Whenever we visit Bend, our goal is to spend as much time as possible outdoors, and there is no better way to do this than by camping. There are bucket list-worthy campsites all over the area, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

If you’ll be camping in the summer, please be aware that wildfires and smoke have been prevalent in this area. Check out this blog for tips on how to monitor air quality and fires.

Know what area you’d like to camp in? Click on a link below to skip to a section.

Bend

State Park Campgrounds

Deschutes National Forest

Cascades Lakes National Scenic Byway

Newberry Volcanic Monument

Willamette National Forest

Sisters

Dispersed camping

Campground reservations

If you’re interested in camping, we recommend creating logins to reservation sites in advance and reserving sites as soon as they go on sale. During the summer months, campsites are highly competitive and sell out immediately.

If the state and national park run campgrounds are full, consider using Hipcamp to reserve a spot at a private campground.

First-come, first-served campsites

Many of the campgrounds listed offer a small number of first-come, first-served campsites. To get one of these you’ll need to arrive early in the day on a weekday. Usually by Thursday all first-come, first-served campsites are reserved for the entirety of the weekend during the summer months.

Camping gear

If you’re from out of state, or don’t have camping gear, consider renting gear from Backcountry 40 Outfitters, a local company in Seattle, or REI. If exploring in a van is more your style, check out Indie Campers and Escape Campervans.

Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Temperatures can drop in the evenings, and storms can happen at any time – we experienced an intense hailstorm in July!

Campground basics

All campgrounds provide water, flush or vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits (more on these below) unless noted.

Check in and out times vary but are generally around 2 p.m. for check in and 12 p.m. for checkout. All campgrounds have quiet hours that are usually around 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

If you’ll be pitching a tent, look for a tent pad at your campsite – it will be a flat square with a wood perimeter to pitch your tent on. They vary in size, and not all campgrounds have them, but if your site does have a tent pad, you must pitch your tent there. If your campground does not have tent pads, find a space in your campsite that is relatively open and flat to pitch your tent.

When booking, pay attention to campsite size. Most campsites fit between four and six people.

Campfires

Fire pits can only be used when there is not a burn ban in place. You can check here to see fire danger and burn bans throughout Oregon, but fire bans are usually in place between July and September.

If there is not a burn ban in place, please purchase local firewood to burn to prevent bringing in invasive pests. Collecting firewood around campgrounds is not allowed – this wood is an important part of the forest ecosystem.

Are Bend’s campgrounds pet-friendly?

Yes, Bend’s campgrounds are nearly all pet friendly. Please follow B.A.R.K. rules.

B: Bag poop

A: Always wear a leash

R: Respect wildlife

K: Know where to go

Campgrounds in Bend

Sun Outdoors

The Sun Outdoors is a great RV park just outside of downtown Bend. They offer tent sites up to large pull-through RV sites.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Showers
Laundry
On-site storage
WiFi
Fitness center
Full hookups
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 130 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to a year in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 100+

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

State Park Campgrounds

Tumalo State Park

Located on the Deschutes River four miles outside of Bend, this is a beautiful place to camp. Don’t be fooled by the name though — this is not near the Tumalo Falls hike.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Showers
Full hookups
Additional lodging
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to nine months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 77

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

La Pine State Park

Located 30 miles south of Bend, this is a peaceful, wooded campground on the Deschutes River. The North loop has the most spacious sites.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Showers
Full hookups
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 80 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to nine months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 128

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Smith Rock State Park

With over 200 climbing routes, this park is a climber's paradise! The rock formations are stunning, but bring sun protection – everything is very hot and exposed here.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Showers

RV and trailer length: None

Accepts reservations: No

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: Bivouac area for tents

Typically open: March to November

Maximum length of stay: 7 days

Skull Hollow Campground

Although this campground is outside of Smith Rock State Park, it’s less than fifteen minutes away. The campsites are spacious, but offer very little shade.

Amenities:

Pet friendly

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to nine months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 70

Typically open: March to November

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Prineville Reservoir State Park

This campground is an hour outside of Bend. If camping is a must, but spots closer to town are booked out, check here. It’s also an International Dark Sky Park – choose a time to visit when there is a new moon for the best stargazing!

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Showers
Full hookups
Swimming area
Boat launch
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 20 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 67

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Deschutes National Forest

The Deschutes National Forest has more than 80 campgrounds! These are the closest campgrounds to Bend without camping in town. Below are our favorite spots.

Lower Bridge Campground

This is a small campground with forested campsites on the river. You’ll find beautiful bright waters and great fishing holes here.

Amenities:

Pet friendly

RV and trailer length: 30 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 12

Typically open: December to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Camp Sherman Campground

Located on the Metolius River, this campground has spacious sites, great river access, and trails nearby. Plus, you're only a 20-minute drive from the western-themed town of Sisters.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 12

Typically open: December to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Cold Spring Campground

This is a beautiful, forested campground with large, private campsites.

Amenities:

Pet friendly

RV and trailer length: 50 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 21

Typically open: May to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Big River Campground

Located just outside of Sunriver, this is a small campground with shaded sites. You’ll find a non-motorized boat ramp and calm waters to play in.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat ramp

RV and trailer length: 26 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 21

Typically open: May to October

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Pine Mountain Observatory Campground

If you’re interested in stargazing, this is where you should camp. Time your trip with a new moon to have the darkest skies but be prepared for cold weather – it can drop below freezing, even on summer nights. There are no trash or water services, so be prepared to bring in your own water and pack out your trash.

Amenities:

Observatory
Open to the public two weekends a month between late-May and September

RV and trailer length: 27 feet

Accepts reservations: No

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 10

Typically open: May to October

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Cascades Lakes National Scenic Byway

Still in the Deschutes National Forest, this route is full of awesome lakeside campgrounds. If you’re hoping to enjoy some time on the water with views of Oregon’s most impressive peaks, these campgrounds are where you want to go!

Lava Lake Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat ramp
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: No

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 28

Typically open: May to October

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Elk Lake Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat ramp
Swimming area

RV and trailer length: 36 feet

Accepts reservations: No

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 28

Typically open: May to September

Maximum length of stay: 7 days

Hosmer Lake Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
No potable water
Boat ramp

RV and trailer length: 30 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 19

Typically open: June to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Devils Lake Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Showers
No motorized boats
Walk-in campsites only

RV and trailer length: feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 108

Typically open: March to October

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Twin Lakes Resort and Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Additional lodging

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 28

Typically open: May to September

Maximum length of stay: 7 days

Elk Lake Resort and Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Showers
Laundry
General store
Restaurant
Boat rentals
Full hookups
Additional lodging

RV and trailer length: 70 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 20

Typically open: Late June to November

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Crane Prairie Resort and Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat ramp
Boat rentals
Full hookups
Additional lodging
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 28

Typically open: May to September

Maximum length of stay: 7 days

Rock Creek Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 13

Typically open: May to October

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Cultus Lake Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Walk-in boat ramp

RV and trailer length: 30 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 55

Typically open: May to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Newberry Volcanic Monument

Each of these campgrounds are located on Paulina and East Lakes in the Deschutes National Forest. They offer beautiful forest views and lake access.

Cinder Hill Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat ramp

RV and trailer length: 36 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 100

Typically open: Late June to October

Maximum length of stay: 7 days

East Lake Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 28

Typically open: May to September

Maximum length of stay: 7 days

Little Crater Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat launch
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 36 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 49

Typically open: June to October

Maximum length of stay: 7 days

Paulina Lake Campground

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat launch
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 36 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 69

Typically open: June to September

Maximum length of stay: 7 days

Willamette National Forest

The Willamette National Forest has 70 developed campgrounds. Many of the campgrounds are very popular, but there are a few gems that see less usage.

North Waldo Lake Campground

North Waldo Lake is one of the clearest lakes in the world! It’s so clear that it’s a popular spot for scuba divers. Although the campground has a boat launch, only non-motorized boats are allowed here to help keep the lake pure.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat launch
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 58

Typically open: June to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Big Lake Campground

This lake is shallow, so it’s the perfect spot to swim and float. The views of Mount Washington are stunning — just come prepared with mosquito repellent.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat launch

RV and trailer length: 35 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 49

Typically open: Late May to October

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Coldwater Cove Campground

Camp here next to a bright blue, clear lake. It’s the perfect base camp to explore Sahalie Falls and Tamolitch Blue Pool.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat launch
General store and restaurant across the lake

RV and trailer length: 35 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 49

Typically open: Late May to October

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Paradise Campground

Campsites here are well-forested and private feeling. Snag one by the river for the best views, and bring bikes to ride the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail nearby.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Boat launch

RV and trailer length: 44 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 61

Typically open: Early May to October

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Sisters

Garden RV Resort

The Garden RV Resort is located 30 minutes northeast of Bend, just outside the western-themed town of Sisters. Zach’s parents hosted us in their RV here, and it’s the nicest RV park we’ve ever stayed in. They do not allow tent camping, but they do have cottages for rent.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Showers
Laundry
Swimming pool
Full hookups
Additional lodging
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 70 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to a year in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 96

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 30 days

Dispersed camping

If you’re interested in dispersed camping, check out this blog with tips and information on dry camping in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll find dispersed campsites in the national forests surrounding Bend.