Cabin options in the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests area range from basic structures to fully furnished accommodations with varying amenities. Located in central Oregon's high desert terrain at elevations between 3,000-6,000 feet, the area experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night even in summer months. Winter cabin stays often require snow access preparations with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hot springs access: At Paulina Lake, natural hot springs can be accessed via a 1.5-mile hike around the eastern shore. "I love Newberry, and this is a great spot to camp. The rangers are super nice and accommodating, and have everything you would need. Great fishing, hookups, Paulina Lake and the Newberry volcano are must sees. Plus hot springs," notes a Newberry Group Camp Site visitor.
Winter recreation: Winter cabin stays offer snowmobile and cross-country skiing opportunities. Tumalo State Park serves as a good basecamp for winter activities. "I discovered this lodge and its cabins when exploring Paulina Lake. It's right on Paulina Lake with beautiful views, tons of fishing, and hiking/snowmobiling. It appears they rent boats for fishing when they are open," explains a guest at Paulina Lake Lodge Cabins.
Water activities: Multiple lakes in the region provide boating and swimming options during summer. "Love going to cultus lake with friends. It gets pretty busy at times so if you want a good camping spot then you need to go before the weekend starts. I will let you in on a little secret that Little cultus lake is quite amazing for camping and taking the kayaks out as well. It isn't far from the main cultus lake and it is less busy and better for kayaks!" shares a camper at Cultus Lake Campground.
What campers like
Proximity to towns: Many cabin locations offer easy access to nearby communities. "Only a 10 minute drive from Bend, Tumalo offers a sophisticated camping experience. Heated individual showers, clean bathrooms, and quick access to firewood are a big step up from the usual camping basics," notes a visitor at Tumalo State Park Campground.
Variety of cabin sizes: Accommodations range from small units for couples to larger options for groups. One camper at Bend-Sunriver Thousand Trails mentions, "We stayed in our motorhome with tow. Level sites impeccably kept. FHU cable tv Wi-Fi. Small lake on property. We look forward to staying here again."
Year-round availability: Some cabins remain open through winter while others operate seasonally. "Stayed in a yurt here and inside was a sign in book with a lot of fun adventures shared from other travelers. There's walk path across the street to the river and park which was fun to tube down in the summer heat. This was our second time staying and we will definitely return. It was well kept," shares a camper from Tumalo State Park.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many cabin locations have unreliable connectivity. A visitor at Newberry Group Camp Site observed, "This is a beautiful area, cooler than lower elevation. We came up here to get away from the heat. Mosquitoes around the lake, the closer to the water the more mosquitoes. No cell reception."
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is essential, especially for summer months. At The Camp, one visitor noted, "We spent two nights at The Camp- this place is awesome! Great location, close to Old Bend. Incredible vintage RV's you can rent. Clean bathrooms and showers. Park is clean and tidy- friendly staff."
Temperature fluctuations: Prepare for significant day-to-night temperature drops even in summer. "It can get pretty cold!" warns a camper about Tumalo State Park. Another adds, "Very quiet at night. Some minor background road noise beginning around 7am."
Tips for camping with families
Look for cabin clusters: Some locations allow multiple cabin rentals for group stays. A visitor at Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort shares, "This place is beautiful. The bathrooms are wonderful. The fairgrounds are next door and we were able to let the pups run free there. The staff was very helpful and friendly."
Seek out kid-friendly amenities: Some cabins provide additional recreational options. "My kids are helping us out with reviews for parks. Kids loved Sunriver-Bend Thousand Trails because there is bunnies, bullfrogs, mini-golf, a great little river to float on or swim in, ladderball, bingo, movies outside, and some pretty great pools! We will definitely be coming back here!" reports a Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver camper.
Check kitchen equipment: Cabin cooking facilities vary widely. "Very well kept and popular RV park in-between bend and sisters. Asphalt pads for RVs, a little close together to my liking, but excellent bathrooms, showers, playground, putt putt golf course and, in the back, there's a very pretty lake," notes a visitor at Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose cabins based on proximity to facilities. A camper at LaPine State Park explains, "The back sites are very spacious. Pull through sites offer little privacy and some of those are awkward to situate your RV. Very clean campground."
Consider elevation: Higher elevation cabin locations can mean cooler temperatures. "Nice but expensive campground in town. It's super clean. I'd stay there again," says a visitor about The Camp in Bend, which sits at a lower elevation than forest cabins.
Verify hookup availability: Not all cabin locations offer the same utility connections. "Lovely campground that has dry camping, partial hook-ups, and full hook-ups for RVs. Hwy 97 is nearby but other than the road noise from that it is a quiet location. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are very clean," describes a camper at Cascade Meadows RV Resort.
