Wickiup Reservoir's water levels dictate the camping experience at Gull Point, where the Forest Service operates 78 sites across multiple loops. When the reservoir runs low in late summer, campers often migrate to nearby South Twin Day Use Area for better water access. The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet and provides drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station.
Sites offer generous spacing between most camping spots, though some loops place neighbors closer together with only downed trees as natural barriers. The forested setting attracts abundant chipmunks and ground squirrels that keep dogs alert and entertained. Cell service varies by location and carrier, with some campers finding better reception near the boat ramp than at their individual sites.
"Pretty to look at still, but the lake bed is very soft and muddy," notes Beth B. about conditions when water levels drop. The campground serves as a staging point for exploring other lakes in the area, including North Twin Lake Campground less than two miles north. Reservations help secure spots during peak season, though availability improves when water conditions send boaters elsewhere.
Description
Overview
Located on the shore of Wickiup Reservoir in Deschutes National Forest, Gull Point campground offers visitors easy access to an abundance of recreational activities along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway.Sites are scattered among a mixed, yet open conifer forest, giving sunshine a chance to filter through. Several sites sit on along the waterfront.
Recreation
Gull Point Campground offers visitors opportunities for hiking, boating, canoeing, swimming and fishing.The reservoir's relatively warm water and cooler deep channels generate some of the best fishing in Central Oregon. The area is renowned for its brown trout, often reaching 20 pounds, with normal catches in the 5-to-8 pound range. The reservoir also sustains good numbers of kokanee and coho salmon and decent populations of rainbow trout, brook trout, whitefish and chub.
Facilities
Gull Point campground offers spacious campsites for both tent and RV camping.Picnic areas, drinking water, vault toilets and a dump station help visitors enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable setting.There are also two large day-use areas, with boat launches and fish cleaning stations at each.
Natural Features
The reservoir covers an area on the Deschutes River that was historically used by Native Americans during the fall. Several tribes throughout the area built "wickiups," shelters made from reeds, grass, or brush, while living in the area. At full pool, Wickiup is a beautiful, pine-edged reservoir, with some willows and sandy beach areas. At low water, steep soil and gravel banks drop abruptly to the water. This is one of central Oregon's best wildlife viewing sites, attracting a variety of nesting and migrating birds. Fantastic nearby peaks, lava flows and forests also provide visitors with a variety of landscapes.Wetlands, diverse forests, and rocky slopes near the campground provide a necessary habitat for shorebirds, porcupine, deer, bats and the occasional black bear.
Nearby Attractions
Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.Visitors can also explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
Charges & Cancellations
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
Map & DirectionsGull Point Campground is located in Oregon near La Pine
Directions
From Bend, Oregon, go south on Highway 97 for nearly 27 miles to Wickiup Junction. Turn west on Road 43 and continue for 11 miles, then turn west on Forest Service Road 42 for 4.6 miles. Turn south on Forest Service Road 4260 and continue for 3 miles into the campground.
Address
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
Bend, OR 97701
Coordinates
43.7033417 N
121.7631917 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 48 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 36 min from Eugene, OR
- 3 hrs 3 min from Albany, OR
- 3 hrs 11 min from Corvallis, OR
