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Established Camping

Bull Bend Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

This location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bull Bend Campground, near Bend, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature along the Deschutes River. This primitive campground offers a unique experience with spacious sites that provide a sense of privacy while still being close enough for a friendly gathering.

The campground is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, with easy access to the river right from your site. Visitors have raved about the beautiful surroundings, noting the diverse wildlife and lush riparian habitat. One camper shared, “This is what a healthy river looks like,” highlighting the vibrant ecosystem you can enjoy while you’re there.

While the amenities are basic—think pit toilets and no drinking water—campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to disconnect. The dirt road leading to the campground can be a bit tricky, so make sure to follow the right directions to avoid any detours. Whether you're floating down the river or just soaking in the scenery, Bull Bend Campground is a solid choice for a relaxing outdoor getaway.

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

Bull Bend Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Bend, OR: Travel 26.8 miles south on Highway 97 to Wickiup Junction, then 10.5 miles west on County Road 43, turn left on the 100 road. There is a sign there for Bull Bend. Follow the 100 road south approximately one mile and turn left at the sign which directs you to Bull Bend. Travel east about 1.5 miles until the road dead ends. Make a left and then in about a quarter mile you will turn right into the campground.

Address

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
Bend, OR 97701

Coordinates

43.7254028 N
121.6274833 W

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Connectivity

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    Verified by 2 users
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Cultus Lake Campground

Cultus Lake Campground

31 min away

Irish & Taylor Lakes

Irish & Taylor Lakes

1 hr away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

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

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 1, 2023

Lovely, primitive campground on river bend, but difficult to find

This is a lovely and primitive campground inside a horseshoe bend of the river.
Getting there is confusing--follow the directions from recreation.gov. Do*NOT* take Road 4370(West River Road) as it is closed past Wyeth Campground. Instead take County Road 43 to Road NF-100 (with a"Bull Bend" sign). Head south 1 mile then the road heads east 1.5 miles to the campground. It is a dirt road with washboards.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2019

Secluded spot on the Deschutes River for a short float or paddle

Note that forest service road 4370 is gated closed between Wyeth Campground after the boat launch to the intersection of 6599 near Bull Bend Campground.

Perfect for a short float around the campground or longer 2 mile,  1 hour float to Wyeth Campground.

It's popular for groups since are fairly large.

One pit toilet. No water spigot, but plenty of clean water from the Deschutes River.

Beautiful riparian habitat with birds, beaver, fish, and plant diversity on this stretch of the Deschutes River. This is what a healthy river looks like.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2017

Perfect Kayak and Paddle Board location!

My husband and I visited here earlier in the month and we just had to take the kids and dogs back! We got two new toys...paddle boards, so we took those and the kayaks to float the river. We had the campground completely to ourselves on the 2nd night of our stay! This time we chose site #5, of of two adjoining group sites because of it's own little boat launch area...so easy to launch the paddle boards and kayaks any time you wished! We had a blast as usual and will be back again!

Site#5
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bull Bend Campground by Laurie M., August 30, 2017
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2017

Hidden Gem perfect for Kayaking!

My husband and I stayed here to celebrate our anniversary. We were only able to stay for one night, but we are already planning our next trip back! The Dechutes River bends around this campground and it is perfect for kayaking or paddle boarding. The sites are HUGE and could easily accommodate more than one family. We loved it!

SiteSite #2
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bull Bend Campground by Laurie M., August 7, 2017
Reviewed May. 21, 2017

Waterfront and shaded

This site is nice and secluded in Deschutes NF. There are only a few sites to choose from but they are on a pennisula surrounded the the river. The spaces are still spaced enough to have privacy but close enough to party if you want. The site even has a small boat ramp if needed and plenty of swimming space for anyone. Quiet, peaceful and secluded. Only drawback is one toilet for the entire place, so if it's packed it could be a problem if you need to use it. Otherwise it's a great place to visit and camp!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Bull Bend Campground?

Bull Bend Campground is a primitive site with limited amenities. The campground features spacious sites that can accommodate multiple tents or vehicles. There's a small boat ramp for launching watercraft into the Deschutes River. The sites are positioned on a peninsula surrounded by the river, offering excellent water access. This is a more rustic camping experience without modern conveniences, so come prepared with your own water and supplies.

What do visitor reviews say about Bull Bend Campground?

Bull Bend Campground is praised for its secluded location and spacious sites that offer both privacy and the option for group camping. Campers highlight the excellent water access with the Deschutes River wrapping around the peninsula-like campground. The sites are described as huge, easily accommodating multiple tents, and the campground is noted as being perfect for water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and floating. It's particularly popular for group camping experiences, with some visitors mentioning they occasionally had the entire campground to themselves. The natural setting and river views are consistently mentioned as standout features.

Are there hiking trails or recreational activities near Bull Bend Campground?

The Deschutes River is the main recreational draw at Bull Bend Campground, perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, and floating. The river bends around the campground, creating excellent opportunities for water activities. You can enjoy a short float around the campground or take a longer 2-mile (approximately 1-hour) float down to Wyeth Campground. Swimming spots are abundant along the river. While specific hiking trails aren't highlighted, the surrounding Deschutes National Forest likely offers additional outdoor exploration opportunities.

Where is Bull Bend Campground located in Oregon and how do I get there?

Bull Bend Campground is located in the Deschutes National Forest, nestled within a horseshoe bend of the Deschutes River. To reach the campground, take County Road 43 to Forest Road NF-100, following signs for Bull Bend. It's important to note that Forest Service Road 4370 (West River Road) is gated closed past Wyeth Campground, so don't attempt to access Bull Bend from that direction. The correct route is clearly marked with a 'Bull Bend' sign, making navigation easier once you're on the right road.