Along the Deschutes River in central Oregon's high desert, Big River Campground provides direct water access for fishing and swimming. This US Forest Service facility operates seasonally from late April through early October, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet alongside tent campers. The campground sits close enough to nearby roads that some traffic noise carries through the sites.
The roughly 10 campsites vary in size and spacing, with several backing directly to the Deschutes River. Ashley B. notes "lots of beach area along the river" for water activities. Sites include standard amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, though some reviewers report maintenance issues with trash accumulation between cleanings. Pit toilets serve the campground, and cell service reaches most areas.
Access roads can present challenges for larger RVs, with tight turns limiting practical entry to units under 30 feet despite the official 40-foot maximum. The campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Campers can launch boats or kayaks directly from the riverside areas, making this a functional base for river recreation rather than a destination focused on amenities. For additional camping options in the region, consider campgrounds around Deschutes National Forest.
Book ahead during peak summer months, as the limited site count fills quickly on weekends.
Description
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
Big River Campground offers three group sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping and 10 single sites.The sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and vault toilets. A boat launch is located across the road and provides access to the waterfront.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBig 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
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/3/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 5/3/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 5/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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
Drive Time
- 22 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 23 min from Eugene, OR
- 2 hrs 50 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 58 min from Corvallis, OR
