Vacations don’t have to be expensive. There’s no need to pay for a fancy hotel that you’ll likely only be sleeping in. This is especially true when visiting Bend. As an outdoor paradise, there are plenty of great places to camp in Central Oregon.
Camping – both in tents and RVs – not only saves you money, but it can also put you right where you want to be to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities that Bend has to offer.
Plus, if you are simply visiting to take in the views, camping can put you closer to nature where there are no walls to get in your way.
There are several great camping spots in Bend, Oregon, both for parking your RV and pitching your tent. You can even find quite a few establishments just outside of Bend should you wish to explore a bit more of Central Oregon while you are there.
Contents
- Best Places to Camp in Bend, Oregon
- Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort
- Crown Villa RV Resort
- Scandia RV Park
- Crane Prairie Reservoir Campground
- Tumalo Statepark Campground
- Other Camping Spots Near Bend
- Bend-Sunriver RV Campground
- The Bivy at Smith Rock State Park
- Paulina Lake Campground
- Fall River Campground
- Little Fawn Campground
- Sparks Lake Campground
- Scout Lake Campground
- Crooked River Campground
- River Rim RV Park
- Hidden Pines RV Park
- Cascade Meadows RV Resort
- Newberry RV Park
- Free Camping Around Bend
- Skyliners Road
- FR 9710 Dispersed Camping
Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort
67667 Highway 20, Bend, OR
Although it’s located nearer to Sisters, the Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort is close enough to be considered a place for camping in Bend, Oregon. The resort features camping cabins and fully furnished cottages, as well as RV sites.
The atmosphere is warm and friendly, the perfect location for a family vacation. You will even find a seasonal garden environment with various plants, trees, and wildflowers. Time your stay right and you can also enjoy a variety of events and activities that take place throughout the year.
Amenities:
full hookups,
30/50 amp service,
complimentary wi-fi
Fees:
$40 – $70 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
Year-round
Crown Villa RV Resort
60801 Brosterhous Road, Bend, OR
Few places beat the luxury of Crown Villa RV Resort when it comes to camping in Bend, Oregon. The RV sites offer full hookups complete with 50/30 amp service, water, sewer, cable TV, and free wi-fi access.
You can also enjoy the surroundings with about 1,500 square feet of grassy area with shade trees to relax under on warm summer evenings. If you are looking for some activity on-site, there is a clubhouse, fitness center, horseshoes, tennis, and a pickleball court.
Amenities:
*)
Fees:
$50 – $110 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
Year-round
*) full/partial hookups, hot tub, steam rooms, fitness center, clubhouse, laundry facilities, restrooms/showers, wireless internet, courtyard with fire pits, horseshoes, off-leash dog park, tennis/pickleball court, pool table, individual storage units
Scandia RV Park
61415 South Highway 97, #59, Bend, OR
You don’t need to go far from the Old Mill District to find one of the areas for the best camping in Bend, Oregon. Scandia RV Park is conveniently located in the heart of Bend within walking distance from some of the best restaurants and cultural activities.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with friendly smiles from Richard and Deanna, the site’s owners and managers. They are usually pretty busy during peak season – June through August – so reservations are strongly recommended.
Amenities:
*)
Fees:
$35 – $60 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
Year-round
*) full hookups, wireless internet, individual showers/restrooms, cable TV, laundry facilities, outdoor fireplace, recreation hall
Crane Prairie Reservoir Campground
Deschutes National Forest, Bend, OR
Some of the best camping in Bend, Oregon is located in the Deschutes National Forest, including the Crane Prairie Reservoir Campground. The campground is relatively easy to find, with easy access to the scenic Cascade Lakes Byway.
The campground accommodates both RV and tent camping with full hookups and campfire rings with grills. You can also enjoy boating and fishing right within the park at fisheries near your site. Hiking and hunting are also popular activities for the area.
Amenities:
boat ramp, fire pit,
drinking water, grill,
vault toilets
Fees:
$16 – $200 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
April – October
Tumalo Statepark Campground
Tumalo State Park, Bend, OR
Located on the Deschutes River, the Tumalo State Park Campground is a great site for camping in Bend, Oregon. You have easy access to the river and all the activities associated with it – boating, paddle boarding, and rafting – as well as nearby hiking trails.
There are several full hookup sites, even more tent sites, and a few yurts (two of which are pet-friendly. All of the sites can be reserved a day in advance if you make last-minute plans or up to 9 months ahead.
Amenities:
*)
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
Year-round
*) amphitheater, firewood, ice, playground, showers/toilets, drinking water, boat launch ramp, full hookups
Bend-Sunriver RV Campground
17480 South Century Drive, Bend, OR
You are still technically camping in Bend, Oregon when you stay at the Bend-Sunriver RV Campground. Located on 283 acres along the Little Deschutes Rivers. Fishermen from all over will enjoy this quiet little location away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
You also have access to horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming near the campground. If you are a winter traveler, you will also enjoy nearby Mt. Bachelor for skiing on snowy days.
Amenities:
*)
Fees:
$38 – $73 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
Year-round
*) swimming pool, hiking trails, hot tub, mini-golf, fishing, restaurant, shower/toilets, store, laundry facilities, playground, horseshoes, tennis/pickleball courts, volleyball, banquet hall, game room, basketball, dog park, library
The Bivy at Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR
Though the Bivy at Smith Rock State Park doesn’t allow RVs or trailers, it is still a great place for tent camping in Bend, Oregon. Located in the scenic Smith Rock State Park, this campsite often fills up fast on the weekends in spring and fall. Get in early!
Because this is in a state park, you are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 14 days and are required to leave for at least three days before returning for another stay. Keep this in mind when you are planning your next camping trip.
Amenities:
showers, restrooms,
recharging station
Fees:
$8 per night
Reservations:
No
Open:
Year-round
Paulina Lake Campground
Deschutes National Forest, Bend, OR
Another great place located in the Deschutes National Forest for camping in Bend, Oregon is Paulina Lake Campground. Located 6,350 feet above sea level in Newberry Volcano, Paulina Lake Campground highlights the volcanic landscapes and thick forests of central Oregon.
This site is suitable for all types of camping, including RVs as well as tents. You can enjoy boating, fishing, and shoreline trails along the lake as you take in the scenery and view of the beautiful lake.
Amenities:
*)
Fees:
$18 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
May – September
*) boat ramp, campfire rings, drinking water, firewood, fish cleaning stations, toilets, picnic tables, and trash collection
Fall River Campground
Deschutes National Forest, Bend, OR
A bit smaller than the previous site in the Deschutes National Forest – with no RV hookups – is the Fall River Campground. This is a great place for camping in Bend, Oregon if you’re after more of a “rough it” camping feel.
Fall River’s headwaters are perfect for fishing as they are stocked every year with brook and rainbow trout. All sites are equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, grill, and vault toilets. However, you will need to provide your own drinking water.
Amenities:
vault toilets,
fire pit, picnic tables
Fees:
$12 – $14 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
May – September
Little Fawn Campground
Deschutes National Forest, Bend, OR
Located 37 miles southwest of Bend on the shores of Elk Lake is Little Fawn Campground. They offer a lot of single-family sites and a few single sites that can be booked together if you want to take a larger group.
This spot for camping in Bend, Oregon accommodates for tents and RVs; however, there are no electrical hookups. Bring your friends and family here to enjoy views of South Sister and Mt. Bachelor in addition to the wetlands and forests.
Amenities:
beach access, boat
ramp, picnic are,
drinking water,
vault toilets
Fees:
$16 – $100 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
May – September
Sparks Lake Campground
Deschutes National Forest, Bend, OR
Just one of the campgrounds located on Sparks Lake – another nearby is Devils Lake Campground – is Soda Creek Campground. Fed by a stream coming from snowmelt on Broken Top, Sparks Lake rests in a volcanic lakebed.
Just like Little Fawn, you can bring your RV (or tent), but there are no electric hookups. All sites are equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill, and there are vault toilets available. You will need to bring your own water supply.
Amenities:
picnic table, fire pit
Fees:
$12 – $14 per night
Reservations:
No
Open:
June – September
Scout Lake Campground
Deschutes National Forest, Sisters, OR
Near the shores of Scout Lake in the Deschutes National Forest is a popular destination for camping in Bend, Oregon. With its close proximity to lakes, forests, and mountain peaks, this is a go-to location for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are sites with electrical hookups for RVs as well as nonelectrical sites for tents. Nearby, you can explore about 1,600 miles of trails that cover 2.5 million acres of the Deschutes National Forest and Ochoco National Forest (next door).
Amenities:
drinking water, grills,
picnic area, fire pit,
vault toilets
Fees:
$18 – $44 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
May – September
Crooked River Campground
The Cove Palisades State Park, Culver, OR
Crooked River Campground in the Cove Palisades State Park is a great place for family camping in Bend, Oregon. You can enjoy some of the luxuries of home, like flush toilets, hot showers, and electricity, while staying close to nature and outdoor activities.
The Crooked River Campground is RV only, but the Deschutes Campground – which is also in the Cove Palisades State Park – offers both tent and RV camping if that is what you desire.
Amenities:
*)
Fees:
$20 – $30 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
February – December
*) picnic area, showers/toilets, RV dump station, off-leash dog park, amphitheater, firewood
River Rim RV Park
14285 SW Business Circle, Crooked River Ranch, OR
Looking for a place to enjoy excellent camping in Bend, Oregon with breathtaking views within minutes to outdoor activities? Look no further than River Rim RV Park, complete with views of Central Oregon and the Cascade Mountains.
If you want a bit more than just outdoor activities, River Rim RV Park is also close enough to “civilization” to enjoy a meal out, play a round of golf, or pick up some essentials at the nearby mini-mart. Feel free to bring your pup along too; they have a fully fenced dog park on site.
Amenities:
full hookups, wi-fi,
coin laundry, dog park,
restaurant, golf course
Fees:
$40 per night
Reservations:
N/A
Open:
Year-round
Hidden Pines RV Park
52158 Elderberry Lane, La Pine, OR
In La Pine, Hidden Pines RV Park is the RV camper’s paradise. They offer full hookups – including electric, water, sewer, wi-fi, and cable TV – as well as on-site showers, toilets, and laundry facilities. You will have everything you need to feel comfortable away from home.
Here, you can enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities without having to go far from your campsite. Catch some fish. Enjoy a hike or bike on one of the nearby trails. In the winter, you can also enjoy snowmobiling and skiing.
Amenities:
full hookups, showers,
restrooms, cable TV,
laundry facilities, wi-fi
Fees:
$35 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
Year-round
Cascade Meadows RV Resort
53750 US-97, La Pine, OR
A premier location for RV camping, Cascade Meadows RV Resort is located right in the middle of Central Oregon’s Cascade Mountains in La Pine, only 22 miles outside of Bend. Being right in the mountains, you will never run out of trails to bike and hike during your stay.
You will find golf courses with lakes for fishing and boating only a short drive away in the area. There are even places to enjoy some fine dining nearby if you get tired of cooking at your campfire.
Amenities:
*)
Fees:
$75 – $120 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
Year-round
*) heated swimming pool, hot tub, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, playground, rental cabins, basketball, pickleball, horseshoes
Newberry RV Park
52660 US-97, La Pine, OR
Because of its close location, a stay at Newberry RV Park is practically still camping in Bend, Oregon. It is a great central location to enjoy some great outdoor activities, like Paulina Plunge and nearby lakes for the avid fisher.
Just a 22-minute drive away is Sunriver Resort. Here you can find a variety of activities like guided horseback rides on the trails from the stables. There is also a water park – complete with slides – that will be fun for the kids.
Amenities:
full hookups, wi-fi,
shower, restrooms,
cable TV, dog park,
laundry facilities
Fees:
$40 per night
Reservations:
Yes
Open:
Year-round
Want to save even more money? Try one of the free campsites near Bend. Most of these are located in state parks, so keep in mind you will only be able to stay for a maximum of 14 days before you have to move on. As long as you remember this, you can enjoy some free camping in Bend, Oregon, complete with sunshine and gorgeous scenery.
Skyliners Road
There are several campsites off Skyliners Road, but one, in particular, has relatively established campsites and RV pull-offs. There are a few quality pull-off spots within the first ¼ mile off the road, but the further you go, the rougher it gets. Access to further pull-offs will depend on how well your vehicle handles.
You can also enjoy tent camping at sites with established fire rings ready to go. Skyliners also overlaps with Phil’s Trail, great for biking and hiking.
FR 9710 Dispersed Camping
This is another free camping spot in the Deschutes National Forest. The trees are widely spaced apart, offering space for pitching tents and exploring while still providing shade when needed.
It is an ideal place to stay if you want to visit the High Desert Museum and Volcano National Monument. There is space for RV parking as well as tent camping. You can also enjoy hiking and hunting right in the area.
FAQs
Where to stay in an RV in Big Bend National Park? ›
RV & Trailer Information - The Rio Grande Village RV Campground provides the only full hookup camping in Big Bend National Park. The campground can accommodate large RVs.
How many RV parks are in Bend Oregon? ›40 Bend Oregon RV Parks & Campgrounds.
Are RVs allowed in Big Bend National Park? ›Big Bend National Park RV Camping
All 25 sites at Rio Grande Village have full hook-ups — water, electrical, and sewer — and are built for RVs. (Keep in mind a few sites cannot accommodate rigs 40 feet or longer.) The campground sits adjacent to the Rio Grande Village Store and allows pets.
Fall and spring are the best times to visit Big Bend National Park. Temperatures are mild during the day and cool at night. March is one of the busiest months in the park, because of the great weather conditions and the influx of spring break travelers.
Is Big Bend National Park better than Big Bend Ranch State park? ›Big Bend National Park is nearly three times the size of Big Bend Ranch and more developed, with paved, RV-friendly roadways, big campgrounds, and a hotel and restaurant. The only paved road in the state park is River Road, FM 170, along the park's southern boundary. State park campsites are primitive.
What is the number one rule of camping? ›Written rules of camping are straightforward: don't burn trash, clean up after your dog, don't cut down trees, leave nothing but footprints, etc. Usually, they'll be posted as rules for camping when you check in. You'll see them.
Where not to set up camp? ›Avoid camping near lone trees, mountaintops, high ridges and other likely lightning targets. Find a site away from low-lying places that could fill with water during a flash flood, such as valleys, canyons and banks of small, shallow rivers.
Why are camping spots so expensive? ›Some campgrounds charge more due to the amenities they offer. Campgrounds and RV parks that have all the bells and whistles such as dog parks, fancy playgrounds, pools, hot tubs, etc., cost the RV park money for upkeep, management, replacement.
How many days do you need in Big Bend? ›2-3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the highlights of Big Bend – although you could easily spend weeks here! For these itineraries, Day 1 focuses on the Central and East sides of the Park, including the Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village.
Do you need a reservation to camp at Big Bend? ›Big Bend is a remote place, and visitation is burgeoning. Gone are the days when visitors could simply show up and arrange for camping and lodging. Always make arrangements before traveling here. All park campgrounds REQUIRE reservations.
What do I need to know before going to Big Bend? ›
- The busiest times in Big Bend National Park are November through January and then again during Spring Break. ...
- It's generally agreed that the best place to stay in the park is the Chisos Mountains Lodge. ...
- Pets are not allowed in Big Bend National Park.
Beavers Bend State Park
The road that runs through the entire park is 259A which will take you to all the campgrounds. Our understanding is that all campsites are first come first served. The rough cost to camp is $12 per tent per campsite and about $20 for RV camping.
Approximately 98% of national park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long. You still have a good selection if your RV is smaller than 25 feet more than 90% of parks permit that length. The number of available campsites drops if your RV is 29 to 32 feet long since about 80% of parks will let you in.
How much are most RV parks? ›RV parks are a great place to spend some time on a road trip vacation. An RV park can be a luxury park, a budget park, or somewhere in between. The average cost of a mid-range RV park in the USA is between $30-$50 per night, and you can enjoy amenities and some extras.
Does Big Bend get cold at night? ›Average Temperatures and Precipitation
At the higher mountain elevations temperatures average 5–10 degrees cooler during the day and 0-5 degrees cooler at night. The mountains also receive more precipitation.
Be Prepared For Full Campgrounds
There are no first come-first serve campgrounds in Big Bend. All available campsites require reservations. Campers can make reservations online up to six months in advance, with a limited number of campsites reservable up to 14 days in advance.
Outdoor activities in the park include hiking, biking, fishing, stargazing, bird watching, river rafting, and horseback riding. But this park is located 300 miles east of El Paso, Texas (the closest major city), and it can be quite a journey to get there, so is it worth your time? Again, we say: yes!
Which part of Big Bend is best? ›The South Rim Trail is one of the best ways to experience Big Bend National Park. Starting in the Chisos Basin, you will steadily climb up to the South Rim, where jaw-dropping views of the Chihuahuan Desert await. Add on the short but steep climb up Emory Peak for an even more epic experience.
Why is Big Bend so popular? ›Often referred to as Texas' Gift to the Nation, Big Bend is famous for its natural resources and recreational opportunities, the park is also rich in cultural history. Native peoples lived in and/or passed through this area for thousands of years. Their presence is evidenced by pictographs and archeological sites.
Can you stay overnight in Big Bend National Park? ›Although very remote, Big Bend provides a variety of opportunities for overnight camping and lodging, as well as two gas stations, and three camper stores.
How many days should I stay in Big Bend National Park? ›
2-3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the highlights of Big Bend – although you could easily spend weeks here! For these itineraries, Day 1 focuses on the Central and East sides of the Park, including the Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village.
How do you stay safe in Big Bend National Park? ›Carry a flashlight, first aid kit, and signaling device (mirror and whistle). Avoid narrow canyons or dry washes; flash floods may occur during thunderstorms. Stay low and avoid ridges during lightning. If you get hurt or lost, stay in one place to conserve water and energy.
How much does it cost to stay in Big Bend National Park? ›CAMPING FEES
The National Park Service operates three developed frontcountry campgrounds; Rio Grande Village Campground, Chisos Basin Campground, and Cottonwood Campground. The cost is $16 per night per site ($8 per night with Senior or Access pass). Reservations required.
Large diurnal temperature changes are typical of the desert. Winters generally experience daily lows around 35° and highs around 65°, while in the summer the lows are typically around 65° with highs above 90°.
What is the closest large city to Big Bend National Park? ›Marathon. Marathon was established with the coming of the railroad in 1882. However, the establishment of Big Bend National Park made Marathon the closest gateway town to the Park, and a jumping off point for Park visitors.
What is the best day trip to Big Bend National Park? ›Big Bend is too big to see in a single day, but a great one-day trip to the park might include a trip down the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and a visit to the Chisos Basin. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive will give you fantastic views of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape and will lead you to the banks of the Rio Grande.
Do I need bear spray in Big Bend? ›First off, the Mexican Black Bears that roam the Chisos Basin tend to be extremely skittish and shy. Unlike Glacier or Yellowstone National Park where bear spray is a requirement, you'll likely be just fine going without while you're hiking in Big Bend.
How common are bears in Big Bend National Park? ›There are approximately 30-40 black bears living in Big Bend. However, as with most creatures in a desert environment, fluctuations in their numbers can occur from time to time.
Is it safe to stay in Terlingua Texas? ›Terlingua felt completely safe to me (there's hardly anyone there), but I realize that folks that care about me were concerned when I shared that we were traveling to the Southwest. After all, Terlingua and Big Bend Country in general is on the US-Mexico border which I realize makes some people slightly uncomfortable.
How do you shower at Big Bend? ›Showers. Are showers available in park campgrounds? The only available showers are located at the Rio Grande Village Store. There is a charge for showers; a change machine is available, and showers are available 24/7.
How much does it cost to shower at Big Bend? ›
If you have been camping and are in need of a good self-cleaning, head to the Big Bend Resorts Office and inquire at the desk. They have pay-per-use showers that cost $2 in quarters only, limited to 6 minutes of shower time.