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

189 Reviews

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland (60)

    1. BEND FS 4610 Dispersed

    11 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."

    "Navigable with a van all wheel drive. Drove in about a mile+to find an empty spot. Most already taken. Seems to be a mix between a mobile and a stationary group of campers. A good spot close to Bend."

    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

    11 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. 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."

    5. NF 4610 Roadside Dispersed Camping

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

    "Dispersed National Forest"

    "It's 15-20 minutes out of downtown, easy to find, easy to drive, and was pretty secluded. We spent about 5 minutes driving down the forest service road and found a nice, flat spot in no time."

    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. 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."

    9. Sisters, Oregon - Dispersed Camping

    10 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!"

    10. Sparks Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    16 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."

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

110 Photos of 60 Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland Campgrounds

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

189 Reviews of 60 Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland Campgrounds

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.

Is there a map available for dispersed camping in Deschutes National Forest?

Yes, maps for dispersed camping in Deschutes National Forest are available through several sources. The Deschutes National Forest Ranger District offices in Bend, Sisters, and Crescent provide official Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) that show roads where dispersed camping is permitted. These maps are free and indicate designated camping areas and camping corridors. Digital versions can be downloaded from the USFS website or through the Avenza Maps app. For offline navigation, Ten Mile Sno-Park and other entry points often have informational kiosks with maps. Apps like The Dyrt PRO offer downloadable maps showing dispersed sites like Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping, complete with campsite locations and GPS coordinates for offline use.

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