Pringle Falls Campground

When you arrive at this campsite, it is hard to believe that it is only a 15-min drive from La Pine (the nearest city). It is perfectly isolated with great scenery and noise of the nearby river.  As you are traveling west on County Road 43, you will cross a bridge and see a sign that says, Pringle Falls. This sign is for the falls themselves, not for the campground! Continue driving, and you will see a sign for Pringle Falls Campground on the north (right) side of the road. Follow the signs to the campground, and you will have arrived at the small campground with one vault toilet. No potable water, if you choose to collect water from the river remember to treat it! Located just outside of a reserved section of woodland that has been set aside for research and education, the campsite is situated on the grassy east river bank of the upper Deschutes River. We arrived on a Saturday in June and had the luxury of being the only ones there and getting to choose between any one of the seven sites.  Though there are no "waterfront" campsites, site # 6 is pretty close to being waterfront, and just a couple of steps gives you a beautiful view of the river below. The camp doesn't offer any bear-proof food lockers so remember to be safe and store food in proper containers. In the morning take a lovely stroll along the river's edge and if you get a chance take a nice skinny dip in the water!

Pringle Falls Campground sits right on the Deschutes river, about 15 minutes West of La Pine, Oregon. The campground is small, about 7 sites total. The road getting to the campsite is not maintained, so go very slow if you're in a car (SUV/Trucks will make it just fine). We were there in early July, and it was very dry, which meant it was very dusty. I'm not sure if it was just the type of ground or because it was former riverbed, but it was very very dusty and everything we brought got covered in fine dust.

Campsite #1 is the best, as it is surrounded by trees and somewhat separated from the others. #2-4 are pretty much right next to each-other, without any delineation or space between.

Also, ants everywhere. Lots and lots of ants. More ants than I've ever seen anywhere in Oregon.

The river is very pretty, but swift moving water. You can get in and swim, but the water is moving fast so be very careful. Too fast and deep for kids.

It's quiet and out of the way, so if you're looking for a spot that is off the beaten path, then it is great. If you want a place that has lots of activity nearby, then this probably isn't a great spot. Particularly for kids, there isn't much in the way of places to explore or things to do.