Deschutes River dispersed camping near Alder Springs offers free primitive sites along Lake Simtustus and surrounding areas. Accessible via NW Pelton Dam Road, most sites accommodate vehicles with large, flat areas suitable for camping. The terrain consists of high desert conditions with daytime summer temperatures frequently reaching 85-95°F, requiring early morning or evening activities for comfort during peak season from June through September.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Trout Creek Campground provides river access for anglers. "Perfect spot to launch your boats! Wonderful," notes Sarah W. about the Deschutes River area. The access road requires careful navigation as "the road down was STEEP! I really overheated my motorhome breaks. Plus a scary, low and narrow tunnel at the bottom," warns Lyn V.
Hiking trails: Smith Rock State Park Campground offers trails with varying difficulty levels. "There's a great hike, the Tam-A-Lau trail, that goes right from the campsite," explains Christian. The park "has gotten way more popular over the last few years, so the campsites and parking often max out on weekends, holidays, and great weather days," according to Katie L.
Water recreation: Lake Simtustus RV Park provides watercraft rentals and lake access. Josh H. shares that there are "stunning views from most sites (C and B groups are the best views). D is best for shade and A is down on the water." The staff provides golf carts for navigating the steep terrain as "200 foot drop from office to lakeside, but they provide golf carts at no extra charge to go up and down the hill!" explains Paul Y.
What campers like
Wide open views: The Deschutes River Overlook Dispersed Camping area offers panoramic vistas. "It was so peaceful along the river and was a beautiful sunset view and next thing I remember was waking up with the sun coming up," writes Carl S. Many campers spot wildlife across the river as "across the river we watched wild horses," reports Lyn V.
Clean facilities: Pelton Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "The friendly staff does an amazing job keeping the restrooms, showers and grounds clean," says Troy M. The campground is "very family-friendly, with easy physical access to restrooms, the docks and playground equipment. Pet-friendly too, stocked poo bags, poles by restrooms to hold leashes and a small fenced-in area to let the dogs run and play," adds Kristina G.
Unique accommodations: Multiple campsites offer alternatives to traditional tent camping. "They offer Tent sites, Yurts, cabins, large RV spaces with full or partial hookups, boat rental, store, cafe, fish cleaning station, group shelter with electricity and electric cooking stoves," explains Troy M. about Pelton Park Campground options.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping lacks basic amenities. Thomas B. notes that at Deschutes River Overlook, "We kind of stumbled into this free spot while heading to a more formal campground near Pelton Dam... It's not really a place I'd choose to spend more than one night, since it doesn't really connect to any trails or walking areas."
Access challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult approach roads. Trout Creek Campground access requires navigating "the rutted washboard gravel road that pleads for you to drive 20mph," according to Lisa K.
Tribal permits: Special fishing permits are required in certain areas. Josh H. explains that at Lake Simtustus RV Park, "fishing looks like it would be amazing but we visited during the Covid lockdown. (They weren't issuing tribal fishing licenses."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Crooked River Campground offers multiple family activities. "This is a great spot for families. Plenty of room to play outdoor games and it has a neat outdoor amphitheater," shares Jill T. The campground features "a swing-set, a couple of nice horseshoe pits, an animal exercise area, and a volleyball pit," according to another reviewer.
Swimming areas: Several locations offer designated swimming spots. "Has a shallow swimming area surrounded by wood docks to protect swimmers from the wake," notes Damian C. about Lake Billy Chinook near Crooked River Campground.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger programs during summer months. "Very good ranger program, and a nice outdoor amphitheater," explains Brian C. about the interpretive offerings at Crooked River Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Deschutes River Campground offers various hookup options. "There are two campgrounds here: Crooked River Campground (E Loop mid-February through mid-December) 91 electrical sites with water Flush toilets/showers and Deschutes River Campground (A, B, C Loops - mid-May through mid-September) A and C Loop: 87 full hookup sites B Loop: 93 tent sites with water nearby," explains Patti S.
Parking considerations: Pay attention to site layout for larger rigs. "Steep and curving roads to get there, but a great little campground near the water. Only open mid May to mid September," advises Jennifer R. about Deschutes River Campground.
Off-season benefits: Consider camping outside peak summer season. "VERY busy in the summer. We prefer to go during the off-season when we have the campground, hiking trails, and lake all to ourselves," shares a camper about Crooked River Campground.
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