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Established Camping

Big River Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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.

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Location

Big River Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2025

Dad camp 2025

Great location and River access. Safe for our kids to romp around. Very close to highway it other than that a pretty sweet spot.

Sitegroup camp
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by WG L., August 23, 2025
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by WG L., August 23, 2025
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by WG L., August 23, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2025

Small, Quiet River Camping

It’s small, only a few campsites, but everything you need. Sites were a good size but closer together. Right on the river with launching for boat or paddling. Some road noise but it’s minimal.

Site3
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Heather E., August 23, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2024

Big River FS

This is across river from Big River Group campground. Only about 10 sites. Most of the Sites are small. Pit toilets. Fire pit. Picnic table. Close to road. Somewhat on the dirty side. Some sites back to Deschutes River.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by lee's freelance M., September 24, 2024
Reviewed May. 12, 2024

Not for larger RVs

Great for tents and smaller RVs, but nothing longer than about 20 feet. We tried with a 31 ft, but the road turns are tight and spaces are short.

Siteany
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2022

Fine campground

We stayed here because it was close to Bend and had a fcfs spot. It was nice that it was on the river but our site was trashed and had cigarette butts everywhere. I had to scoop plastic trash from the fire pit and it was just a little corner pit that didn’t block the wind at all. We made sure the campsite was nice for the next person though

Site2
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Makena B., June 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Makena B., June 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Makena B., June 20, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2021

Not worth your time

We arrived to this campsite and it had been trashed by the people before us. They had left trash in the fire pit, trash around the site, leftover food all over and the worst was dead crawfish. I was not about to have my family stay there for a second.

Site08
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Dana R., July 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Dana R., July 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Dana R., July 24, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2020

Nice Campground near the Bend area

This nice forest service campground is located next to a river near the Bend area.  I visited in the fall so I was the only camper there.  The sites were fairly large with some sites closer to each other then other spots.  There was lots of beach area along the river.   You could hear a loud party coming from a house that were nearby, but otherwise pretty nice campground.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Ashley B., October 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Ashley B., October 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Big River Campground by Ashley B., October 28, 2020
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Big River Campground?

Big River Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. Sites are allocated to whoever arrives first, so plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons to secure a spot. For the most current information on availability and possible changes to the reservation policy, contact the Deschutes National Forest office before your trip.

Are there group camping options at Big River Campground?

Yes, there are group camping options available. Big River Group Campground is located across the river from the main Big River Campground. This separate group area caters to larger parties wanting to camp together. For specific details about group size limits, fees, and facilities at the group site, contact the Deschutes National Forest office directly before planning your trip.

What do visitor reviews say about Big River Campground?

Big River Campground is a small Forest Service campground situated along the Deschutes River near Bend. It features around 10 sites with fire pits and picnic tables. The campground offers good river access with beach areas and boat/paddle launching points. While the natural setting is appreciated, site maintenance can be inconsistent. Some campers report finding trash left behind by previous visitors. The campground is generally quiet with minimal road noise, making it a decent option for those seeking riverside camping, though site cleanliness may vary.

Where is Big River Campground located in Oregon?

Big River Campground is located near Bend, Oregon along the Deschutes River. It's a Forest Service campground situated adjacent to the river, providing easy water access. The campground is close to a highway, which makes it conveniently accessible but does introduce some minimal road noise to the camping experience.