Camping options around La Pine, Oregon range from lake-view sites to spots in the state park. Lava Lake Campground sits 21 miles from town and has clean vault toilets but minimal other facilities. Many families head to LaPine State Park Campground where showers and restrooms make longer stays more comfortable. Fishing is good at Paulina Lake Campground, which also puts campers close to some natural hot springs worth visiting. Little Crater Campground connects to hiking trails that wind through the local landscape. Summer brings nice weather to the area, though mosquitoes can be bad near any of the lakes or streams. Fall River Campground, about 9 miles from La Pine, tends to be less crowded than other nearby options. While several campgrounds don't have shower buildings, most keep their basic facilities pretty clean. Winter camping works for prepared campers, but temperatures drop well below freezing many nights. Most people find late spring and early fall hit the sweet spot for comfortable camping weather. La Pine's surrounding area has enough different camping spots to work for both big family groups and solo campers looking for quiet.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$22 - $111 / night
"Beautiful, lots of big pine trees (including the largest known documented Ponderosa Pine in Oregon!), really close to the Deschutes River just north of La Pine, about 35 mins south of Bend, Oregon."
"This was our first time to La Pine County Park. Unfortunately it was during the horrible fires of the west coast and Oregon was not spared. "
"We stayed two nights, August 15 through August 17, 2019, in campsite I-9, the overnight cost was$0.00 due to our Thousand Trails membership( our site had electrical and water service)."
"Stopped here on the way through Oregon. Campground is fairly extensive and has nice wooded sites. Onsite staff very friendly and helpful."
$27 - $29 / night
"Small campground along the edge of the lake; every spot has a beautiful view of the mountains and the lake, and has quick access to the water."
"It’s tucked up against a hill and surrounded by trees, so it was easy to find shade throughout the day."
$27 - $29 / night
"Campground Review About 25 miles south of Bend, Oregon, Paulina and East Lakes are twin calderas located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument area of the Deschutes National Forest that have"
"None of the sites are actually lakeside here, but the trees provide good protection from the wind that comes of the lake from the other side."
$19 - $21 / night
"We selected this campsite due to its proximity to Paulina Lake. We brought SUP boards and only had to make a 7 minute drive before we got to the boat dock."
"Big spots, 2 separate loops, creek is accessible to every site, lots of fun to hop around and look at. Quiet, off the beaten path, the trail that runs through is beautiful in any direction."
$21 - $23 / night
"A little close to the road but nice being next to the river. The river is nice and shallow but cold. Pit toilets were clean. Lots of spots reserved but no one in them. That shouldn’t be allowed."
"Flat area for tents, plenty of trees for hammocks, and easy access to the river. We did notice a fair amount of garbage, so maybe bring an extra bag to pack it out with you just in case."
"Hwy 97 is nearby but other than the road noise from that it is a quiet location. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are very clean. Has an off-leash area for dogs."
"Tent site was rustic and had a spigot near by! Plenty of sites for a group. Pet friendly. Grass at RV sites."
$23 - $25 / night
"There’s a beautiful walk along the creek just down the hill from the campsites that you can make a loop out of. Close to the Newberry Volcanic Monument, High Desert Museum, and Sunriver/Bend."
"Convient location to explore the Newberry crater area"
$27 - $380 / night
"Crane Prairie is a popular spot in Central Oregon off the Cascade Lakes Highway west of 4 season resort town of Bend, OR. The spots are all a little different and many are downright huge."
"I am right next to the water and it’s tranquil and the lake is spectacular! A must visit! I will certainly be back. Love it!!"
$23 - $25 / night
"There are only a few sites to choose from but they are on a pennisula surrounded the the river. The spaces are still spaced enough to have privacy but close enough to party if you want."
"Note that forest service road 4370 is gated closed between Wyeth Campground after the boat launch to the intersection of 6599 near Bull Bend Campground."
GuideLarge wrap around parking lot with bathrooms on both ends. Sno-park permit may be required depending on the time of year, but daily permits are like $4. No one car around checking them. Super close to Mount Bachelor!
GuideIt tuns out that this is the historic Fort Rock Ranger District headquarters site, started in the 1920s but built-out by the CCC in the early 1930s. Eight buildings remain, all listed on the historic register, but in need of maintenance. After WWII a campground with 19 sites was added, that include potable water and bathrooms. The FS downgraded the facility in the 1970s to a guard station, and then abandoned in 2002, leaving the buildings and inerds like a time warp, and ripping out the water and bathroom infrastructure. You now have a wonderful, safe, clean no-charge/free camping area open year round.
GuideThis is the third BLM campsite in a string of about six or seven. It's a beautiful campsite area. The last mile to get in is a little steep and a little rough, but totally doable. There are a couple of pull-through campsites big enough for my 32-foot rig. I saw two pit toilets. Each campsite has a fire pit, a picnic table, and it's right next to the river. There are no services, so no electricity or water; you have to bring in everything you need. There is enough clear sky for Starlink and enough for solar. I highly recommend this place—it's beautiful.
GuideBeautiful campground. A few pull through sites and pit toilets. That’s about it, but I can for the forest serenity, and lucky to be the only one here. Lots of tree cover with a few openings so solar will not be effective, but open enough for starlink.
GuideBeautiful setting, lots of mature trees, clean bathrooms. However, the shower isn’t individual private stalls but rather like stalls in a public toilet.
If you are here to do activities (disc golf, fishing) the high price tag might be justified. But for just stopping through - $60, for small sites didn’t feel worth it.
GuideSuper easy camping area, right next to all the ski lifts. Just a big parking lot, so not a lot of privacy. Can sometimes hear the snowcats at night, but it's not too bad. Overall, great spot for a few nights!
LegendBeautiful campground where you're lulled to sleep by the sound of the river. Nice shady sites. Lots of privacy. Primative with just picnic tables. Lots of fun to sit and listen to the river.
LegendVisited in July and unfortunately an algae bloom made it unappealing. Had to keep my dog from the water, which wasn't what I came to the lake for. Oh well. It was pretty and we did walk on some trails on the lake.
ScoutI pulled up with no permit at 11pm and there was only one other vehicle. Very quiet zone - no disturbances during the night and we left at 7am when a few more ppl cruised thru. Very chill.
Campers exploring La Pine, Oregon can find options across the high desert landscape between 4,150-6,500 feet elevation. This central Oregon location serves as a gateway to the Newberry Volcanic Monument with campgrounds scattered among ponderosa pines and along rivers. Water temperatures at some lakes remain surprisingly comfortable despite the elevation due to geothermal activity.
Hot springs access: Paulina Lake Campground connects to natural hot springs along the shoreline. "Hike in about 3.5 miles and you'll be able to soak in the hot springs and take a dip in the lake. Trail was pretty flat so definitely kid + dog friendly," notes Amanda W.
Volcanic exploration: Venture to obsidian flows and volcanic features throughout the area. "The whole thing is on the Newberry Volcanic monument which is super interesting geologically and historically," shares Pepper V. about the unique landscape surrounding Paulina Lake.
River activities: Bull Bend Campground offers excellent paddling opportunities with its riverside location. "The Dechutes River bends around this campground and it is perfect for kayaking or paddle boarding. The sites are HUGE and could easily accommodate more than one family," reports Laurie M.
Short hiking trails: Find walking paths through forests and meadows near most campgrounds. "There is a beautiful walk along the creek just down the hill from the campsites that you can make a loop out of," shares Amanda and Blaine K. about Prairie Campground.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide ample room between sites. "The back sites are very spacious. Pull through sites offer little privacy and some of those are awkward to situate your RV," reports Jeff M. about LaPine State Park Campground.
Lakefront access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. "Sites are a little uneven and there is just a pit toilet. For the price of $21 I would like there to be a water spout," notes Matthew K. about Fall River Campground.
Quiet atmosphere: Some campgrounds remain uncrowded even during peak season. "The thing I liked most about this campground was the fact that there were not many people here," shares Ross F. about Prairie Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many sites provide access to rivers and lakes known for trout fishing. "This camp is a fly fisherman's dream. Choose from one of the many sites just off the bank of the Fall River, and you'll find yourself wandering aimlessly along the River looking for trout," says Jake R.
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer basic amenities only. "Basic campground- picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. Not much privacy, but everyone was pretty quiet so overall a nice place to spend a night or two," explains Karen about Little Crater Campground.
Water supply issues: Not all campgrounds have reliable water sources. "$16 per night. No hookups. No water during my visit," reports Steve V. about Prairie Campground. Always bring backup water.
Insect concerns: Ants can be problematic at some sites. "We had a beautiful tent spot right up next to the lake but had to leave because the ants were insane. It was like the ground was moving. There were ant hills two feet tall," warns Sophie J. about Crane Prairie Campground.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "The road into the campground was dirt with a fairly long section that was very washboard so be prepared for some bumps along the way!" cautions Carly E. about Mckay Crossing Campground.
Recreation options: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver offers numerous family activities. "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.
Group camping areas: Some campgrounds have dedicated loops for larger family gatherings. "The yellow loop is great for big groups, with 15 spots separated from the rest of the campground. There's a small private beach beside the boat ramp, and a bigger, more sandy beach near the day use area," explains Rhiannon S. about Crane Prairie Campground.
Hiking difficulty levels: Many trails are suitable for children. "Simple trails right from the campsite," mentions Kim G. about LaPine State Park, making it easy for families with young hikers.
Temperature preparation: Prepare for significant day-night temperature swings. "In August, it was warm during the day and cool at night," shares Amelia A. about Mckay Crossing Campground, emphasizing the need for layered clothing.
Site selection: At Crane Prairie Campground, experienced campers recommend specific areas. "We prefer the blue loop sites 120 and up. And the even number ones on the ridge like 138 are supreme because they back up to open wilderness and can accommodate several tents and RV," advises Debb.
Hookup locations: Some campgrounds have awkwardly positioned utility connections. "The hookup plugs were really far away though from the spot itself," warns Denis K. about Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal needs. "They have no dump station on site," notes Bri about Cascade Meadows RV Resort, requiring RVers to find alternatives.
Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. "Only one loop of the campground is open in the winter and water is turned off at the sites except for one central location," explains Emma A. about staying at LaPine State Park during colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near La Pine, Oregon?
La Pine offers several excellent camping options with diverse settings. Pringle Falls Campground is a hidden gem just 15 minutes west of town, featuring a small, secluded setting (about 7 sites) along the Deschutes River with beautiful scenery. Note the access road is rough, so drive slowly. For riverfront camping with minimal amenities, Wyeth Campground at the Deschutes River offers 5 peaceful sites, though it lacks potable water and only has pit toilets. RV travelers will appreciate Cascade Meadows RV Resort and Big Pines RV Park, both offering full hookups. Other notable options include McKay Crossing Campground and Bull Bend Campground, each providing different experiences within a short drive of La Pine.
What are the seasonal camping options in La Pine throughout the year?
La Pine's camping season primarily runs from late spring through early fall, with most campgrounds open from May through September/October depending on weather conditions. Big Pines RV Park offers year-round accessibility with full hookups, making it ideal for winter camping when many other sites are closed due to snow. Summer (June-August) is peak season with all campgrounds typically open and warmer temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Prairie Campground is a convenient option during the main season, located just off Highway 97. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while spring camping may have variable conditions with possible lingering snow at higher elevations. Always check current conditions before planning off-season camping trips.
What amenities are available at La Pine State Park campground?
LaPine State Park Campground offers well-equipped, spacious campsites nestled among towering ponderosa pines (including Oregon's largest documented Ponderosa Pine). The park features clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers. Campsites include picnic tables and fire rings, with both tent sites and RV sites available. Many RV sites offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections. The park provides easy access to the Deschutes River for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Hiking trails wind through the park's beautiful forest setting. Additional amenities include a dump station, potable water stations throughout the campground, and firewood available for purchase. The park is well-maintained and designed with good spacing between sites for privacy while remaining conveniently located just 35 minutes south of Bend.
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