RV campgrounds near Alder Springs, Oregon provide travelers with varied choices for overnight stays. The region sits at moderate elevation with pine forests and high desert landscapes, where summer temperatures can reach 90°F during peak season with cool nights. Most area campgrounds experience high usage between June and September, requiring advance planning.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Simtustus RV Park features a small dock and excellent fishing spots. "Good fishing off dock and near the campground," notes Sarah W., who gave the park five stars for its fishing access.
Mountain recreation: Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort serves as a convenient base for outdoor adventures. A reviewer shared, "We did a waterfall hike, went to Bend a couple times, went for dinner and drinks at the Barn in Sisters which is a food truck park. Sisters was a great small town."
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking options exist for all skill levels. At Crooked River Ranch, one camper mentioned, "There's a nice walking trail (Matt's Trail) that takes you around the campground along the canyon edge (level: easy). There's also a BLM trail (Crooked River Trail) you can access from the campground that takes you down to the water (level: moderate to hard)."
What campers like
Scenic views: Crooked River Ranch RV Park offers dramatic canyon vistas. "RV's back up against the canyon rim and have a beautiful backdrop," writes one camper who appreciated the natural setting.
Swimming facilities: Several parks provide water recreation options. Josh H. noted about Lake Simtustus, "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."
Organized activities: Various campgrounds feature recreational amenities. One visitor to Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort mentioned, "Nice spaces with pavement and full hookups. Catch and release fishing at the on-site pond for trout the size of steelhead. Each space has a nice green lawn and fire ring."
What you should know
Internet connectivity: Access varies significantly between locations. At Lake Simtustus RV Park, Pops A. reported, "We enjoyed our quick 2 night getaway. Nice bathrooms/showers. Level lots. Very good wi-fi."
Shower facilities: Many campgrounds charge for shower use. One camper at Crooked River Ranch noted, "My only issue was the bathrooms were clean and great but you needed quarters to take a shower. I don't carry quarters and usually only use them for laundry but add the shower fee to that it was easily 6-8$ in quarters."
Site layout challenges: Some parks have unusual hookup configurations. At Spring Drive RV Campground, a camper advised, "Our site was large and pretty level. Campground was once a single/double-wide trailer park for govt employees so the hook-ups are located in odd spots for RV. We used 20 ft. of septic drain hoses."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Antelope RV Park offers family-friendly accommodations. "The a-frames are simple, but comfortable and have heat/air conditioning. There is a great place to sit and make coffee and chat with the other campers," explains one visitor.
Outdoor games: Campgrounds with spacious grounds provide activities for children. A visitor to Crooked River Ranch mentioned, "Although it's in the middle of the desert, this campground has amazingly soft parade grounds for tons of outdoor games."
Pool access: Swimming facilities help keep kids entertained during hot summer days. At Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort, families appreciate that "Facilities also include a store, pool, and hot tub."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Deschutes County Expo RV Park, direction matters for comfort. One RVer advised, "Stayed in 27 one night and 9 another night. 27 is jammed in with a gravel lawn. 1-10 are the only sites that have a fair sized grass lawn."
Hookup details: Most parks offer various connection options. At Cold Springs Resort, RVers find "spacious RV sites" with full hookups near the spring-fed Metolius River, ideal for trout fishing.
Parking considerations: Site orientation impacts the camping experience. At Lake Simtustus, Susan F. shared, "I've stayed here three times. The site I stayed in the first two times is no longer available for RV's. I stayed in D2 this time and had plenty of room and privacy. I will say that if the hookup was on the other side of the site I'd have had a much better view."
