95% (70 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Deschutes National Forest adventure.
Swim, boat, ski, and hike your way through this sunny Central Oregon expanse.
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Top-rated campgrounds near Deschutes National Forest
99%
(795)
Experience Heaven
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents157 acres · La Pine, OR
8 campsites and 2 original Mongolian Gers.
The season for the camp sites is from June 1st to October 15 and the Gers are all 12 months. The Hipcamp is on the South Shore of East Lake
Pets allowed, toilets on site, campfires permitted when burn ban is not in place.
This being the 5th year, things are excellent and I certainly don't have any issues to deal with.
If you aren't capable of practicing the 5 P's, then you need to book somewhere else. Proper Preperation Prevents Poor Performance.
If you can't get here and have your camp set up by 8:00PM, showing respect to the other Hipcampers that are already set up and enjoying the PEACE AND QUIET, then you need to book somewhere else or don't come until the following morning.
No driving down to the campsites/the lake after 8::00PM. Period. Communicate with me. If you leave Portland at 5:00 PM with the intention of spending the night in Heaven then you need to alter your plans.
No more than 4 adults at each campsite.
I am not to the point yet of saying no big dogs. Talk to me if you think your "big dog" might not fit in. It is a given they willl need to be on a tethered throughout your time in Heaven. Take them for walks along the lake, not having them run thru everyone elses camp sites. No Yappers, no barking dogs, no yippers, no pain in the butts.
Why would you drive by 46 grocery stores and forget to bring ice?
No loud music. I have changed quiet time to 9:00 PM. You need to listen to the chaos/stressful music I suggest you start a band or become a DJ.
What I want folks to get out of being here, whether they are camping or staying in the Gers is just to “take a break”.
Relax, appreciate, assess and just listen.
I hope what you hear is the sound of life and of course all the Angels that make up this special piece of Heaven.
The chipmunks, the squirrels, all the different birds, the eagles, the osprey, the fish jumping, the deer roaming, the timber martins running thru the trees, the snowshoe rabbits and the occasional black bear.
Then there is the silence.
The best part of “Heaven”.
So, while you are here, take a deep breath, close your eyes at the appropriate moment and ask yourself, am I on the right path?
Is what I am doing fulfilling me?
Am I showing my family and friends how much I love them?
Do I really need all that crap I got?
Where do I go from here?
My intention was for each one you to not just go camping, or to stay in a Mongolian Ger but to have an “Experience” that just might lead you to a more fulfilling and happier life.
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$50
/ night
97%
(75)
B:30 Desert Destination
3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR
Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, featuring a propane stove and propane BBQ. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away.
The group tent site is on two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes.
The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed.
Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative.
Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
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$40
/ night
99%
(98)
Working Ranch just outside Bend
2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Bend, OR
Located 9 miles east of Bend our 40 acre ranch is full of open fields and juniper forest. We have cows, chickens, geese and ducks that live on the ranch and you will most likely see them roaming around the fields. The nights are quiet with the exception of frogs and crickets and offer a full night sky without light pollution.
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$50
/ night
99%
(72)
Big Rock Ranch
2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Terrebonne, OR
Nathaniel and Raina Potter purchased this 30-acre ranch in 2016 and aptly named it "Big Rock Ranch." The modest ranch layout with the wildly immodest views of a giant rock outcropping jutting out of coyote butte was the immediate draw and continual wonder to Nathaniel, Raina, and all who visit. Big Rock Ranch runs cattle in the irrigated pastures and raises sheep and chickens for meat and eggs.Stay at Big Rock Ranch...Stay in a 12x14 ft canvas tent on a working regenerative family farm in the high desert. Enjoy views of a 300+ ft Tuff rock formation, Cascade Mountains, and irrigated pasture views all from the tent. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, outfitted with propane burners and a sink. Eat meals from the tent deck or the picnic table under native junipers surrounded by sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native grasses and tuff boulders. Collect farm fresh eggs and greens seasonally with the opportunity to enjoy meat raised at the ranch.
One queen bed in a canvas tent, one folding cot, and access to a 2-person tent if needed to accommodate a family or two couples. Bedding is NOT supplied beyond the queen bed.
Recreation Activities: Limited hiking available onsite but only 8 minutes from Smith Rock State Park for hiking and climbing. Only 25 minutes from Lake Billy Chinook for water recreating. Just 15 minutes from mountain biking at Skull Hollow. A 10-minute drive to swimming in the Deschutes River at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve. Bend and Sisters are both 30-minutes away.
Night rates are offerings to our family and ranch.
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$140
/ night
95%
(11)
Camping under the Stars
5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Culver, OR
We are sharing our property with guests who have good reviews and are invited to the property. Our strict rules about --NO FIRES-- is strictly in effect all summer long. We do provide some outdoor propane firepits which work great for heat and marshmallows !!
We love our property close to the lake and the great grasslands, and also love to share it with responsible groups for camping.
Please note that we are only sharing our property and that this is not a full-time campground or RV park with any specific layout. There are no services offered, other than a Bathroom which is serviced regularly. Come camp with us, we look forward to hosting you and your friends/family.
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$49
/ night
96%
(131)
Heart of Sisters
2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Sisters, OR
In the city limits of Sisters. Just a few block walk to parks and downtown Sisters where tourists get trapped. Good for getting close spots for events like Sisters Folk Festival. Couple blocks from the Buckrun Trail head and 15 min drive to Three Creeks Lake. Firepit, Bbq, and grills available for use and can work out deals with the host for prepared meals. I do social media videos on the food I make and if you own a small business and would like to talk about your business on my live streams or make some quick promo videos then that is something we can discuss. Just message me or bring it up on arrival. You can find my youtube channel at youtube.com/@LearnWithDanaris
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$50
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100%
(1)
Picnik Place
1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Bend, OR
Hi and welcome to Picnik Place! This is a 20 acre farm, so there is plenty of land to roam free and explore, as well as having your privacy from the primary residents. With this spot, you are nestled under a juniper tree with a lava rock backdrop and can watch the sun dip below the volcanos in the distance. This spot is very simple and tucked away. There is an off-grid solar power hook-up that you can use, but it will not be enough power to run the AC and toaster oven at the same time! While feeling remote and removed from the Bend tourism, it only takes 15 minutes to get downtown, where there are ample restaurants, shops, coffehouses, etc. It takes 7 minutes to get to Trader Joe's and Home Depot, and 10 minutes to get to St. Charles Hospital.
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$30
/ night
100%
(9)
Tumalo Oasis
1 site · RV7 acres · Bend, OR
Small hobby farm outside of Bend with a little group of alpacas and sheep. Small wading pond, sandbox and pleasant sitting area. Five minutes from Tumalo town, which is home to The Bite food carts, Bend Cider, Pisano's Pizza, other food establishments, summer farm stand, a gas station and a convenience store. Short, scenic, back road drive to Bend downtown, 45 minutes to Mt. Bachelor. Just minutes to Tumalo State Park and Tumalo Reservoir. BLM is across the street for hiking, dog-walking and mountain biking. Excellent road biking right out the door on a scenic biking route. View of mountains in the distance on clear days.
OK for well-behaved dogs, though note that the driveway is not gated and the property is not entirely fenced. Dogs must be under voice control as we have pets and small kids.
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$45
/ night
100%
(21)
Cascadia Farm Sanctuary
5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Pronghorn, OR
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy a small working hay farm and animal sanctuary outside beautiful Bend, Oregon. We have amazing sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing on this 40-acre property.
We have 11 goats and 2 Llamas, and we plan to enlarge our herd this year and take in other unwanted farm animals as needed.
Note: This is an adults-only location. No children or dogs are allowed on the property.
We have recently added two open-air A-Frames to the two campsites for your enjoyment. Both come with Gas firepits, lofts, and hammocks. We also have a new wood-burning sauna as an added feature and costs $20 per person for the duration of your stay.
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$50
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97%
(39)
Cray Cray Farm
1 site · RV7 acres · Bend, OR
Our farm is a 7 acre farm just outside city limits in Bend, Oregon. We raise chickens and goats year round, with other animals during the summer. We have a canal on three sides of our property, so you can hear running water as if you were camping on the river. There is a beautiful view of the mountains from your spot and you are less than 15 minutes away from Downtown Bend. There are so many amazing things to do in Central Oregon that are less an hour away including hiking, mountain biking, floating the river, and much more.
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$30
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93%
(235)
Wild River Sanctuary
2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Crescent, OR
Established in 1963.
The Vann family cabin was built by the Vann family. Third generation energy is steering this new endeavor. Soon to come will be a creek side treehouse and cabin will be available by next summer.
Learn more about this land:
Two tent sites available on the creek. The sites are situated on a one acre river frontage property under the pine trees. Important to note that the two sites are located about 30-40 feet apart. Each site has a private dock and fire pit. You are just minutes from the lakes and a great fire lookout hike. Mountain bike from your tent to endless trails. Enjoy the creek that is just feet away from the sites where you can indulge in a variety of activities including; swimming, floating, fishing, and sunbathing. We have great neighbors who have vacation homes nearby. Dorothy lane is between Earl Lane and Pine Creek Loop. Firewood no longer for sale.
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$36
/ night
100%
(63)
Tom's Rest Canyon Retreat Center
5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · OR
TOM'S REST was created by Tom's wife Cheryl in an effort to carry out their plans to provide respite for those in need. Tom Edwards worked tirelessly for years to clear this wild recreation space where he planned to live while helping others. Tom suddenly and unexpectedly passed February 2, 2015 while in the process of making his move to Sisters with his High School sweetheart of 45 years. Cheryl continued his passion and their dream to make this a place for those in need as a way to honor the most giving man she ever knew. This process, while overwhelming, has brought some healing and it is our hope to continue that healing for others in need from life's many trials. We continue to use our funds to promote healing in grief and other trials of life.
We would appreciate hearing from those that have anything to contribute in way of maintenance and housekeeping, services to provide those in need such as massage or counseling, or any other contributions you are led to give. We are developing a list of volunteers to be called upon when someone in need is referred to us and will keep you informed as things develop.
Anyone having a grief, widows/widowers, caregiver, cancer, hospice or other group that would like to have their group listed should message us as well. These respite visits are short getaways to refuel and support individuals during tough times.
Those that come to enjoy Tom's Rest will be ministering to those in need through your paid visits here and hopefully, gain some needed respite of your own. We have taken every precaution for distancing and cleanliness with the ever changing Covid policies for your safety and concerns. Most feel they are pretty much 'on their own' in this retreat area with the option for seclusion OR mingling if so desired.
My deepest thanks to all who have stood alongside through this journey and continue to do so. May we collectively create TOM'S REST with Tom's intention and the passion he infused in us to carry it through to fulfillment.
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$45
/ night
The best camping near Deschutes National Forest guide
Overview
About
On the eastern side of the Cascade Mountain Range in Central Oregon, the Deschutes National Forest is made up of 1.8 million acres of trails, mountains, and waterways. It's home to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, comprising lava flows and caves, as well as three National Scenic Byways and segments of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The forest also features many of Oregon’s prettiest rivers and lakes—including the crystalline Cascade Lakes—as well as Mt. Bachelor, one of the most popular ski resorts in the state.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for jet-skiing: Cultus Lake Campground sits on one of the few lakes where motorized watersports are allowed.
- Best for backwoods biking: Indian Ford Campground offers direct access to forested biking and hiking trails.
- Best for boating: Trapper Creek Campground has direct access to Odell Lake and a boat ramp.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- You can book campsites up to six months in advance through the Forest Service website. Reservations go live each day at 7am Pacific Time. Cabins, in particular, book up fast and are sometimes reserved immediately upon being made available.
- If you’re looking for a first-come, first-served (FCFS) spot, try to arrive by Thursday to avoid the weekend rush.
- Consider alternative campgrounds. If you’re having difficulty securing a reservation through the Forest Service, look into nearby Hipcamps or try your luck with FCFS camping on BLM land.
When to go
The Deschutes National Forest does not have one distinct climate, and while the western parts of the forest tend to get a lot of rainfall much of the year, other parts are hotter with less precipitation. As a general rule of thumb, July and August are the best months to visit. This is the one time of year in Oregon when rain is not regularly on the forecast and the weather is usually warm enough for boating and swimming.
Know before you go
- Cell service can be spotty in parts of the forest. Download offline maps before you head out of range.
- Bans on campfires and even camping stoves are common during the summer months. Make sure to check ahead and be prepared to change up your meal plans accordingly.
- There are five protected wilderness areas in the Deschutes National Forest. These areas are off limits to motorized vehicles, but can be visited on day hikes or overnight backpacking trips. To visit, you'll need to secure a permit ahead of time.
- Deschutes National Forest
Safety at Hipcamp
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