RV campgrounds around Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland range from developed parks to sites with basic amenities. This high desert region experiences significant temperature swings between day and night, with summer temperatures often dropping 30-40 degrees after sunset. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operation from April through October, with limited winter accessibility due to snowfall on forest roads.
What to do
Fishing options: Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort offers a stocked pond for catch-and-release fishing. "Catch and release fishing at the on-site pond for trout the size of steelhead," notes one camper. The resort provides convenient access to nearby fishing streams.
Family recreation: Crooked River Ranch features multiple trails for exploring. "There's a nice walking trail (Matt's Trail) that takes you around the campground along the canyon edge (level: easy). There's also a BLM trail (Crooked River Trail) you can access from the campground that takes you down to the water," writes one visitor who rated the experience highly.
Golfing access: Several RV parks provide direct access to golf facilities. "Golf for Mom and Dad" is available at Crooked River Ranch according to reviewers, while the ranch's location makes it "a great place for families and large groups" with multiple activities within walking distance.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Crook County RV Park receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The campground was very nice. Stayed for one night in a full hook up site for $45. All of the lots were paved and kind of level. It was quiet for such a full area with some long term campers and a few families staying and very friendly," reports one visitor.
Proximity to attractions: RV parks in the region provide strategic positioning for regional exploration. "Close to everything in the cute town of Prineville, on a scenic road bike route, across the street from the Crooked River and Rimrock Park with an elaborate frisbee golf course," notes one Crook County RV Park visitor.
Spacious sites: Lake Simtustus RV Park offers tiered camping areas with varying views and privacy. "I stayed in D2 this time and had plenty of room and privacy," notes one repeat visitor, though they mention "if the hookup was on the other side of the site I'd have had a much better view."
What you should know
Temperature variations: The region experiences significant daily temperature swings. Pack appropriate clothing for both warm days and cool evenings, especially when camping during spring and fall seasons.
Site accessibility: Deschute County Expo RV Park offers level sites that accommodate larger rigs. "With over a hundred concrete spaces, each with a grill, picnic table, water, sewer, and electric. But there's more! Fantastic showers, laundry and friendly staff," explains one visitor. However, another notes "most of the spaces are really jammed together and people insist on parking their vehicles in front of their rigs instead of the parking areas, making it difficult to maneuver around the loops."
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons (June-September), campsites fill quickly. Most RV parks require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays and during major events in Sisters, Bend, Prineville, or Madras.
Shower facilities: Several campgrounds require quarters for shower access. At Crooked River Ranch, "you needed quarters to take a shower. I don't carry quarters and usually only use them for laundry but add the shower fee to that it was easily 6-8$ in quarters and no one would give me that. There is no quarter machine on the premises."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "There is a full restroom with showers that were open! Very clean. Across the street is a family park with a children's fishing pond that is stocked with rainbow trout for anyone 17 and under," notes a visitor to Crook County RV Park.
Swimming options: Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert RV Park offers unique water recreation. "There was plenty to do for the full three days we were there - swimming, mini golf, hiking, and pickleball were our favorites. They also have basketball, volleyball, river tubing, horseback riding, ping pong, cold plunges, a spa, a restaurant, a full bar… and a lot more!" explains one family visitor.
Recreation facilities: Several campgrounds provide additional entertainment options. "The paved campground roads are great for bike riding. We loved sitting in the hot wellness spas at night, and floating on the warm lazy river during the day," notes a Kah-Nee-Ta visitor, adding that the resort includes teepee lodging options alongside RV sites.
Tips from RVers
Electric vehicle charging: Some RV parks now offer EV charging options. Crook County RV Park features "Two Rivian destination chargers on site," making it "a great stop on the way to more remote parts of Oregon, especially strategic if towing with an EV."
Site selection: When booking RV sites, pay attention to location details. At Lake Simtustus RV Park, "The 'A' sites at the lake side are very close together," according to one reviewer, while another notes the significant topography: "200 foot drop from office to lakeside, but they provide golf carts at no extra charge to go up and down the hill!"
Propane service: Check for on-site propane refill availability. Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort offers a convenient service where "if you put out your propane tank in front of your spot, they'll pick it up, refill it and deliver back."
