Cabin camping near Powell Butte, Oregon offers varied options within the high desert region at elevations ranging between 3,000-4,200 feet. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically with summer days reaching 90°F while nights cool to the 40s. Winter camping is limited as most campgrounds close seasonally, though LaPine State Park maintains one loop open year-round with electrical hookups available.
What to do
River access for fishing and swimming: Tumalo State Park provides access to the Deschutes River with spots for fishing and swimming. "Great little campground. Sites are a little too close together for my tastes," notes Brian V., but the river proximity makes up for it. Miguel C. adds that Tumalo offers "quick access to firewood" and with "the Deschutes River running through the park, there are also plenty of outdoor activities available."
Educational programs for families: Prineville Reservoir State Park offers educational sessions during summer months. "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!" according to Rayne C. The park also has "a great horned owl visited the tree next to my site at 1:00 am and hooted away," shares Amy B., who appreciates the dark sky designation that makes stargazing optimal.
Fishing opportunities: Fishing is abundant at many reservoir locations. Sarah W. notes about Prineville Reservoir, "Nice place to launch a boat and fish or tube. Has an amazingly helpful fish cleaning space! Can even catch fish off the bay." The reservoir is known for crappie fishing, with Kelly N. sharing, "We had great luck catching many crappie here which made great fish tacos for our Camp dinner."
What campers like
Unique accommodation options: The Camp in Bend offers an urban camping experience with vintage trailer rentals. "Super cool vibe, great ameneties... They have RV pads that you can bring your own trailer to, or you can rent one of their beautifully restored vintage trailers or tiny homes that they have on site," explains Christian. Sharon adds they're "Darling... Great style of the camp! High end looking and the vintage trailers are too cute!"
Pool and recreational amenities: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver provides numerous recreational options. "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. The campground offers water and electric hookups with a $0 overnight cost for members, according to Jeff C.
Large campsites with privacy: LaPine State Park offers spacious sites that campers appreciate. "The back sites are very spacious," notes Jeff M., while Brandie W. adds, "Campsites have plenty of room and some have shade depending on location. It is very dry and dusty but it is the high desert after all. Lots of Pine trees and wildlife." Winter campers will find "heated bathrooms and hot showers" with one loop open featuring electrical hookups.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. The Cove Palisades State Park is particularly popular, with Berton M. noting, "Very well kept campground with full hookups." Reservations typically open 6 months in advance through Reserve America for state park cabins.
Cabin variations by location: Cabin options range from rustic to deluxe across different parks. "We stayed in a yurt here and inside was a sign in book with a lot of fun adventures shared from other travelers," shares Nicole R. about Tumalo State Park, while Troy B. mentions The Cove Palisades features "very well kept" facilities where "the staff were super friendly."
Weather considerations: The high desert climate means dramatic temperature changes. "Only a 10 minute drive from Bend, Tumalo offers a sophisticated camping experience. Heated individual showers, clean bathrooms, and quick access to firewood are a big step up from the usual camping basics... make sure to bring warm clothes though--it can get pretty cold!" warns Miguel C. Even summer nights can drop below 50°F.
Tips for camping with families
On-site activities for children: Redmond Central Oregon KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "Has a pool, horsehoe pit, peddle go karts, store and super friendly!!" notes Sarah W. Another camper, Julie P., adds, "They have a place where you can rent bikes and petal-kart rentals. My family and I did this one morning and had an absolute blast."
Swimming areas for kids: Look for designated swimming zones. Ashley B. comments about Prineville Reservoir, "Large grassy areas, big roped off swimming hole. It can get blazing hot, a few stickers so wear river shoes for swimming or at least getting there." Nicole R. mentions Tumalo State Park has a "walk path across the street to the river and park which was fun to tube down in the summer heat."
Exploring options: Many cabin locations provide access to nearby attractions. Leonard H. shares that from Tumalo State Park, they "enjoyed the Deschutes Brewery tour and High Desert Museum," which are both popular family destinations within a short drive. The campground is "very clean" with "good size campsites" according to Josh P.
Tips from RVers
Utility hookup considerations: Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort offers full hookup sites with conveniences. "Nice spaces with pavement and full hookups. Each space has a nice green lawn and fire ring," notes Dean. Rachel G. adds, "Our site was #7. Pull through, FHU, had a small brick patio area with picnic table and fireplace. Camp store was well stocked. Laundry on site which was very reasonable."
Seasonal availability: Winter camping options are limited but available. Emma A. explains about LaPine State Park, "Only one loop of the campground is open in the winter and water is turned off at the sites except for one central location." Jeff C. notes that at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver, "Weather was sunny upper 80's, the nights low 40's" during summer visits.
Site selection tips: Choose sites based on specific needs. "If you have tent site, nearest dump station is CampingWorld... only a few miles away at north side of Bend," advises Leonard H. about Tumalo State Park. For those wanting proximity to facilities, "Site 11 is perfect for those who prefer to be near a spa-like bath house in an RV park. Heated floors, huge showers," recommends amy D. about Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort.
