Established Camping
Big River Campground
Big River Campground, near Bend, Oregon, is a laid-back spot that’s perfect for those who enjoy a rustic camping experience. Located alongside a river, it offers a peaceful setting with picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars.
This campground is great for tents and smaller RVs, but keep in mind that larger rigs might struggle with the tight turns and short spaces. Visitors have noted the beautiful natural surroundings, with plenty of beach area along the river, making it a nice place to relax or take a dip. One camper mentioned, “The sites were fairly large with some sites closer to each other than other spots,” which gives you a sense of the layout.
While the campground doesn’t have drinking water or electric hookups, it does allow fires, so you can enjoy a cozy evening by the flames. Just be prepared to bring your own firewood and clean up after yourself, as some campers have found sites in less-than-ideal condition upon arrival.
If you’re looking to explore, you’re in a prime location between Tumalo Falls and Benham Falls, offering great access to hiking and scenic views. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Big River Campground provides a simple, nature-filled escape close to Bend.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Deschutes National Forest
Overview
Big River Campground is located along the Deschutes River south of the town of Sunriver. Large, open group sites offer a perfect setting for family reunions or group gatherings.
Recreation
Popular activities in the area include hiking, fishing and rafting in the summer months and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Big River provides the perfect place to launch a canoe or kayak into the Deschutes River. Only non-motorized boating is permitted on the river, and the water is Class II flatwater for about 6 miles below Sunriver. The Deschutes River is renowned for its fly fishing, and sustains populations of kokanee, rainbow, bull and brown trout. Boat fishing or drift fishing is the best way to catch fish at this part of the river.
Facilities
Popular activities in the area include hiking, fishing and rafting in the summer months and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Big River provides the perfect place to launch a canoe or kayak into the Deschutes River. Only non-motorized boating is permitted on the river, and the water is Class II flatwater for about 6 miles below Sunriver. The Deschutes River is renowned for its fly fishing, and sustains populations of kokanee, rainbow, bull and brown trout. Boat fishing or drift fishing is the best way to catch fish at this part of the river.
Natural Features
Nearby peaks, lava flows and Ponderosa pine stands provide visitors with a variety of landscapes, showcasing ecosystems typical of central Oregon. The Deschutes River, a tributary of the Columbia River, is central to the campground. The river flows through areas of ponderosa and aspen, with its shoreline varying from marshy meadows to basalt bedrock. Flows fluctuate less on this part of the river because of tributaries, and the river features many deep pools, a relatively stable bank and rocky in-stream structure. Wildlife found in the area include deer, elk, native fish and migratory birds.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers a glimpse into Central Oregon's rich geologic history. Travel 12 miles to Lava Lands Visitor Center to explore exhibits at the interpretive center, attend a ranger talk, take in scenic views from the top of Lava Butte and travel one-mile underground through Lava River Cave. Travel 25 miles to Newberry Caldera to visit Paulina and East Lake, Paulina Peak and Paulina Falls. Big River Campground offers easy access to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which weaves through multiple high lakes with views of South Sister, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor.
Fee Info
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Location
Big River Campground is located in Oregon
Directions
From Bend travel south on Hwy. 97 for about 17 miles, then make a right onto Vandervert Road. Make a left onto S. Century Dr. then another right to stay on S Century Dr. Follow S Century Dr. / NF-4205, then make a right onto Bonanza Lane, and another right to stay on Bonanza which will lead you into the campground.
Address
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
Bend, OR 97701
Coordinates
43.8183333 N
121.4986111 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
