297 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around La Pine, Oregon range from lake-view sites to spots in the state park. Lava Lake Campground sits 21 miles from town and has clean vault toilets but minimal other facilities. Many families head to LaPine State Park Campground where showers and restrooms make longer stays more comfortable. Fishing is good at Paulina Lake Campground, which also puts campers close to some natural hot springs worth visiting. Little Crater Campground connects to hiking trails that wind through the local landscape. Summer brings nice weather to the area, though mosquitoes can be bad near any of the lakes or streams. Fall River Campground, about 9 miles from La Pine, tends to be less crowded than other nearby options. While several campgrounds don't have shower buildings, most keep their basic facilities pretty clean. Winter camping works for prepared campers, but temperatures drop well below freezing many nights. Most people find late spring and early fall hit the sweet spot for comfortable camping weather. La Pine's surrounding area has enough different camping spots to work for both big family groups and solo campers looking for quiet.
"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."
"This was our first time to La Pine County Park. Unfortunately it was during the horrible fires of the west coast and Oregon was not spared. "
from $29 - $151 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Small campground along the edge of the lake; every spot has a beautiful view of the mountains and the lake, and has quick access to the water."
"It’s tucked up against a hill and surrounded by trees, so it was easy to find shade throughout the day."
from $27 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Campground Review About 25 miles south of Bend, Oregon, Paulina and East Lakes are twin calderas located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument area of the Deschutes National Forest that have"
"Lovely campground with lakeside sites. Camp host sells firewood on site. We stayed in site 39 which was close to bathrooms, water, and boat ramp for easy water access."
from $27 - $29 / night
Check Availability"We selected this campsite due to its proximity to Paulina Lake. We brought SUP boards and only had to make a 7 minute drive before we got to the boat dock."
"Big spots, 2 separate loops, creek is accessible to every site, lots of fun to hop around and look at. Quiet, off the beaten path, the trail that runs through is beautiful in any direction."
from $19 - $21 / night
Check Availability"A little close to the road but nice being next to the river. The river is nice and shallow but cold. Pit toilets were clean. Lots of spots reserved but no one in them. That shouldn’t be allowed."
"Flat area for tents, plenty of trees for hammocks, and easy access to the river. We did notice a fair amount of garbage, so maybe bring an extra bag to pack it out with you just in case."
from $21 - $23 / night
Check Availability"Hwy 97 is nearby but other than the road noise from that it is a quiet location. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are very clean. Has an off-leash area for dogs."
"Tent site was rustic and had a spigot near by! Plenty of sites for a group. Pet friendly. Grass at RV sites."
"There’s a beautiful walk along the creek just down the hill from the campsites that you can make a loop out of. Close to the Newberry Volcanic Monument, High Desert Museum, and Sunriver/Bend."
"Convient location to explore the Newberry crater area"
from $23 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Great location and River access. Safe for our kids to romp around. Very close to highway it other than that a pretty sweet spot."
"This nice forest service campground is located next to a river near the Bend area. I visited in the fall so I was the only camper there. "
from $23 - $128 / night
Check Availability"Crane Prairie is a popular spot in Central Oregon off the Cascade Lakes Highway west of 4 season resort town of Bend, OR. The spots are all a little different and many are downright huge."
"I am right next to the water and it’s tranquil and the lake is spectacular! A must visit! I will certainly be back. Love it!!"
from $27 - $380 / night
Check Availability
TravelerVery peaceful with plenty of room between campsites, actually cannot see the next campsite over! Vault toilets are clean. Camp Host is EXCELLENT. Do not follow Apple Maps to this campground…watch for the signs on the road instead. Apple Maps has you going way past and turning the wrong way.
TravelerI've been here a few times and loved it. Now I'm going back to camp for a few days. It's perfect. May of 2026 - hardly any mosquitos compared to the rest of the area. No one else there and plenty of space when I was there. Hopefully its the same today when I go back. I'm sure its busy during the summer but its a dream right now
GuideThis is a lovely state park that is well manicured. We have a Transit van, but boon dock. There were not RV sites available so we got a tent site. The site was very tidy. The bathrooms were immaculate. We only stayed the night. Rangers do patrol the area routinely (about every 30 minutes). The park was a very calm place to be while we were there (1 day). Definitely would return. If you use satellite, some sites have trees while others have a bit more clear sky. Also, the bathrooms are very walk-able from many of the tent sites as the site is compact. Would definitely camp here again.
GuideAdding a more balanced take after staying here overnight.
We’ve seen a few very positive reviews of this area, but our experience landed somewhere more in the middle — honestly leaning a bit rough around the edges.
The site felt somewhat grungy and under-maintained in places, with scattered belongings that made it seem like a few long-term or semi-permanent campers may be using it. There was also enough trash that I ended up picking some up just out of respect for the area.
In terms of layout and access:
We were in the off-season, and even then there were still several people dispersed throughout the area. Driving through, we also noticed multiple pullouts near the road and closer to the Lava Lands Visitor Center that looked like people were camping in informally — though I’m not sure what the actual rules are there when the visitor center is open vs. closed seasonally.
Location-wise, it’s basically right off the highway. That means:
For us, it worked as a simple overnight stop, but it didn’t feel like a place to settle in. I wouldn’t choose it for a campfire evening or anything slow-paced. With a kid, it also didn’t quite feel like the most comfortable or secure environment for lingering beyond a night’s sleep.
Good for transit. Not really a destination.
ScoutThis site is right by Newberry Volcanic National Monument, South of Bend . It is easily accessed from northbound 97. If you are southbound, you’ll have to double back. It is a pine-wooded area with lots of pretty level sites. Dirt road is in relatively good shape.
TravelerStayed one night early season on first come first serve basis so we had the entire campground to ourselves. The water is supposed to be turned on “sometime this week” (I assume that’s around May 22 when reservations begin). A shower can be had at the resort across the highway. Buy a token at the store for $3–that gets you 4 minutes. Good reasonably priced meal in the cafe (right now it’s closed Monday & Tuesdays). Clean well stocked vault toilets. Some sites are on the water and are an extra $2. Really enjoyed the birds, deer wandering through and watching the squirrels….be squirrels. Overall, yes I would stay here again (a little dusty).
GuideNot overcrowded, I was alone almost the whole week. However it’s not as clean as some reviews say. Seems to be a bit of a dumping ground. I had to clean up my campsite from previous campers.
GuideEasy in and out for an overnight stop. Clean and quiet.
GuideLarge wrap around parking lot with bathrooms on both ends. Sno-park permit may be required depending on the time of year, but daily permits are like $4. No one car around checking them. Super close to Mount Bachelor!
Campers exploring La Pine, Oregon can find options across the high desert landscape between 4,150-6,500 feet elevation. This central Oregon location serves as a gateway to the Newberry Volcanic Monument with campgrounds scattered among ponderosa pines and along rivers. Water temperatures at some lakes remain surprisingly comfortable despite the elevation due to geothermal activity.
Hot springs access: Paulina Lake Campground connects to natural hot springs along the shoreline. "Hike in about 3.5 miles and you'll be able to soak in the hot springs and take a dip in the lake. Trail was pretty flat so definitely kid + dog friendly," notes Amanda W.
Volcanic exploration: Venture to obsidian flows and volcanic features throughout the area. "The whole thing is on the Newberry Volcanic monument which is super interesting geologically and historically," shares Pepper V. about the unique landscape surrounding Paulina Lake.
River activities: Bull Bend Campground offers excellent paddling opportunities with its riverside location. "The Dechutes River bends around this campground and it is perfect for kayaking or paddle boarding. The sites are HUGE and could easily accommodate more than one family," reports Laurie M.
Short hiking trails: Find walking paths through forests and meadows near most campgrounds. "There is a beautiful walk along the creek just down the hill from the campsites that you can make a loop out of," shares Amanda and Blaine K. about Prairie Campground.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide ample room between sites. "The back sites are very spacious. Pull through sites offer little privacy and some of those are awkward to situate your RV," reports Jeff M. about LaPine State Park Campground.
Lakefront access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. "Sites are a little uneven and there is just a pit toilet. For the price of $21 I would like there to be a water spout," notes Matthew K. about Fall River Campground.
Quiet atmosphere: Some campgrounds remain uncrowded even during peak season. "The thing I liked most about this campground was the fact that there were not many people here," shares Ross F. about Prairie Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many sites provide access to rivers and lakes known for trout fishing. "This camp is a fly fisherman's dream. Choose from one of the many sites just off the bank of the Fall River, and you'll find yourself wandering aimlessly along the River looking for trout," says Jake R.
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer basic amenities only. "Basic campground- picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. Not much privacy, but everyone was pretty quiet so overall a nice place to spend a night or two," explains Karen about Little Crater Campground.
Water supply issues: Not all campgrounds have reliable water sources. "$16 per night. No hookups. No water during my visit," reports Steve V. about Prairie Campground. Always bring backup water.
Insect concerns: Ants can be problematic at some sites. "We had a beautiful tent spot right up next to the lake but had to leave because the ants were insane. It was like the ground was moving. There were ant hills two feet tall," warns Sophie J. about Crane Prairie Campground.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "The road into the campground was dirt with a fairly long section that was very washboard so be prepared for some bumps along the way!" cautions Carly E. about Mckay Crossing Campground.
Recreation options: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver offers numerous family activities. "My kids are helping us out with reviews for parks. Kids loved Sunriver-Bend Thousand Trails because there is bunnies, bullfrogs, mini-golf, a great little river to float on or swim in, ladderball, bingo, movies outside, and some pretty great pools!" shares Nicole R.
Group camping areas: Some campgrounds have dedicated loops for larger family gatherings. "The yellow loop is great for big groups, with 15 spots separated from the rest of the campground. There's a small private beach beside the boat ramp, and a bigger, more sandy beach near the day use area," explains Rhiannon S. about Crane Prairie Campground.
Hiking difficulty levels: Many trails are suitable for children. "Simple trails right from the campsite," mentions Kim G. about LaPine State Park, making it easy for families with young hikers.
Temperature preparation: Prepare for significant day-night temperature swings. "In August, it was warm during the day and cool at night," shares Amelia A. about Mckay Crossing Campground, emphasizing the need for layered clothing.
Site selection: At Crane Prairie Campground, experienced campers recommend specific areas. "We prefer the blue loop sites 120 and up. And the even number ones on the ridge like 138 are supreme because they back up to open wilderness and can accommodate several tents and RV," advises Debb.
Hookup locations: Some campgrounds have awkwardly positioned utility connections. "The hookup plugs were really far away though from the spot itself," warns Denis K. about Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal needs. "They have no dump station on site," notes Bri about Cascade Meadows RV Resort, requiring RVers to find alternatives.
Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. "Only one loop of the campground is open in the winter and water is turned off at the sites except for one central location," explains Emma A. about staying at LaPine State Park during colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near La Pine, Oregon?
La Pine offers several excellent camping options with diverse settings. Pringle Falls Campground is a hidden gem just 15 minutes west of town, featuring a small, secluded setting (about 7 sites) along the Deschutes River with beautiful scenery. Note the access road is rough, so drive slowly. For riverfront camping with minimal amenities, Wyeth Campground at the Deschutes River offers 5 peaceful sites, though it lacks potable water and only has pit toilets. RV travelers will appreciate Cascade Meadows RV Resort and Big Pines RV Park, both offering full hookups. Other notable options include McKay Crossing Campground and Bull Bend Campground, each providing different experiences within a short drive of La Pine.
What are the seasonal camping options in La Pine throughout the year?
La Pine's camping season primarily runs from late spring through early fall, with most campgrounds open from May through September/October depending on weather conditions. Big Pines RV Park offers year-round accessibility with full hookups, making it ideal for winter camping when many other sites are closed due to snow. Summer (June-August) is peak season with all campgrounds typically open and warmer temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Prairie Campground is a convenient option during the main season, located just off Highway 97. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while spring camping may have variable conditions with possible lingering snow at higher elevations. Always check current conditions before planning off-season camping trips.
What amenities are available at La Pine State Park campground?
LaPine State Park Campground offers well-equipped, spacious campsites nestled among towering ponderosa pines (including Oregon's largest documented Ponderosa Pine). The park features clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers. Campsites include picnic tables and fire rings, with both tent sites and RV sites available. Many RV sites offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections. The park provides easy access to the Deschutes River for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Hiking trails wind through the park's beautiful forest setting. Additional amenities include a dump station, potable water stations throughout the campground, and firewood available for purchase. The park is well-maintained and designed with good spacing between sites for privacy while remaining conveniently located just 35 minutes south of Bend.
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