The Sunriver area sits at approximately 4,200 feet elevation in Central Oregon's high desert, with pine forests and volcanic features creating a distinctive camping environment. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 85°F during day, with very low humidity. The region's camping options span from developed sites with modern amenities to dispersed locations with minimal facilities.
What to Do
Hiking accessible trails: LaPine State Park offers several good hiking trails with river views. "We enjoyed our stay at the campground, there are a couple good hiking trails and the river was beautiful," notes Debbie I., who appreciated the natural surroundings at LaPine State Park Campground.
Winter camping options: For those interested in off-season yurt camping near Sunriver, Oregon, some campgrounds remain accessible year-round. "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," shares Emma A. about winter camping at LaPine State Park.
Water activities: Devil's Lake Campground provides excellent water access for paddlers. "The campground has access to the lake for kayaks/canoes and moorage for boats," explains Ella T. about Devils Lake Campground, adding that "sites are shaded and most have shrubs or trees for separation."
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the roominess at certain campgrounds. "The individual sites are pretty spacious and have a decent amount of trees," reports Christie U. about Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver, though she notes that some facilities were under maintenance during her stay.
Convenient location: The proximity to regional attractions makes many campgrounds practical bases for exploration. "Close enough to town that we could call an Uber to Hayden Homes after we set up, then Uber back when the concert finished," explains Zoe G. about the BEND FS 4610 Dispersed camping area, adding that "the main red dirt road is gorgeous with various pull offs spaced decently far apart."
Clean facilities: Deschute County Expo RV Park maintains high standards for its amenities. "Fantastic showers, laundry and friendly staff. This is one of the best stops if you are visiting Redmond or the Bend, OR area," writes Lee O., highlighting the practical benefits of staying at this well-maintained facility.
What You Should Know
Site selection considerations: When booking at Devils Lake, site location matters. "Unfortunately when it rains, sites in B loop flood which makes camping a muddy mess. Stay with the A loop for trailers or C loop for tents," advises Ella T., providing specific guidance for avoiding soggy conditions.
Reservation requirements: For primitive camping options near Sunriver, planning ahead is essential. "Great and plentiful camping spots. A little crowded at the entrance but there are miles of trails to go explore on and find the perfect spot for you," explains Connor H. about the dispersed camping along FS 4610.
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted services during shoulder seasons. "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," notes Miguel C. about Tumalo State Park Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Recreation options: Family-friendly campgrounds offer activities beyond camping. "We had a lot of fun here. Hiking. Fishing. Exploring. There's a few cool attractions we didn't know about. HUGE tree! Campsites are spread out. Pet friendly," shares Wendy M. about LaPine State Park.
Play areas: Some campgrounds provide ample space for children. "It has nice open spaces. Our kids had plenty of room to play out outdoor games. Swimming pool was just the right temperature," reports Jeff P. about Cascade Meadows RV Resort.
Entertainment activities: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver includes 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!" reports Nicole R.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At some campgrounds, utility connections can be inconveniently placed. "Great spot but they messed up our campsite assignment and it was taken by someone... Spot itself is nice, firepit with table. The hookup plugs were really far away though from the spot itself," notes Denis K. about Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver.
Site leveling: Deschute County Expo RV Park offers level concrete pads that RVers appreciate. "With over a hundred concrete spaces, each with a grill, picnic table, water, sewer, and electric," describes Lee O., emphasizing the practical benefits for larger rigs.
Amenities for extended stays: The campground facilities can make longer visits more comfortable. "We enjoyed our 6-day stay," shares Christie U., while noting that "if you plan to wash laundry because they don't take debit cards and there isn't a change machine."
