Deschutes follow standard Forest Service rules: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, stay on existing sites, and observe the 14-day maximum stay limit. Look for pull-offs along Forest Service roads, but check for posted restrictions as some areas close seasonally or have specific regulations. Many sites lack amenities, so pack out all trash and prepare to be self-sufficient with water and sanitation needs.

Are there any free dispersed camping options around Bend in the Deschutes National Forest?

Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist around Bend. Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping offers free sites, though camping directly adjacent to the road is prohibited - you'll need to camp further back in designated areas. Ten Mile Sno-Park provides a convenient free option near Newberry Volcanic National Monument with vault toilets but no water. When looking for free camping near Bend, focus on Forest Service roads with numbered designations (like FS 4610). These areas typically allow 14-day stays, require you to use existing fire rings when permitted, and follow Leave No Trace principles. The best free sites are usually found 5-15 miles outside of Bend, with better options to the south and east of the city.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Sparks Lake in Deschutes National Forest?

At Sparks Lake Recreation Area, dispersed camping follows strict regulations to protect this popular destination. Camping is only permitted in designated dispersed sites, and you must camp at least 100 feet from the lakeshore. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, so a portable camp stove is recommended. Pack out all waste as there are no garbage facilities. The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days. Vehicles must remain on established roads and parking areas - no off-road travel is allowed. During peak season (June-September), sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. There are no water or toilet facilities at dispersed sites, so come prepared with water and a portable toilet system or be ready to dig proper catholes.

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