Best Dispersed Camping near La Pine, OR

Multiple dispersed camping areas surround La Pine, Oregon on U.S. Forest Service and BLM lands. The Deschutes National Forest provides several free camping zones, including Dispersed Rock Quary, which sits directly across from Sunriver, and FR 9710 Dispersed Roadside Camping. Additional options include Oregon Badlands Dispersed camping to the east and Forest Service Road 4600-120 areas to the north. Six Mile and Ten Mile Sno-Parks also permit overnight stays when not in winter recreation season.

Most forest roads leading to dispersed sites feature dirt and gravel surfaces with varying degrees of maintenance. Several areas require slow driving due to washboard conditions, potholes, and occasional rough patches. Sites typically have no amenities—no water, toilets, or trash services—requiring visitors to pack in supplies and pack out waste. Many locations implement seasonal fire restrictions, particularly during summer months. The standard 14-day camping limit applies throughout public lands in the region. Cell service varies by location, with stronger signals closer to main roads.

These primitive camping areas provide easy access to Central Oregon attractions while offering budget-friendly overnight options. According to one visitor, FR 9710 Dispersed Roadside Camping has "plenty of spots on this road" with "very quiet and dispersed" conditions suitable for various vehicle sizes. The Oregon Badlands Dispersed camping area features "open deserty views" and remains "convenient and pretty peaceful" during spring months, though summer can bring increased OHV traffic and dusty conditions. Sites near Sunriver, including Dispersed Rock Quary, provide convenient base camps for exploring nearby recreation areas while remaining relatively uncrowded compared to established campgrounds.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near La Pine, Oregon (53)

    1. Dispersed Rock Quary

    7 Reviews
    Sunriver, OR
    13 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."

    2. FR 9710 Dispersed Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Sunriver, OR
    17 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. Six Mile Sno-Park

    1 Review
    La Pine, OR
    5 miles

    "I quiet spot to dry camp/boondock with hiking/snow mobile trail right from the parking lot. I checked this spot out for future boondocking this autumn."

    4. Ten Mile Sno-Park

    1 Review
    La Pine, OR
    8 miles

    "Right off the main road and just outside the entrance to Newberry volcanic national monument."

    5. Dispersed Camping NF - 100

    2 Reviews
    La Pine, OR
    12 miles

    "But right after turn off 31, there’s a nice area for an RV."

    "Plenty of alright pull offs along the road, drove for a bit and found a quarry you could drive to the top of. Wild fire fighters came up to track the fires."

    6. Dispersed wikiup camping

    4 Reviews
    La Pine, OR
    16 miles
    Website

    "Easy slop to flat river side camp. The upper camp was empty and I cleaned gun shells, burned aerosol cans and lots of melted and broken glass from the area."

    "It's all so close to the reservoir and not too far from town."

    7. BEND FS 4610 Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    24 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."

    8. Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    25 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."

    9. Oregon Badlands Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    29 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."

    10. NF 4610 Roadside Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    22 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near La Pine, OR

154 Reviews of 53 La Pine Campgrounds


  • Aaron M.
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

    Fine dispersed camping close to town

    Just a forest service road. The area close to the road is closed to camping entirely. I showed up at 1am and missed that part since I'm so used to seeing no campFIRES and was hassled by a local for making their scenic walk less pretty. But if you look at the map posted you just need to be further in from the road - you'll see new signs for 14-day limits. Lots of mountain bikers riding past since there are a ton of trails out here. They also seem to be grumpy about seeing a vehicle parked out here, but oh well. 

    I don't know who is marking this area for services and water and toilets and RV hookups.... it's just a dirt road. However I do get 2-3 bars LTE on AT&T and Verizon even further in where you can camp.

  • Trevor G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2023

    Oregon Badlands Dispersed

    Quiet spot with epic view

    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. (Leave no trace, peeps!) Snow started to fall early in the evening and through the night. Woke up to single digits, but overall it was a perfect overnight getaway just outside of town.

  • Erin P.
    Aug. 7, 2017

    Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great South Sister base camp

    Hiked up on Friday night and got the last spot. No amenities, and a 2 mile straight uphill hike to get here. Theres a map of the campsites, but they are hard to find. None are near te lake so fill upwater in bulk! Stunning sunsets and sunrises. Made for a nice striking point to the summit. Gets busy. Have bug spray handy!

  • Sarah R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2021

    Black Pine Dispersed Camping

    Spacious and remote

    We drove around looking for a place to boondock near Sisters for what felt like forever, but all the remote sites we planned on were taken. When we arrived at the Black Pine dispersed area, it was surprisingly empty for how busy the rest of the area was. 

    The sites were huge with enormous fire rings and would be ideal for groups. We just had one small van, but there was one other large party with multiple vehicles and a large camper van, and they fit comfortably in one site. 

    The actual sites are not very forested or private, but it still felt secluded since only two of probably 10 sites were taken. Definitely recommend this area, especially for groups!

  • Tia A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Terrebonne West Camp Dispersed

    Nice and Peaceful

    EDIT: We had a park ranger stop by and inform us that this location is closed to passenger vehicles. No passenger vehicles are allowed past the boulders. We are currently parked at the one and only camp slot that passenger vehicles are allowed, so this is a 99% dispersed camping location that you have to walk to your camp site location. The Park Ranger also reminded me that all BLM land is a 14-day stay for recreational camping only, and if you are living out of your RV, you are liable to be harassed more often then others.

    Original Review: We parked in a space close to the main road. Minus the sounds from it, the place is very peaceful. There's lots of sage bushes, and trees are plenty but not clustered. There is a lot of wildlife in the area if the animal bones are anything to judge by. There are a lot of ant colonies and other burrowing creatures in the area as well. If you choose to walk off designated paths, watch your step, or you might end up in a shallow hole like I did. Some spots are more solar friendly than others, but none of the trees are overbearingly tall to completely block out the ability for it. Flies aren't too bad compared to other places, and honestly, I'm not sure if the ones we are dealing with are from here or left over from our 1 night stay at another location. The river is only a shortish walk away, and field mice do live in some of the boulders in the area.

  • S
    Apr. 10, 2021

    Dispersed Rock Quary

    Great location, right across from Sunriver

    Only saw one camper van and a couple people off roading. Seems like a nice enough place to overnight. No signs anywhere.

  • Rick A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Hole In The Ground

    Bring everything you need

    I camped on the rim of the hole with my daughter. While we had a good time, and there weren't very many other people around, we arrived after June 1 during a dry year, meaning no campfire. The temperature during the day was around 85, and pretty comfortable, but at night it dropped down to around 40. We were pretty cold since we had counted on a campfire. As for the Hole in the Ground, it is pretty cool, and you can walk the trails down into it and back up. Typical high desert semi forested terrain, decent roads, but bring a map, it's a hole, and therefore not visible until you're right up on it. Our map showed the power poles that run nearby, as well as the railroad tracks. We used those to orient ourselves so as to not get lost. There are no services here, so if you need something, you'd better bring it. We liked it, and will return.


Guide to La Pine

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near La Pine, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near La Pine, Oregon

Dispersed campers should check out Deschutes National Forest

  • The Dispersed Rock Quary is an excellent choice for those who enjoy open spaces and stunning views, though be mindful of the nearby shooting range.
  • For a quieter experience, Dispersed wikiup camping offers a serene setting by a shallow stream, perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature.
  • If you're looking for a spot with easy access to mountain biking trails, BEND FS 4610 Dispersed is well-reviewed for its proximity to extensive biking routes.

Enjoy outdoor activities while free camping near La Pine

  • The Rock Creek Dispersed Camping area is ideal for those who want to combine camping with fishing, as it is located right across from established paid campsites near the creek.
  • If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, China Hat Staging Area Rd 18 provides a great base for exploring nearby trails while enjoying the convenience of a drive-in site.
  • For a unique experience, consider NFD-4604 Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the forest while being just a short drive from the vibrant town of Bend.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year for dispersed camping in La Pine along Forest Road 9710?

The optimal time for dispersed camping in La Pine along Forest Road 9710 is late spring through early fall (May-September). Ten Mile Sno-Park and similar areas indicate the region experiences significant winter snowfall that can make forest roads impassable. Summer offers reliable access and comfortable temperatures, typically cooler than lower-elevation areas. Early fall provides beautiful colors and fewer crowds. At Black Pine Dispersed Camping, campers note that popular dispersed areas fill up during summer holidays and weekends. Be aware that fire restrictions often begin in June during dry years, potentially limiting campfires during peak summer months.

What amenities are available for dispersed camping along FR 9710 near La Pine?

Dispersed camping along FR 9710 near La Pine offers very minimal amenities, similar to most dispersed sites in the area. Like at Oregon Badlands Dispersed and Dispersed Rock Quary, you'll find no developed facilities - no water sources, no trash service, no toilets, and no established picnic tables. You may find primitive fire rings at some existing campsites, but these aren't maintained. Pack in all water you'll need for your stay, bring portable toilet facilities, and prepare to pack out all trash. Cell service is typically limited, so download maps beforehand and come fully self-sufficient.

Is Forest Road 9710 open for dispersed camping near La Pine?

Forest Road 9710 is generally open for dispersed camping near La Pine, though access depends on seasonal conditions. Similar to Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping, you'll need to pay attention to posted regulations, as areas directly adjacent to some forest roads may be closed to camping. Many forest service roads in the La Pine area follow the same pattern - camping is permitted but with specific setback requirements from the main road. Always check with the local ranger district before heading out, as road conditions and closures can change, especially during winter months or fire season.