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."
$22 - $111 / 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
"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."
"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. "
$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."
ScoutHighly recommend! We came here in early Oct and it was quiet, roads were easy to access for a 25ft camper and just a quick drive from Bend. No amenities and a range of options for parking if you want to be near other people
ScoutGreat spots with easy access to Crater Lake! We had a blast at this spot. It had ample space for the kids to play. It was pretty quiet, even with lots of other campers in the area. It was a little dusty driving through. There were some porta-potties in the area. Highly recommend for a stay, especially if you're visiting Crater Lake. Forgot to take pictures of the site, unfortunately, but the other pictures are pretty accurate.
ScoutThis time of the year, we were the only ones here. Campground was clean and well maintained! The vault toilet was clean. I would stay here again!!
ScoutPulled in last minute I’ve never been to a thousand trails campground. Great so far. Lot’s of fly fishing near by. Very inexpensive compared to other campgrounds nearby.
ScoutIt 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. No amenities just a good place to car camp.
RangerGreat stop to see Crater Lake. It’s close and super quiet. We had a wonderful stay. Would stay again
GuideThis is a decently well maintained campground, the road in and through is severely potholed and I wouldn’t recommend a big rig, but I did see one guy park at least 35’ class A.
Vault toilets, no water or electricity. Sites are not all level, some are not RV friendly, but most are. Host is doing a fab job keeping the grounds clean and tidy.
Many sites back right up to the lake. Many back up to the road others is a bit of traffic noise.
RangerThis spot has lots of spread out dispersed sites, and is only 10 minutes to Bend
ScoutThis park is beautifully landscaped and has thought of all the coveniences of home. Each campsite has their own outside garbage can, WiFi (towers throughout resort) “paw patio” if you choose a site with one. Has a beautiful pool/hotub, little store, gym etc. they’ve literally thought of everything. It’s also close to all the outdoor fun of bend, OR including river bend park where pooches can swim in their own area (not having to compete with boaters) and also nightlife abounds. Great town for both city folks and outdoor activities. Oh and did I forget to mention pickle ball and paved roads and campsites. It’s only a year old, so modern & well working hookups with great access to your RV.
The only downside is the price matches the quality. The site I chose was a whopping $115.00/ night! So only staying 3 nights to recoup from a week of roughing it while boondocking.
Another “downside” that I’ve experienced is the local “guests” are a bit aloof and stick to themselves, which I find uncommon in the RV community.
All in all a great way to pamper yourself!
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
