Best Glamping near Prineville, OR

Tumalo State Park gets only 3 stars from me because it was hot and crowded. Since its only 4 miles North of popular Bend, Oregon, its a convenient stop... but what I consider "pit stop camping," on my way to quieter destinations. They have good campground amenities for this: flush toilets, running water, showers. Its a pretty location, near many fun outdoor activities near and in Bend, but the sites were too crowded together for my taste. Note that, as in most of Oregon in high summer, open flames and camp fires are prohibited. It is a Red Flag zone, meaning there is a high danger of wildfires. In fact, as of last week (late July, 2018) you could see the smoke from several fires in the surrounding forests.

Generations of campers have stayed here, and if you have little ones, no doubt they'll want to continue the tradition. The park has experienced many improvements since the landslide transformed and closed it many years ago. Available to rent now are yomes (yurt domes) with bunkbeds and inexpensive lake view cabins with AC and heat. A swimming hole, playground and amphitheatre delight little campers, and a store/restaurant/rental business delight adults who run out of ice, beer, fishing tackle, or other necessities. Kayaks, paddle boards and other water sport equipment is available for rent. The lake is long and deep with Kokanee, Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout, but you'll need to make sure you purchase an Indian permit (available at the store) if you want to fish for them. Take a trolling boat up the narrows to the back of Round Butte Dam in the morning and rev up the engine for a mile of skiing area near Pelton Dam to cool off in the afternoon. This is a PGE park with on-site camp hosts and regular visits from the local law enforcement. You'll feel safe camping here solo or with your children. Quiet time is politely enforced. There is a community kitchen available for cooking or washing dishes and clean flush toilets and shower facilities are on site. Electrical hookups abound, even if you are tenting, you can bring an extension cord to recharge, light, or cool off your campsite.

This campground is near Lake Billy Chinook.  The campground is well maintained with lots of green grass and shade.  Some spots are better then others but the C loop had amazing views.  The bathrooms were very clean and well stocked.  The Tam-a-lau trail leaves right from the Campground which made for a great sunrise hike with no drive!  The campground is across the street from the lake, but it was very close walking distance and had plenty of day use spots, though dogs were not allowed in the beach area.  There was a large fenced in dog area which is very nice.  I have already recommend this campground to people and I would return.

There are two Devil’s lake campground. This one in particular is along the subalpine Devil’s Lake of central Oregon (NOT the beach) - sorry, no yurts, cabins, or marketplaces here.

It’s pretty amazing, though, as long as you plan for it! There are no drive-up sites, they’re all walk-ins. This is the access point for local trails like the PCT and South Sister summit trail.

Just a day at the lake is great though! I’ve spent a lot of time scrambling around this area and camping at Devil’s lake. Definitely worth it for a slightly more “rustic” adventure!