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Best Dispersed Camping near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland

195 Reviews

Multiple free dispersed camping areas exist near Bend, Oregon along Forest Service roads in Deschutes National Forest. Forest Road 4610 offers several established pull-off sites approximately 15-20 minutes from downtown Bend, providing easy access for both tents and RVs. These primitive sites feature flat, cleared areas with some containing rock fire rings, though no amenities such as toilets, water, or trash service are available.

The forest roads are generally well-maintained with smooth gravel surfaces navigable by most vehicles. Sites are spread out among ponderosa pines, offering reasonable privacy despite moderate use. One camper noted, "I pulled off and found a couple of good flat spots to pitch a tent, a rock fire ring and absolutely no litter." Another mentioned, "It is in a vast recreation area for off-road vehicles. The main road in is gravel and quite smooth." Camping areas closest to Bend maintain cell service, making them convenient for travelers needing to stay connected. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, and the standard 14-day stay limit is enforced.

Map showing campgrounds near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OregonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland (62)

    1. BEND FS 4610 Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    3 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!"

    2. FR 9710 Dispersed Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Sunriver, OR
    6 miles

    "Saw a few other campers (a 25ft trailer and a 35ft class A) but it was very quiet and dispersed. My 24ft class C did fine and dirt roads were in good condition."

    "This is a GREAT spot for small and large rigs looking for a boondocking spot near Bend, OR. Big open areas spot semi shade and campfires. Easy access from main road."

    3. Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

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

    "Free for 14 days, state land. Many other trailers and RVs parked throughout. Lots of mountain bikers, plenty of places to ride and also a paved path that runs alongside the road."

    "You need to keep driving on that road to get out of the "no camping" zone. They are doing reclamation in the area right off the highway."

    4. NF 4610 Roadside Dispersed Camping

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

    "It 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."

    "Dispersed National Forest"

    5. Dispersed Rock Quary

    7 Reviews
    Sunriver, OR
    9 miles

    "Only saw one camper van and a couple people off roading. Seems like a nice enough place to overnight. No signs anywhere."

    "One of the few places near Bend that was actually open for disperse camping in the winter. We stayed in a nice sight just across from the quarry, right by the turn around area."

    6. Oregon Badlands Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    19 miles

    "Nabbed a nice quiet spot about a mile up the dirt road. The fire ring looked like a bottledrop convention, but I quickly "Molly Maided" the site and was back to camping in no time."

    "We loved this spot, it was a perfect place to stay with our camper van. Easy to find in the dark and the roads, paved & dirt, were easy to maneuver."

    7. NFD-4604 Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    2 miles

    "Multiple fires around south of City Of Bend so not many choices tonight. Very quiet spot, only one camper close by but can't see them from thus site."

    8. FR4610 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    2 miles

    "You only hear the ones driving in and out along the red dirt road. Plenty of spots to chose from and fun bike trails to follow. Felt safe in this spot and would come back in I was in the area."

    "This spot has lots of spread out dispersed sites, and is only 10 minutes to Bend"

    9. FSR 4610 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    3 miles

    "Some are more accessible than others for large or low clearance vehicles. I highly suggest arriving early in the morning to secure a spot. It’s a very popular area."

    "Quiet, close to Bend, numerous sites in Ponderosa forest."

    10. Sisters, Oregon - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    20 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!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland

110 Photos of 62 Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland

195 Reviews of 62 Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland 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.

  • Trevor G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2023

    Oregon Badlands Dispersed

    Quiet spot with epic view

    Nabbed a nice quiet spot about a mile up the dirt road. The fire ring looked like a bottledrop convention, but I quickly "Molly Maided" the site and was back to camping in no time. (Leave no trace, peeps!) Snow started to fall early in the evening and through the night. Woke up to single digits, but overall it was a perfect overnight getaway just outside of town.

  • 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!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Skull Hollow Dispersed

    Free and close to Smith Rock!

    If you keep driving on the forest service road past the Skull Hollow campground there are many designated spots to car camp along the road. The road is dirt but 2WD/low clearance is fine. The campground has public, dry toilets near the entrance of the road. Some sites are shaded by juniper trees.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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!

Guide to Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near the Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland in Oregon. This area offers a variety of scenic spots for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland in Oregon

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Sparks Lake Recreation Area, where stunning views and access to water make it a favorite among campers.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping has no drinking water or toilets, so pack in everything you need.
  • Respect the environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles, particularly in areas like Black Pine Dispersed Camping, where maintaining cleanliness is crucial for preserving the natural beauty.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • The Oregon Badlands Dispersed area offers expansive views and unique geological features, making it a great choice for those seeking picturesque landscapes.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Harrington Loop Rd - Dispersed, where you can find numerous sites surrounded by trees, providing a sense of privacy.
  • If you enjoy starry nights, the open skies at Dispersed Rock Quary are perfect for stargazing, though be aware of the nearby shooting range.

Top activities while free camping near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails accessible from Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping, which offers a variety of routes through beautiful forested areas.
  • For those interested in mountain biking, the trails around BEND FS 4610 Dispersed provide excellent terrain and are close enough to Bend for easy access to amenities.
  • Fishing and water activities are popular at Sparks Lake Recreation Area, where you can enjoy the serene lake views while casting a line or kayaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dispersed camping options exist in Ochoco National Forest?

Ochoco National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities throughout its juniper and pine-covered terrain. Skull Hollow Dispersed is a popular option with many designated spots along forest service roads past the main campground. The dirt road is accessible with 2WD vehicles, and sites offer shade from juniper trees with access to dry toilets near the entrance. Terrebonne East Camp Dispersed provides excellent solitude and stargazing opportunities, accessible even with low-clearance vehicles. Throughout Ochoco, dispersed camping is generally allowed anywhere on forest service land unless posted otherwise. Most sites are primitive with no amenities, so campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water. The standard 14-day stay limit applies throughout the forest.

Can I find dispersed camping along the Deschutes River?

Yes, you can find dispersed camping opportunities along the Deschutes River corridor, though options are more limited than elsewhere in the forest. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground offers beautiful dispersed camping near the river with scenic views and access to swimming holes. The area features stunning desert landscapes with wildflowers, mock orange scents in the evening, and centuries-old juniper trees. Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite is another option accessible via smooth gravel roads suitable for RVs. When camping near waterways, remember to follow special regulations including camping at least 100 feet from the water's edge and using existing fire rings only. Always pack out all waste as these areas have no facilities.

Where are the best dispersed camping areas in Deschutes National Forest?

Deschutes National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. Black Pine Dispersed Camping near Sisters provides huge sites with enormous fire rings and is often less crowded than other areas. Oregon Badlands Dispersed offers quiet spots along dirt roads about a mile in, perfect for those seeking solitude in the high desert landscape. Other notable options include forest service roads like NFD 4600-120, which has designated camping areas if you follow posted maps. Remember that many areas require camping to be a certain distance from main roads, typically in established pull-offs with existing fire rings. Most dispersed sites in Deschutes have a 14-day stay limit and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I find free camping in the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests?

Free camping is abundant throughout both Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests on most Forest Service roads. Peterson Ridge Road Dispersed offers free 14-day camping with easy accessibility. BEND FS 4610 Dispersed provides free sites that accommodate both smaller vehicles and big rigs. In both forests, look for established pull-offs along numbered Forest Service roads (marked as FS, NFD, or FR), which typically indicate free dispersed camping areas. These sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Remember that free camping means no amenities—no water, toilets, or trash service—so come prepared with supplies and plan to pack out all waste. Most areas enforce a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period.

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