Deschutes National Forest

Explore Little Lava Lake by boat or canoe, and check out the nearby lava flow by foot at this campground. The 15 sites here are reservable, including two group sites; if you’re tent camping, try to snag one of the few tent-only sites right next to the water. Make sure you double check for any alerts or closures before you head out to Little Lava L Read more...

Calling all merpeople: Bull Bend Campground is your jam! The campground is almost completely surrounded by the swift flowing and refreshing Deschutes River, and a boat launch is in the area, so don’t forget to strap the canoe to the top of your car before you head out to camp. The 12 campsites here are large, but they don’t come with water or elec Read more...

With lots of space and a prime location next to the river, Crane Prairie Campground is perfect for families or large groups looking to soak in the sun and the water! The 146 sites are reservable, but that’s usually not necessary unless you’re planning to visit over a holiday. Bring your fishing poles and boat, since there’s a boat launch and fish Read more...

Visit Cutltus Lake Campground, and jet ski to your heart’s content! Staying here gives you direct access to one of the few lakes in the Deschutes National Forest that allows high-speed motorized boats, so rev up your engines and take to the water. Dry out back at one of the 55 shady, non-reservable campsites. If you want to snag a spot next to the Read more...

Make sure you don your hiking shoes before you start out for Devils Lake Campground, since it’s a hike to get there! The six hike-in campsites sit conveniently close to the Three Sisters Wilderness area, so you’ll have endless geography to explore. The campground is tentatively open from June through October, depending on snow--so make sure you ch Read more...

Fishing and boating are popular activities at Lava Lake Campground, so camp here if you plan on being one with the water! The 38 campsites are large enough to accommodate big RVs and boat trailers, except for the five tent-only sites next to the water. This is a popular campground, so come early in the week to snag a non-reservable spot. Check the Read more...

You’ll have easy access to hiking trails, a boat launch, and awesome fishing spots at Elk Lake Campground. The 22 sites here are non-reservable; if you’re just pitching a tent, try to snag one of the four tent-only sites right next to the water. Be sure you check for closures and alerts before you head over. And if you’re in a large RV, you might Read more...

This campground is great for the kiddos, since the nearby Little Cultus Lake has shallow waters and a sandy bottom, perfect for stress-free swimming. Little Cultus Campground doesn’t get as crowded as the campgrounds at larger lakes, but since the 31 sites are non-reservable, arriving before the weekend to claim a spot your best bet. Just remember Read more...

Real talk: there’s a good chance you’ll have the all of Big River Campground to yourself--so this might be your best bet to fulfill your lifelong dream of sleeping naked under the stars! The 10 single sites and three group sites sit on large plots with plenty of room to stretch out--just note, though, that none of the campsites have water or elect Read more...

Fall asleep to the sound of the gentle Fall River streaming by when you pitch a tent at this campground (see what we did there?). Launch a canoe into the river feet from your campsite, or hike alongside the rushing water on the Fall River Trail, which leads out of the campground. In terms of amenities, there’s a vault toilet in the area, but no wa Read more...

Peaceful silence. . . note the chirp of birds and the tinkle of water running through a creek: sounds more like you’re staying at a spa than a campground. McKay Crossing Campground is a low-key spot that offers plenty of seclusion and serenity for its 16 campsites. The best part? You’re minutes away from the fascinating Newberry Volcanic Monument, Read more...