- Deschutes National Forest
The best camping in Deschutes National Forest, OR
95% (74)
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Atarangi
2 weeks ago
Tent
Sage Ridge is beautiful with well maintained sites and a great community area. Sandy and Tim are so friendly. I loved this spot and would definitely return. It is easy to get to, and offers some privacy.
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Becky
October 2025
Tent
Fantastic host, great property, and a cat that I can pretend is my new best friend. 10/10
Brett was great! Made sure we had everything we needed, and we felt like we had plenty of privacy.
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Lori
October 2025
27 ft travel trailer
Nice quiet place to stop for the night. Nice open space with cell reception and good access for Starlink.
We have a long rig (50’)…and we are quite skilled at backing up. We couldn’t have turned around in the camp area…if needed.
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ANGELA
October 2025
18 ft campervan
Brett was great! Beautiful, clean property and lovely farm animals. We will definitely be back here! Thanks Brett!
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Becky
October 2025
16 ft car
Good neighborhood in a great location. Nice and quiet. Thank you!
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Ben
October 2025
Tent
Great camping spot! We showed up on a whim, booked a site, and had a nice night camping! The stars are mind blowing. The area is pretty sandy though, so be prepared for some cleanup afterwards.
There was also a verrrry friendly kitty that came to say hi (and tried to go home with us) which added some fun to the evening.
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Eric
October 2025
19 ft Class B
Great location, clean and nice showers etc… Stayed at the backside and was very quiet.
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Nicole
October 2025
24 ft campervan
Zach was easy to communicate with, understood my needs for immune precautions, and got me quickly set up with everything I needed to know to be comfortable in the space.
It was easy to find, convenient for errands in town, but away from the busy-ness. I didn’t end up staying overnight due to a personal issue that changed my plans but would recommend for others.
You’ll definitely want an extension cord and water hose on the longer side for this spot, especially if you have a larger rig or opt to back in.
Thanks for hosting!
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J
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Easy to find and doesn't require 4wd which was great! Stopped overnight on a road trip and everything was great, quiet and safe. Will be staying again and would recommend.
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Christian
October 2025
1 night at Sage Ridge
Sandy and Tim’s tipi was so fun and it’s beautifully made! Inside, it’s spacious enough to setup camp and still stand and easily move around. The fire pit was worth it on a cold night as it easily kept us cozy and warm all night. The community space is thoughtfully setup with many resources. The tuxedo cat (unsure their name but we called them “Noodle”) joined us at the community space, then followed us back to the tipi. We were happy to have their companionship, but heads up in case that’s not your preference because it did sneak its way through the main zipper of the tent. 10/10 would recommend.
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Elizabeth
October 2025
With pets
Our groups backpacking plans changed and this was a great last minute find close to town. It's a great spot and equipped with a lot of amenities to help make your stay more comfortable. Our group was already planning a trip back out for next year!
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Adriana
October 2025
1 night at Sage Ridge
Wonderful spot just outside of Bend, comfy sleeping pads, and the cutest little kitty that gives unlimited snuggles.
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Carly
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Great Hipcamp! The pictures show what you actually get! The camp was very clean and well maintained! There were tons of activities and amenities! Would be a great place to take the family camping! We had the whole campground to ourselves, it was very quiet and relaxing. We had our two dogs with us and it was very accommodating for them too! The campground cat even came for a few visits! You can tell that the hosts take a lot of pride in their campground and work hard to make it a safe place for all!
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Bert
October 2025
20 ft Class B
This site was easy to access from the highway. Maybe too easy since we could hear the cars and trucks from the highway, but it was not an overwhelming noise. Otherwise very clean, quiet, and just as the description said. There were only two other campers, I think, so no problems with the toilet capacity.
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Mandy
October 2025
Tent
Campsite was top notch! Very clean and well maintained and beautiful views! Will definitely try and stay there again.
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Courtney
October 2025
Tent
Such a lovely spot and site, and my partner and I loved the lil kitty that was roaming around! Definitely will keep this spot in mind when we’re in the Bend area
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Erin
October 2025
With kids
Great little place to stay! We had a very warm welcome from not only the camp host but also from their adorable kitty who spent the night with us in the teepee ☺️
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Heather
September 2025
Tent
Beautiful, quiet, isolated, yet easy to find spot on East Lake. Close to Bend and LaPine. Lots of ducks and other birds, chipmunks, and we could hear other critters roaming around at night. David was a lovely host. Would definitely stay again.
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Karen
September 2025
34 ft toy hauler
With pets
Very quiet, peaceful setting. Easy in, easy out, friendly neighborhood.
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Jeremy
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Site is well-configured for privacy while also enabling community space. Not too far from Bend, but far enough to be quiet and have very clear night skies free from light pollution (excellent views of the Milky Way). Main gravel road is well-kept and portable toilet was set up with hand soap and water for hand washing.
The site kitties are cute and playful, but I would caution against letting them snuggle up too tightly. One of them got a bit excited and left scents (from glands) on our sleeping bags, and that forced us to abandon open air sleeping for tent camping.
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Deschutes National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Deschutes National Forest, OR 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.
95%
74 ratings · 31 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets · Group trip ·
Link Creek Campground
This campground is great! Sites are well maintained as well as restrooms and surrounding areas. Lake entrances throughout campground, just be polite with waterfront sites, as that is the perk of their area :) My family and I had site 12 with a great view of the lake and a big area for our setup.
The trail that goes around the lake is great as it gives you something to do while camping instead of just the water and campground. Great activity!!
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Shandlynn W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2025
Tent · With pets · Group trip ·
Simax Group Campground
The showers were out of order for our entire stay, No hot water in the bathrooms either. Campground host had "OFF DUTY" sign for 3 days.
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Lets Go B.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Nice and close to town horse campground
25 ft campervan · With pets · Group trip ·
Sisters Cow Camp Horse Camp
Great campground for people with horses. Corrals are nice. Sites are primitive. Approximately 1/3rd of a mile off of paved road, rest is gravel and red rock road.
Please don’t camp here with side by sides or anything motorized other than your pull vehicle. Spooking horses is not cool.
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Matt M.
8 months on Hipcamp
August 2022
Just a quick FYI To “HipCampers” or people New to horse camping… The state does not have funding to “Maintain” ALL TRAILS or Campgrounds to your standards. There are multiple Volunteer groups throughout the state that take time out of their lives to do trail clearing & maintenance for the horse camps to keep them open to the best of their ability spending personal funds & getting donations to do so… Instead of Complaining about not having full access… why not try and step up to the plate and help out. Even on a small scale while you are there. You should not expect everything to be FREE and Perfect every time you go riding. Join groups and enjoy the people and working from horseback.
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Dea Anna J.
3 years on Hipcamp
June 2021
Tent camped here during the week of June 21, 2021, and the mosquitoes were awful. (We thought June would be early enough, but were unlucky.) The mosquitoes were bad all day, not just at dawn and dusk.
Also, it looked like there might be blue-green algae here, and also at nearby Lucky Lake, so since we were uncertain, we didn't let the dogs go in at either lake. "When in doubt, stay out!”
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Amanda M.
4 years on Hipcamp
August 2020
You should have a reservation its pretty popular
Joel T.
5 years on Hipcamp
June 2019
June 30, 2019. We just returned early from horse camping at Quinn Meadow Horse Camp because all the trails were blocked by fallen trees. Apparently the State of Oregon feels no accountability to visitors to either repair the trails or warn visitors that all the trails are useless for riding due to downed trees. Very frustrating!!! ☹️
Tom S.
6 years on Hipcamp
April 2019
I camped here for a couple days during mid July, Its free, right next to the PCT trail which is why we camped here to take my 3 grandkids on a 3 day backpack along the trail. It was fairly quiet with all sites full and we had a bit of privacy. A few skeeters out at evening, but not bad, the lake is very inviting!
Joni L.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2019
Nice camping
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Steven S.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2018
The high desert means extreme differences in temperature from day to night. We camped here in July and it was sunny and warm during the day, but the dog's water froze over during the night! Bring layers!
Nicole L.
2 reviews
May 2018
A beautiful place! Just have gone for the day a couple of times but worth the trip!
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Kalei T.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2018
One of many stops along the Cascade Lakes Highway to swim and kayak. Clear blue water and alpine views.
Emily S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2017
This place is close to one of the most beautiful caves I've ever seen - Skylight Caves. They are hard to get to but so worth it! Go between 8 am 10 am to see the light illuminate the cave.
Caitlin F.
44 reviews
Recommends
· November 2017
Bring a light raft so you can enjoy fishing from a boat on this beautiful Cascade Lake! Feel free to reach out for any fishing tips! There are parking, and pass fees required in this area!
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Joe L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2017
Bug Spray. Bring lots of bug spray.
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Joe L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2017
Great Fly Fishing! Reach out for any fishing tips!
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Joe L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
Chilly lake. Bring extra warm stuff.
Shaneesa A.
8 years on Hipcamp
September 2016
This is a great spot for tent camping! There's not much privacy in between the spaces, but the view you get with the waterfront spots is worth it! Beware, the drive down there isn't the most fun. Much of the roads are washboard roads, so our travel trailer didn't enjoy it too much. Also a good spot if you like water sports. Great for kayaking, boating, canoe, paddle board. And just swimming! If I go back I won't risk the trailer again.
Krysta W.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
While this cg is serene, clean and easy to access, I was deeply disappointed that my tent and tarp were stolen. I had hoped the rangers had merely broken down my camp thinking it was abandoned while I was away for a couple hours, but after contacting them they said it was instead stolen, also noting they have had more thefts lately. It was an expensive family tent and shameful to steal shelter. How can we enjoy camping now if we have to lock up the entire camp every time we go on a hike???
Nicole P.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 2016
We loooooved this campground. It's not too big and the sites are spacious and private. Plenty of shade. There's a trail that leaves from the campground, or there are several just a short drive away. Hood River is about a 15 minute drive away, as is a state park where you can get a shower for $2/person (and load up on water). When we were there, there was no water at the campground due to contamination, although the flush toilets still worked. Easy to gather firewood and berries.
Tamara M.
9 years on Hipcamp
April 2016
We stayed here in the off-season which was lovely as it was fairly quiet and relaxed. The campground is great for families; the kids fished and we enjoyed the small hiking trail that runs around the lake. The campground was mostly quiet; however, be prepared for a moderate amount of road noise (including semi truck air brakes) from the highway on the far side of the lake.
We lucked out and scored coveted site #9, which is perfect for two families (as it's a double site). It's on the end so has more privacy than the others but is also right on the water with boat tie-ups. Sites #10-14 are also waterside but are more open and exposed. There will be some foot traffic from the nearby lakeside walking trail but for us it wasn't obtrusive.
Sonja J.
2 reviews
February 2016
Such a great site. Half the campground sites are on the highway side and the other half is facing Odell Lake - we're talking view of the lake, steps from the lake, right by the lake! If you have a kayak or little boat even better. It wasn't busy either when we went in end of August. Sites are big enough you feel separate from your neighbors. No running water, bathroom is what you'd expect but nothing beats the sites right on the water.
Joe+Kathrina M.
5 reviews
October 2015
Wonderful spot -- where almost every camp site is lakeside! Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table and parking. During the summer this is a popular spot, with lots of families. I went in the Fall (October) and it was practically empty as the services had terminated. Still just so lovely -- temp drops at night and the water was too cold for swimming (but in warmer temps, this is a lovely lake swim). Wonderful spot.
Natala M.
2 reviews
October 2015
This site is right on Paulina Creek which is perfect for a quick dunk! A 7 mile hiking trail to the falls and Paulina Lake leaves right from camp.
Anna V.
10 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
This campground is situated right next to the lake but shaded beneath the trees. Not a ton of privacy between sites but also not very busy! It is a .5 mile walk to the falls and the Paulina Lake loop makes for a great running trail. Sunriver is only 35 minutes away if you need any quick amenities, or drop in on Bend (fantastic town) which is about 1 hour north.
Anna V.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
There is a path to the marsh kayak ramp between campsites 14 and 15, so people walk through the area regularly. All sites seem to have reasonable shade coverage.
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Annie W.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Beautiful! No problems navigating the dirt road in 23ft RV -spots still available at 6pm. Widely spaced out sites, plenty of tree coverage, VERY dusty. Left $10 payment in the envelope slot, next day the camp worker told us the payment wasn't there. Stolen?!!
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Alison H.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2015
Big and open camp spots, also warm water and can be a popular place to swim.
Makenzie A.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2015
This is the trailhead for South Sister so if your camping beware that hikers come in at all hours of the night so don't be alarmed if you see people looking for campsites late at night or people who are sleeping in their car.
Makenzie A.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2015
Great Lake for paddle boarding, the lake itself is super shallow and only gets to nine feet deep.
Makenzie A.
10 years on Hipcamp