Camper submitted image from Reynolds Pond Recreation Site - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Reynolds Pond Recreation Site - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Reynolds Pond Recreation Site - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Reynolds Pond Recreation Site - 4
Water
Camper submitted image from Reynolds Pond Recreation Site - 5
People

Established Camping

Reynolds Pond Recreation Site

Reynolds Pond Recreation Site, near Bend, Oregon, is a laid-back location perfect for those who enjoy a bit of solitude in nature. This area sprawls over 20 acres of sagebrush and juniper trees, offering a true boondocking experience where you can pitch your tent or park your RV without the fuss of amenities.

Visitors have noted the beauty of the surroundings, especially the stunning views of the sky, making it a great spot for stargazing or simply soaking in the natural scenery. You’ll find fire rings scattered about, but keep in mind that campfires aren’t allowed at the moment, so plan to use a camp stove instead. As one camper put it, “Great FREE BLM space,” highlighting the appeal of this no-cost camping option.

Fishing is available in the pond, but motorized boats are off-limits, keeping the area peaceful and quiet. Many campers appreciate the seclusion, with some mentioning they had the place almost to themselves during their stay. Just remember, it’s a carry-in, carry-out situation, so pack out what you bring in. If you’re looking for a simple, serene escape close to Bend, Reynolds Pond is worth checking out.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon Badlands Wilderness

An oasis sits just east of Bend...a small 12-acre pond surrounded by old juniper and dusty trails. Tall willow and cattails offer a lush green vista in a sea of desert brown. Visitors can pass through to access the north side of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness or spend the day at the pond, enjoying the sunshine and fishing for sunfish, largemouth bass and brown bullheads. The .75 mile walking trail around the pond provides access to spots for picnicking and floating. Bring a tent and tuck yourself back amid the basalt rock for a primitive night of camping. Know Before You Go: Open YEAR ROUND. The pond is not ADA accessible. Open for primitive overnight camping. Amenities include limited trailer parking, but no potable water or restrooms. Campfires are allowed; fire restrictions may be in effect in the summer. Pets should remain under owner control at all times. Motorized boats are not permitted. Canoes, kayaks and float tubes are allowed but must be carried from the parking lot over a narrow bridge to the pond. Point of Interest: This pond was built to hold excess water from the Central Oregon Irrigation District canal system. It has been stocked for fishing and the state record reader sunfish was caught here at almost two pounds! Reynolds Pond Brochure ADA Access: No accessible facilities are available.

Fee Info

No Fees.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Reynolds Pond Recreation Site is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Bend, Oregon: Drive 14 miles east on Alfalfa Market Road. Turn right on Johnson Road just before the Alfalfa Market Store. At one mile, when the road turns sharply to the right, bear left toward the transfer station. Continue off of the pavement and follow the gravel road about 0.6 miles to the pond.

Coordinates

44.05924694 N
121.01614797 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Poor
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
30%
20%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 5, 2024

Quiet stop over

Friday night rest stop boondocking. All to ourselves. One jeep came out after we set up and 2 trucks went past us in at 20:30. Lovely sunset nice place to let dog run.

Sitenear foot bridge to pond
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Neil B., October 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Neil B., October 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Neil B., October 5, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2022

Disbursed camping

Multiple pull-offs in the area. Fire rings present, but current fire ban in effect so campfires not allowed.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2022

Just good bare bones camping

This campground and small pond is spread out over what must be 20+ acres of scattered sage brush and Juniper trees and it's pretty much boondocking. We were here in mid June 2022 with our 19' camp trailer. And I think there might have been three other campers. No amenities - You carry it in, You carry it out. There is fishing in the pond but no motorized boats.

SiteNo designated sites.
Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Lorene H., June 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Lorene H., June 15, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2021

Beautiful spot to watch the sky

Great FREE BLM space. We watced storms cells develop, then fizzle away here in late June. There are many spots to park and/or pitch a some tents on the sandy base surrounded by junipers. We found lava rock fire circles, but no fires are allowed at this time. Camp stove only (no charcoal). One other camper was staying in a tent on the bank of the pond.

Sitelarge area near fire rings
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Jessica M., June 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Jessica M., June 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Jessica M., June 24, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2021

Decent spot, convenient to Bend

Stayed for two nights midweek and was 1 of 2 campers out there. Most establish sites had trash and liquor bottles in their fire pits, so I can’t speak to what it’s like on the weekend, but I would stay again.

I’m learning the ropes of truck life while working full time, so the proximity to Bend is a big plus.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Mar. 20, 2021

Ok spot

Not bad for a quick night close to Bend. Not crowded, but most established sites had a lot of trash/litter around. Woke up to some locals walking by. Probably wouldn’t stay again unless we needed to.

  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Chris T., March 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Chris T., March 20, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 19, 2021

Lovely little spot

Camped here for an overnight on the way from Portland down to Nevada. Looks like it would be a great spot to enjoy for a few days, but it was still perfect for an overnight rest with gorgeous mountain sunrise views in the morning

  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Shane B., March 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Shane B., March 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Shane B., March 19, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 4, 2021

Great for a overnight stay

On my out of Bend,OR after getting my van modified it came time to find the first spot to break it in. I was not disappointed at all to find a secluded spot such as this for a peaceful overnight stay. Good Verizon service. No trash cans, or bathrooms. Bring a flashlight it gets pitch black.

  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Tombo T., March 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Tombo T., March 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Tombo T., March 4, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Wow

An oasis. We stopped to check this place out and ended up staying. A steady stream of locals came and went, running the dogs, fishing, playing guitar, even flying model pontoon planes, but it was quiet after dark. We jumped in the irrigation stream to cool off because the pond, even though good sized, looked a bit pondish. I will so visit again!

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2020

Love it!

Beautiful and open. Easily accessible, close to town, spread out, and has cell service (Verizon).

  • Review photo of Reynolds Pond Recreation Site by Hali F., June 11, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Reynolds Pond Recreation Site?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Reynolds Pond Recreation Site, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Reynolds Pond Recreation Site have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Reynolds Pond Recreation Site does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Reynolds Pond Recreation Site?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is fair.