LaPine State Park sits at 4,150 feet elevation in Oregon's high desert region. Winter temperatures often drop into the low 40s at night, even during summer camping seasons. The park borders the Deschutes River and features ponderosa pine forests that create natural site boundaries at many campgrounds near La Pine.
What to do
Hiking at LaPine State Park Campground: The park offers trail systems suitable for all skill levels. "We hiked around some of the trails, checked out the big tree, splashed around in the river," according to one visitor at LaPine State Park Campground. Many trails connect directly to camping areas.
Fishing at Odell Lake: Cast for trout and kokanee from the shoreline or jetty. "Caught some Kokanee had someone in the campground with a smoker he gave us a smoked Kokanee," reports a camper who visited East Lake Resort. Serious anglers should bring gear suited for high-elevation lake fishing.
Explore lava formations: Tour the obsidian flow near East Lake. "We went to the big Obsidion Flow is down the road it was cool to go hike on it, Lava that looks like black glass," notes a visitor. The dark volcanic glass fields provide unique photo opportunities and geological exploration.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites with natural separation. At Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver, "The individual sites are pretty spacious and have a decent amount of trees." Sites provide enough room for multiple tents or larger camping setups.
River access: Direct paths to water for swimming and recreation. "We hiked around some of the trails, checked out the big tree, splashed around in the river," mentions a LaPine State Park visitor. The water access points range from designated swimming areas to casual shore access.
Quality bathrooms: Facilities at established campgrounds receive regular maintenance. "Bathrooms are beautifully updated and clean!" notes a camper. Many sites feature flush toilets rather than vault systems common at more primitive camping locations.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Wyeth Campground at the Deschutes River, "there is no tap water available and there are two pit-toilets. There is also no cell service." Bring downloaded maps and plan communications accordingly.
Seasonal closures: Many sites operate on limited schedules. East Lake Resort notes a season "May 31 - Oct 17," while most other nearby campgrounds have similar spring-to-fall operating windows, with only a few offering year-round access.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience highway sounds despite forest settings. At Sunset Cove Campground, "Highway noise went on for sometime but eventually dwindled around 10 pm." Sites farther from main roads offer quieter conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Multiple activities keep children engaged. One parent at Sunset Cove Campground noted, "Quiet, wooded campground. No hookups. Vault bathrooms. Great areas for kids to play, lots of access to water via boat ramps or jetty or shoreline spots to sit."
Educational experiences: Geological features offer learning opportunities. "There's a few cool attractions we didn't know about. HUGE tree! Campsites are spread out. Pet friendly," reports one LaPine visitor. The old-growth tree referenced is among the largest ponderosa pines in Oregon.
Wildlife viewing: Animal sightings enhance camping experiences. "We had deer out back, pikas & pretty yellow birds with redheads," noted a camper at East Lake Resort. Morning and evening hours provide best wildlife observation opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Variable site quality: Not all campgrounds offer level parking for larger vehicles. At Rock Creek Dispersed Camping, "Each site was a bit dusty and not very private, but it would be a free alternative!" For budget-conscious travelers, free dispersed camping provides basic accommodations without amenities.
Hook-up availability: Electric connections aren't universal. "Our site was level, only needed 2 inch lift to level left side," reports a Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver visitor about their RV setup. Bringing leveling blocks helps at sites with minor grade issues.
Winter options: Some locations remain accessible year-round. "We stayed here in the winter in our camper van and enjoyed the electrical hook up for hearing and cooking inside our van. Only one loop of the campground is open in the winter," notes a camper who visited LaPine State Park, confirming the glamping close to La Pine, Oregon remains an option even in colder months.
