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.
"Absolutely beautiful alpine lakes, awesome 4x4 trail in through stunning terrain and complete serenity upon arrival. There are no amenities here other sites than a stone fire pit (perfect!)"
"This location is hike in only!
The are no amenities whatsoever.
It is located on the McKenzie River trail and can be a stop along your hiking, biking or backpacking travels."
$22 - $24 / night
"We didn’t have reservations (which I highly recommend if you want a vault toilet)."
"This is a wonderful Lake, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and camping. We go every year. It is dry camping, no hook ups. But beautiful.."
$22 - $24 / night
"We had some good neighbors and was peaceful. Every morning we woke up to wake boats heading out at 7:30am for glass water conditions. No big deal as we wake up early anyways."
"W Kayaked to the Lakes End. There was 1 other motor boat on the reservoir but we were the only ones at the campground. Pit toilets were horrible. Of course not sure they ever have been cleaned."
"There is access to multiple hikes from this point. "
"Looks like lots of trails to snow shoe.
Definitely go up the road and give Blue Pools a hike."
$70 - $135 / night
"Lights out at 10 but lanterns and propane heat keep you comfortable. Rented a boat for the morning and had a blast."
"Was told by the Ranger to come and stay after Labor Day, they are open year round. I find it easy to bring my kayak up and use the lake to enjoy rowing around."
TravelerI had a great experience here The campground was clean, the leave no trace policy is followed here. Quiet hours are 10pm - 6am, it was quiet even during the non-quit hours. Very private. There are running water spigots strategically placed throughout the camp, each water station has a waste water dump, and trash can. There are flush toilets with running, a sink and trash can. The garbage was picked up daily. Each site was a tent pad, fire pit and large table. Each site was very private, I couldn't see the other campers unless they were passing by our site. There is no internet, no electricity, and no showers, bring your own. The only negative was the mosquitos - easily resolved with a netted day tent or pop-up with mesh. Laying Creek sounds heavenly all throughout the camp, the trails are great to walk, and you will eventually wander to a swimming hole. Beautiful campground, with a great history going back to 1933. Highly recommend!
TravelerI've been to Odell twice but always seem to pick a weekend with weather that makes you want to stay in your sleeping bag!
The campsites at Odell are a little on the smaller side and may not have the trees your looking for to hang a hammock. Not that you should if you're camping any time earlier than July!
The southeast side of Odell can be subject to cold winds coming off the lake, so be sure to keep that rain fly up on your tent and a fleece handy. If you're feeling a little too chilly, the resort keeps a fire burning in the den.
There are plenty of snowshoe trails around Odell as well as some hiking trails in the Diamond Peak wilderness that also connect to the PCT. The trail we took did give us a bit of elevation gain and later some nice views of the smaller peaks in the area.
If you're planning to camp here, bring warm clothing and rain gear! It may be a bit chilly, but the nice hikes in the area make it all the more worth it to get up and get moving.
TravelerSo when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.
Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)
Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.
Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.
Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched
Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.
Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens
Travelerbeautiful views of the cascade mountains, gorgeous reservoir. free camping. dispersed, first come first serve. no amenities. LEAVE NO TRACE!!!!
road is a bit rough but I made it in with a Honda Accord though I wouldn’t recommend for low clearance vehicles.
fire rings available during burn seasons. plenty of fire wood. please do not burn during no burn/dry seasons. the forest is very dry!
bring plenty of water during the summer it’s very hot and dry. you can probably drink the reservoir water if you bring a good filter.
LegendIndian ford campsite is a quaint, no frills, vault toilet campground six miles west of sisters, nestled amongst Ponderosa pines and right next to trails to the Metolius River and Black Butte.
Sites are large with fire pits and picnic tables. The drawback is that it’s very close to Highway 20, so you hear road traffic frequently.
Bring your own water. Super cheap, only $12, with $2 extra on holidays. Also, only open seasonally. In the Deschutes National Forest.
TravelerCampground is a more rustic/primitive camping experience. It does accommodate small to mid -size rv but there is no hookups. Drinking water faucets, vault toilets, picnic tables, and firepits are the only available services. Quiet and flat lake for kayak,canoe, and fishing. Nice beach area for kids to play. Close to Crane Prairie Resort if you need supplies or showers.
RangerThis CG is right on Paulina lake in the middle of Newberry Crater. There are 50 sites along the shoreline. They all have the standard picnic table and fire ring. We had the first site on the left as you enter the CG. It had a great view of the lake and surrounding ridgeline and Paulina Peak. It also allows for a wonderful sunset.
The campground is generally crowded. The sites are decent but you will have other campers relatively close, The CG is easily accessed by foot, car or boat. It does have a boat ramp. RV's / Campers can get into most sites. There are 5 Vault toilets, drinking water, no showers, no hook ups. each site is in close walking distance to the lake. The CG is accessible to various trails in the area including the Big Obsidian Flow trail. A bonus hike should be taken to the Paulina Lake hot springs on the north side of the lake. You can also get to the hot springs by boat.
LegendTop reasons I love this campground:
- It’s an ISLAND! How cool is it to camp on an island!
- Beautiful views from the middle of the northern end of Detroit Lake.
- Great for swimming, boating, exploring, hiking, and fishing.
- I bet it’s amazing to stay there over the 4th of July.
- The firework display from the other side of the lake should be spectacular!
- Cheap-$10.
- Only 22 sites.
- I had cell service with AT&T.
**Things to note: **
- This should be obvious but, you’ll need a boat to get to and from the island. It’s a quick canoe from either side.
- The vault toilets are maxed out. Hopefully, they will be serviced SOON!
- No drinking water, no shower, and no guarantee for the serviced toilets.
- Bring water and TP.
- Fires are allowed and there are several picnic tables.
GuideThe three campsites are under the cover of fir, cedar and maple trees. All are decently sized and spaced, just off the road enough to feel private, as claim miners and passers by stop to use the vaulted toiled that is located across the road from the campsite parking.
Provided you have a decent, four-wheel-drive rig, or are willing to make the hike, the bohemia mines, as well as several mine shafts carved out along the roadway are accessible to view.
The first site is smaller (1-2 tents) and the most private. It has a well placed fire ring with grill, and wood picnic table, but lacks a direct path to the creek.
The middle spot is the largest (3+ tents), fire ring with grill, picnic table and great access to the creek.
The third spot is also well sized and has the same table/fire ring setup, and a couple trails that lead to the creek.
The area is in recovery from the 2024 fire that consumer over 1200 acres. Though that fire was started by natural causes, it is a strong reminder to pay attention to fire bans and area regulations as well as properly, tending campfires, and making sure they are extinguished.
Tent camping near Deschutes National Forest in Oregon offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With numerous campgrounds to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Deschutes National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Deschutes National Forest is Irish & Taylor Lakes with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 74 tent camping locations near Deschutes National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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