Best Campgrounds near Dufur, OR
The Deschutes River corridor anchors the camping landscape around Dufur, Oregon, with several established campgrounds and dispersed options scattered throughout this eastern Oregon region. Dufur City Park Campground provides full hookup sites for both tents and RVs with 14 spaces backing to a creek near the town's baseball diamond. Along the Lower Deschutes River, BLM-managed sites like Beavertail Campground, Twin Springs, and Rattlesnake Canyon offer more primitive camping experiences. The terrain transitions from the agricultural landscapes around Dufur to the dramatic river canyons that characterize the lower Deschutes area, with camping options ranging from developed sites with amenities to basic dispersed areas.
Many campgrounds in the Dufur area operate seasonally, with peak visitation occurring from late spring through early fall when weather conditions are most favorable. Access to riverside campgrounds requires navigating gravel roads that can be rough and dusty, particularly those leading to sites along the Deschutes. One camper noted, "The road to get there was bumpy gravel, but pretty easy even for our small RV. It's an investment to get there, but worth the trip." Summer temperatures frequently climb into the 90s, while strong winds can affect camping along the river canyon. Most BLM sites have vault toilets but limited or no potable water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies. Cell service is generally unavailable at the more remote riverside campgrounds.
The Deschutes River provides a scenic backdrop and recreational focus for many camping areas near Dufur. Visitors consistently mention the dramatic canyon views and stargazing opportunities as highlights of their experience. A reviewer described Macks Canyon Recreation Site as "minimal people, desert, fishing" with "fantastic weather" despite experiencing "high winds in the canyon" during their stay. Sites along the river are popular with anglers, rafters, and those seeking water access. The surrounding high desert environment offers hiking opportunities along old railway lines and up canyon walls. Campers should be prepared for train noise along portions of the Deschutes, as active rail lines run parallel to the river in several sections. The more developed campgrounds closer to town provide better amenities and hookups but less solitude than the remote river sites.
