Chipmunks approach campers without hesitation at this small Forest Service campground on Wickiup Reservoir, where two loops provide access to sandy beaches and fishing spots. West South Twin sits within the Deschutes National Forest, offering sites that accommodate RVs up to 40 feet alongside tent camping areas surrounded by tall trees.
The campground's two loops create different experiences for visitors. Sites 12 and 13 receive afternoon sun, while most others stay shaded under the forest canopy. A short trail leads from the smaller loop to a quiet lakefront area with sandy beach access. "A float tube would kill at this lake," notes Grant B., referencing the reservoir's surprising 50-foot depth and steep drop-offs near shore. The lake supports rainbow trout fishing and works well for kayaking.
Facilities include restrooms, dishwashing stations, and a dump station, with cold showers available free and hot showers for $1.50. A store operates across the road at the neighboring campground. Cell service reaches most areas, though T-Mobile coverage can be spotty. The access road can become rough, particularly during wet conditions.
Campers seeking additional forest camping can explore campgrounds around Deschutes National Forest, while Gull Point Campground offers a different reservoir experience less than a mile away.
Description
Overview
Located on the shore of Wickiup Reservoir in Deschutes National Forest, West South Twin Campground offers visitors easy access to an abundance of recreational activities along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway.
Recreation
West South Twin 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
Located between South Twin Lake and the Wickiup Reservoir, West South Twin Campground has easy access to both lakes. Campsites can accomodate tent, trailer and RV camping. Each campsite features a picnic table and campfire ring. This campground offers flush toilets, as well as, a boat launch area leading to Wickiup Reservoir.
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. 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
Location
Public CampgroundWest South Twin Campground is located in Oregon
Directions
From Bend, travel 26.8 miles south on Hwy 97 to Wickiup Junction, then 11.0 miles west on County Road 43, then continue 4.6 miles west on Forest Road 42, and finally 2.0 miles south on Forest Road 4260.
Address
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
Bend, OR 97701
Coordinates
43.7147222 N
121.7727778 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/26/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/26/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/26/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 41 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 28 min from Eugene, OR
- 2 hrs 56 min from Albany, OR
- 3 hrs 3 min from Corvallis, OR
