6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Campers have several good spots to choose from around Sunriver, Oregon. LaPine State Park Campground works well for both tents and RVs, and you can easily reach the Deschutes River from your site. Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver sits just four miles away from town and has extras like a swimming pool and clubhouse that many other campgrounds don't. If you want to see volcanic areas, Paulina Lake Campground puts you right by the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Most campgrounds connect to paved roads, making them easy to reach, though some spots might need a higher-clearance vehicle in winter. Always check on current fire rules before your trip since they change with the seasons. During summer, you should book ahead since sites fill up fast. Most places have bathrooms and drinking water, but bringing extra supplies is smart. Sunriver makes a good starting point for checking out Central Oregon, whether you're staying for a few days or longer.
"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!"
"Beautiful location with good sized camping spots for travel trailers and RVs. Almost all spots are wooded so shade is plentiful for hot Summer afternoons."
"Love this campground close to Bend, Sunriver and LaPine. Bring your bike and fishing pole."
"On trails of all difficulties 2. Hikes from easy to difficult
3. This part of the Deschutes river is very easy to navigate. Great for a beginner or trying out a new boat.
4."
Available next weekend
from $29 - $151 / night
"This is one of our favorite campgrounds in Oregon. We did have a harder time backing in our 35ft trailer due to the more narrow road but over all wasn’t that bad."
"Very solid, typical Oregon state campground."
Available this weekend
from $32 - $128 / night
"Needed a last-minute overnight spot while heading north through Oregon and FR 9710 delivered. Arrived around 11pm in pitch darkness with about 1-2” snow on the ground."
"If you are going south from Bend, you have to turn around at exit 151 due to center barrier now constructed There are a few campsites and some are obviously used frequently."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $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"
"Lovely campground with lakeside sites. Camp host sells firewood on site. We stayed in site 39 which was close to bathrooms, water, and boat ramp for easy water access."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $32 - $34 / night
"There are some nice amenities as well and you arent too far from town, but definitely not walking distance or really biking distance for that matter. "
"It would be a 5-star rating if it were situated in a pristine natural forest. Alas, it’s surrounded by suburbia, which is not awful but certainly not awe-inspiring either."
from $59 - $160 / night
"Arrived right at sundown so didn’t drive in but to the first drive through spot. Level. Quiet. Lovely. At the edge of bend suburbia."
"Navigable with a van all wheel drive. Drove in about a mile+to find an empty spot. Most already taken. Seems to be a mix between a mobile and a stationary group of campers. A good spot close to Bend."
"Only saw one camper van and a couple people off roading. Seems like a nice enough place to overnight. No signs anywhere."
"One of the few places near Bend that was actually open for disperse camping in the winter. We stayed in a nice sight just across from the quarry, right by the turn around area."
"Great location and River access. Safe for our kids to romp around. Very close to highway it other than that a pretty sweet spot."
"This nice forest service campground is located next to a river near the Bend area. I visited in the fall so I was the only camper there. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $23 - $128 / night
Guideanywhere in this area is great dispersed camping. in october i had no neighbors except one RV. kind of pull in anywhere, just make sure you aren’t blocking a trail. would stay in this spot again! super close to town, good cell service
GuideI spent a good half hour trying to determine if you can actually legally camp here. It was inconclusive and too late to call BLM. I know you can’t park at the trailhead parking lot but not sure about this road. There were a lot of cars going by too as it leads to a big neighborhood so I decided to stop somewhere else for the night. Might be fine but I’d call local authorities or BLM do confirm it’s cool to sleep overnight here
GuideWhat a gem to find a FREE camping spot. Pit toilets so you can take a shit too! But mainly this was quiet and the 2 mile hike had absolutely breathtaking views. Someone who lived in Bend specifically told me to come here so you know it’s a local spot! I get the feeling that it probably fills up fast during peak months but it was almost empty for me in late October mid week. Definitely would come back here! The tent camping spots people mentioned by the water don’t look super level so I would just go ahead and use one of the pull up sites. Perfect for me as I car camped 👍🏼
GuideVery large spots! Great location between LaPine and Bend. Level spots. Great hiking all around.
Traveler14 days per stay, 28 days per year, I picked up maps for Deschutes National Forest at the office in Bend. This location is within a few miles of Sisters which is very touristy. Coniferous forest road, dry, high elevation. Near bike trails, horse trails and hiking.
GuideOnly came for water $5 threaded spigot clean area looks brand new there's pay stations great water if you're near bend
ScoutPulled into spot 44 for one night in October. Same day reservations allowed. Very handy and the sites were largely vacant this time of year. Tent sites are acceptable for RVs and trucks campers if you don't need hookups . Check the length of the driveway online and if it's long enough you're good. It's well kept and close enough to the highway for an overnight. I didn't visit the park, including the bathroom facilities, just needed a play for the night, and this was fine
GuideGreat spot for a night
ScoutEasy in with our 38 ft Skoolie. No water or dump, vault toilet and two trash containers available. 8$ per night. 6 sites, mostly for tent but two accommodate larger rigs.
Sunriver sits at 4,200 feet elevation in Central Oregon's high desert, where summer days reach the 80s while nights dip into the 40s. The area's camping spots span across the Deschutes National Forest with ponderosa pines offering scattered shade across the volcanic landscape. Fall and spring bring frost warnings while winter camping requires preparation for snow conditions at higher elevations.
Hiking the Paulina Lake Loop: The 7-mile trail at Paulina Lake Campground offers views of obsidian-lined paths and natural hot springs. "The 7-mile loop around the lake was stunning w/views at every corner. The trail was lined with beautiful obsidian. Hike in about 3.5 miles and you'll be able to soak in the hot springs and take a dip in the lake," notes Amanda W.
Explore volcanic features: Visit the Big Obsidian Flow trail near Little Crater Campground. "This campground sits on the inside of Newberry National Volcanic Monuments sunken caldera on the shores of Paulina lake," explains Lindy W. The area includes "great access to the water and the Paulina lake trail," according to Patrick D.
Waterfall hunting: Follow the creek at Mckay Crossing Campground to discover hidden cascades. "Quiet little campground with a creek running through it. Follow it through the campsite and you'll find a secret waterfall!" shares Aaron S. The area also features "natural water slides" according to Daniel H., making it perfect for summer exploration.
Spacious campsites: Sites at Tumalo State Park Campground offer well-maintained facilities within driving distance to Bend. "Well paved streets and campsites. Most tent sites also accommodate RV's. Very good restrooms and showers. Very quiet at night," reports Leonard H. The park provides "heated individual showers, clean bathrooms, and quick access to firewood" according to Miguel C.
Recreation amenities: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver provides extensive facilities beyond basic camping. "The amenities were by far amazing... electrical and water hookups for our RV, the onsite 24 hour laundry facilities... a swimming pool, mini golf course, tennis courts, horseshoe rings, and more!" raves Stephanie N. Another camper notes "the kids (mostly teens) found plenty to do with the pool, putt putt, pump track, etc."
Lakeside settings: Campsites near Paulina Lake offer direct water access. "Every spot has a beautiful view of the mountains and the lake, and has quick access to the water," says Rhiannon S. about Little Crater Campground. Sites feature "picnic tables and fire rings, nearby vault restrooms, & dish washing stations" with many spots right on the shoreline.
Seasonal considerations: Camp at FR 9710 Dispersed Roadside Camping for free stays near Bend. "Easy 10 min drive to downtown. Decent cell service as well," reports Jules S. However, be aware that "In mid-March, the road was icy and difficult to drive on," notes Amy, and summer brings significant dust issues.
Facility limitations: Many campgrounds have basic amenities only. At Mckay Crossing, expect "pit toilet but no running water, minus the streams," as Tyler S. mentions. Amy A. advises: "BYO water, and get gas in Bend. If you're desperate like I was, Eastlake Resort has a single gas pump that sells the most expensive gasoline I've ever purchased."
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly May through September. "Must book on ReserveAmerica.com. Drove around to select potential sites then confirmed open and booked online," explains Leonard H. about Tumalo State Park. For dispersed options, "you could pull a car onto it wherever you want no problem," notes S.H. about FR 9710.
Water activities: Paulina Lake offers swimming and paddling opportunities. "Great for kayaks, paddle boards, or just floating," recommends Rhiannon S. The lake temperature remains comfortable for swimming due to "geothermal activity" making it "comfortable" according to MeLinda W.
Kid-friendly hikes: LaPine State Park Campground offers accessible trails from campsites. "Simple trails right from the campsite. 30 minutes from Bend," mentions Kim G. Another camper adds that it's a "large campground plenty of room to roam around and hike. Nice place to play with your dog or dogs."
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local animals. At Tumalo State Park, "We camped next to a field that was home to a mom cat and her kittens," shares Vanesa W. LaPine State Park features "Lots of Pine trees and wildlife" according to Brandie W., giving children natural discovery opportunities.
Site selection: Choose carefully at Crown Villa RV Resort based on tier levels. "They offered to apply the cost of my stay toward a membership which was a good deal," notes Jerold H., though he cautions that "bronze and copper were ridiculously neglected. Never have I stayed in an RV 'Resort' with foot high weeds."
Hookup access: At Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver, be aware of connection placement. "The hookup plugs were really far away though from the spot itself," cautions Denis K. For Little Crater Campground, note that there are "no hookups" though the campground is "easily accessed by foot, car or boat. It does have a boat ramp. RV's / Campers can get into most sites," according to Pat S.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. "We stayed here in the winter in our camper van and enjoyed the electrical hook up for hearing and cooking inside our van. 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 LaPine State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds in Sunriver, Oregon?
While Sunriver itself doesn't have campgrounds within the resort boundaries, several excellent options are located nearby. Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver is one of the closest campgrounds to Sunriver, offering wooded sites with plenty of shade and easy access to the resort area. Another nearby option is Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping, which provides a more primitive camping experience. Most campgrounds around Sunriver are within a 15-30 minute drive, placing you close to both the resort amenities and natural attractions like lakes, rivers, and hiking trails in the surrounding Deschutes National Forest.
Is there camping available at Sunriver Resort?
Sunriver Resort itself does not offer camping facilities within the resort boundaries. The resort is primarily comprised of vacation rental homes, condos, and lodge accommodations. However, camping options are available very close by. Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver is one of the nearest campgrounds to the resort, featuring amenities like swimming pools, mini-golf, and a pump track, making it popular with families. For those wanting to camp while still enjoying Sunriver's amenities, the resort does allow day visitors to purchase passes for its facilities like the aquatic center, golf courses, and marina, though access policies may vary seasonally. Most campers choose to stay at nearby campgrounds while making day trips to enjoy Sunriver's attractions.
What RV camping options are available in Sunriver, Oregon?
RV campers visiting Sunriver have several good options. Crown Villa RV Resort near Bend offers full hookups and amenities for a more luxurious RV camping experience with good access to Sunriver. For a more natural setting, Prairie Campground provides a no-frills experience with adequate cell service, drinking water, and vault toilets. It's also solar-friendly for self-sufficient RV setups. The area around Sunriver features several dispersed camping options that can accommodate RVs, including Dispersed Rock Quary, which is big-rig friendly and free. Most RV campgrounds in the area provide easy access to Sunriver's amenities and nearby outdoor recreation.
What are the camping options near Sunriver for visitors?
Visitors to Sunriver have several camping options within a short drive. LaPine State Park Campground offers traditional amenities including showers, electricity, and access to mountain biking trails and the Deschutes River for paddling. It's conveniently located close to both Sunriver and the town of LaPine. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Lava Lake Campground provides a true outdoor experience with several lakes for paddling and numerous hiking trails. Other options in the region include dispersed camping areas in Deschutes National Forest and developed campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from basic sites with vault toilets to full-service campgrounds.
Keep Exploring
