Gilchrist is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Gilchrist camping trip.
$46 / night
"If you ride ohv’s there is a trailhead connected to the Gilchrist Forest with tons of great riding and a lot of non technical smoother dirt roads for little ones in training."
"Owner was friendly & very accommodating, all around nice guy. Park was in process of expanding, adding a more RV hookups, a couple more tent sites, & hopefully another shower house."
$24 - $115 / night
"Beautiful, lots of big pine trees (including the largest known documented Ponderosa Pine in Oregon!), really close to the Deschutes River just north of La Pine, about 35 mins south of Bend, Oregon."
"Unfortunately it was during the horrible fires of the west coast and Oregon was not spared. The smoke was thick although not as bad as previous camping locations the day before. "
$25 - $52 / night
"The site we stayed at was just up the hill from the water, there were few other campers around us, and the site was well maintained."
"A tent from a neighboring site was fairly close to our space so we built a quick fire, pitched our tents on semi-level areas, and turned in early."
$27 - $31 / night
"Booked via Recreation.gov and had a lakeside tent spot. Spots 37-38 if reserved together would be perfect for a larger group, plenty of room for multiple tents. "
"Not all sites are lakeside, but all have access to the beautiful view. Getting here is a little off the beaten path, so if you feel lost, you’re going the right way."
$16 - $27 / night
"This campground was in a great location to go see crater lake (15 min drive or less) as well as nearby Hot Springs (30ish min drive) and waterfalls. The campground itself was wooded and very close to"
"Access to the campground was right off hwy 138, which is a few miles from the north entrance to Crater Lake. Our 28 ft travel trailer easily fit with room to spare in our site."
$25 - $128 / night
"Pros: The campground is nice, many vault toilets, fresh water spigot and sink drain sites, camp hosts are friendly, 1 mile drive to South twin lake, fair camping rates."
"Spots are on the smaller side and not very private, and being near the boat ramp adds a little extra traffic. The beautiful reservoir with sandy beaches is the real draw for this campground."
$16 - $21 / night
"Well maintained, primitive camping next to a lodge. Most campsites are right on the lake, which can cause cold nights later in the season but great views."
"Nice place for a couple of nights, although be forewarned... the campsite is on the east end of the lake and a very cold breeze blows across the water right at you, especially this time of year."
"nearly had the entire place to myself minus a couple travel trailers, but there’s enough room to spread out to where no one even notices each other."
"Walt Haring Sno-Park is close to 97 but it was not crowded when I was there. Pit toilets are available I did not see any other hookups tho. Plenty of picnic tables and spots for tents."
"We stayed two nights, August 15 through August 17, 2019, in campsite I-9, the overnight cost was$0.00 due to our Thousand Trails membership( our site had electrical and water service)."
"Stopped here on the way through Oregon. Campground is fairly extensive and has nice wooded sites. Onsite staff very friendly and helpful."
GuideThis spot was actually an accidental find but worked out great because we were not able to turn around on the tight road we found ourselves on. It opened up tremendously and gave us great grounds to camp on for a few nights. Close enough to a river that requires hiking if you’re up for that kind of adventure. There was little to no traffic noise from the hwy and no other campers around for days. Clear starts for start gazing at night.
GuideWe actually pulled in this part of the forest wanting to park at the “hideaway” spot but someone was already posted up there. That would have been a really cute place to camp BUT we drove farther. I really don’t recommend this spot for bigger rigs but we were able to get ours back here (40 ft total) Kind of no turn around options and driving forward was all our only choice at that point…to be honest the drive made me nervous. It was a tight dirt road but once we found a spot it was cleared pretty good. Had plenty of room and someone was back here not too long ago…they had a little campfire setup with log stumps. Probably wouldn’t come back unless I had to but we did stay tucked away back here for a few days.
TravelerFamily-friendly campground on a reservoir with boat and fishing access. It is pretty, but can be really loud with lots of kids and people. Sites are a decent size. Pit toilets are extremely stinky in fall (when we're usually passing through), bad even for pit toilets. Despite the downsides, we have stayed here for 2-3 days in fall for many years.
LegendNot at all for travel trailers but camber vans and camping would work and there are Vault toilets and access to the lake for a small boats and kayaks but it's a tiny and dusty campground. There is a vault toilet and fire pits are at each location along with most having picnic tables
LegendCamping or Camper vans only with no way to fit anything over 20 ft and only two or three spots with a vault toilet but literally 30 ft from the road
LegendUnlike the name it has no access to the inlet for the lake and the sites are very rustic although there is a vault toilet but almost no way to get anything other than a camper van down there
LegendThe nicest thing is that it has its own boat ramp but there is no privacy and very little room between RV sites and although they are trying hard this is the middle of nowhere and it's a very rustic Campground. They do offer firewood and ice and I don't know about the ice but the firewood is $7 a bundle which is not inexpensive and there is a small Campground store with the basic necessities.
LegendBeautiful location near several Lakes and large fields with plenty of level camping and fire pits although fires are not currently allowed. There are no facilities here but there is a garbage can that someone placed but I would be hesitant to put food in it because of Wildlife. Very peaceful and quiet location full of birds.
TravelerMy boyfriend, our dog and i stayed for 3 night for his 30th birthday, we didnt have much money to go very far or to do anything extravagant like we wanted to, so we decided to stay here as a little stay-cation and just enjoy eachothers company and spend some much needed quality time. It was a fabulous trip and the location was absolutely perfect. Couldnt have wished for anything better honestly.
Camping near Gilchrist, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Gilchrist, Oregon, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping spots in Gilchrist, Oregon?
Gilchrist offers excellent camping options for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Big Pines RV Park stands out with its clean, well-maintained sites and direct access to the Gilchrist Forest trail system, making it perfect for OHV enthusiasts. For those wanting to explore beyond immediate Gilchrist, Prairie Campground provides spacious sites just off Highway 97 near Bend. LaPine State Park Campground is another excellent option in the vicinity with full amenities including water and toilets. These campgrounds offer diverse experiences from full-hookup RV sites to more rustic forest camping experiences.
What outdoor activities can you do around Gilchrist, Oregon?
The Gilchrist area is a haven for outdoor recreation throughout the year. OHV riding is popular with numerous trails in the Gilchrist Forest, including beginner-friendly dirt roads. At Diamond Lake, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking on trails surrounding the lake. North Waldo Lake offers pristine waters perfect for paddling, with hiking paths circling the lake. The region also provides excellent access to Crater Lake National Park for sightseeing and hiking. For history enthusiasts, exploring the historic Musick Guard Station in the Umpqua National Forest provides a fascinating glimpse into Oregon's mining past.
When is the best time of year to visit Gilchrist, Oregon for camping?
The optimal camping season in Gilchrist runs from late spring through early fall. Late June through September offers the most reliable weather with warm days and cool nights perfect for outdoor activities. KOA Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North is an excellent summer destination with full hookups and lake access, though be aware that summer can be dry and dusty during drought years. Mount Thielsen Wilderness provides dispersed camping options ideal for summer exploration of Crater Lake. Winter brings heavy snowfall, closing many campgrounds and making access difficult, while spring and fall offer fewer crowds but more variable weather conditions.
Keep Exploring
