Glamping options near Powell Butte, Oregon, have expanded beyond the traditional tent camping experience. Located in central Oregon's high desert at an elevation of around 3,500 feet, this area experiences warm, dry summers with temperatures averaging 80-90°F and cold winters dropping below freezing. The arid climate creates dusty conditions during peak camping months, particularly at unshaded sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ochoco Lake County Park provides good lake fishing throughout the season. According to Katie P., "This location is certainly not rugged, but it has gorgeous views of the lake and a clean facility. All around good trip." Many campers visit specifically for fishing opportunities.
Hiking near camp: Tumalo State Park Campground offers proximity to walking paths and the Deschutes River. One camper noted, "With the Deschutes River running through the park, there are also plenty of outdoor activities available. I had a great time, but make sure to bring warm clothes though--it can get pretty cold!"
Scenic drives: Take the winding road to Prineville Reservoir State Park for water-based activities. According to a visitor, "Steep and curving roads to get there, but a great little campground near the water. Only open mid May to mid September." These routes offer excellent mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Full hookup availability: Deschute County Expo RV Park provides convenient amenities for those seeking glamping comfort near Powell Butte. A reviewer mentioned, "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."
Swimming options: Many glamping sites offer water recreation access. One visitor to LaPine State Park Campground noted, "Campground, bathrooms, and showers are kept very clean. 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."
Star viewing: The clear desert skies provide excellent night viewing. According to an Ochoco Lake visitor, "Easily checked in and proceeded to pull-thru site D14 for our 6 night visit... Looking at the campground as a whole, loop D, 5-14 are actually pull throughs but the map does not show that." The elevation and minimal light pollution create optimal stargazing conditions.
What you should know
Reservations required: Most glamping accommodations require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver, a camper advised, "Our biggest downside was that we weren't able to select sites when we booked and because the campground is so large we ended up easily being at least 1/3 mile each way from our friends."
Weather preparedness: Despite hot days, nights can get cold even in summer. One Tumalo visitor shared, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Many glamping sites near Powell Butte operate seasonally. A Deschutes River Campground visitor noted, "This is high desert so sites are pretty much just dirt. Some have cool vegetation, grasses and even some sage. Scenery is still awesome and the lake it a lot of fun."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs. A visitor to Prineville Reservoir stated, "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!" These programs typically run weekends during summer months.
Kid-friendly activities: Crooked River Ranch offers multiple family activities. A reviewer shared, "Amazing grounds for the price! Although it's in the middle of the desert, this campground has amazingly soft parade grounds for tons of outdoor games."
Shade considerations: Look for sites with natural shade. "We camped next to a field that was home to a mom cat and her kittens. The campground is usually busy and it next to the highway which made it little loud during rush hour," noted one Tumalo State Park visitor, highlighting the importance of site selection.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully based on seasonal temperatures. One RVer at Deschute County Expo RV Park advised, "This could be a really nice place, but 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."
Water availability: Many glamping sites near Powell Butte restrict water usage during peak summer months. One camper at LaPine mentioned, "We stayed in one of the cabins, it was clean and made a nice getaway for a couple days. Bathrooms are a long walk in the middle of the night so I should have chosen a cabin with a bathroom, my mistake."
Quarter shortages: Several campgrounds require quarters for showers. According to a Crooked River Ranch visitor, "We stayed here for 2 days. My only issue was the bathrooms were clean and great but 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."
