With national forests, state parks, and more at our collective doorstep, is it any wonder there are so many RV parks and campgrounds in Central Oregon?
From county parks in the heart of adventure-minded outposts to remote outposts free of cell coverage, you’ll find plenty of campgrounds and RV parks to make the most of Central Oregon’s natural beauty. Here’s a sampling of some of the region’s best-loved overnight stops.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Bend, Oregon
Sitting in the heart of Central Oregon, Bend offers a variety of RV parks and campgrounds to suit travelers of all stripes.
At Bend’s oldest RV park, The Camp puts a modern spin on the classic camping and RV experience with a central location that puts it in the heart of the action—and a short walk or bike ride from the many breweries and cideries in Bend. The sleek, stylish RV park sits along the city’s bustling Third Street corridor and offers excellent views to go along with a suite of amenities; if you don’t bring your own rig, a half-dozen restored trailers come with fire pits, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and plenty of space.
Just north of Bend, meanwhile, sits Tumalo State Park—which offers a nice natural getaway just a short drive from town. The park (whose name comes from the Klamath peoples’ word “temolo”, which means “wild plum”) sits along the Deschutes River and is surrounded by khaki-colored rock formations and cinnamon-hued ponderosa pine trees. The well-appointed campground hosts 23 full-hookup sites, 54 tent sites, and seven yurts (some of which are pet-friendly)—complete with drinking water, a playground, flush toilets, and hot showers.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Sisters, Oregon
The community of Sisters sits at the foot of the Cascade Range and hosts several popular campgrounds—from bustling parks inside the city to quiet destinations close to the Cascades and scenic waterways.
Just a short walk from downtown, Creekside Campground is home to 60 sites (27 of which are full-hookup), each outfitted with a campfire ring and picnic table. Spacious RV pads, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and a bucolic location along Wychus Creek make the campground a popular stop all summer long.
Further west, at the base of the Cascades, Link Creek Campground is one of three campgrounds that surround the scenic Suttle Lake. The campground offers an on-site boat ramp for easy access to the lake, as well as nearly three-dozen seasonal sites (including three wheelchair-accessible yurts that remain open year-round)—all in the midst of an idyllic fir forest. Try to secure a tent or RV site along the campground’s northern border, where lake views peek through the trees.
And if you want to experience the magic of the Metolius River, Camp Sherman Campground hosts 15 sites near its banks. The quiet, yet popular campground sits in a forest of fir and pine—and can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long. A walking trail in the campground follows the banks of the Metolius, as well.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Madras, Oregon
Sitting where farmland meets the Central Oregon high desert, Madras sits surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery anywhere in the region. If you’re looking for an RV site or campground to pitch a tent, you’ll find plenty of dramatic spots for doing so.
Chief among them is The Cove Palisades State Park. Just a 20-minute drive from Madras, the park sits in the heart of two river canyons and offers plenty of opportunities for overnight stays. Between March and October, two seasonal campgrounds host 91 electrical sites with water, 87 full-hookup sites, and 93 tent sites—with amenities that include an off-leash dog park, flush toilets, hot showers, horseshoe pits, and easy access to the park’s natural beauty. Learn more about national and state parks in Central Oregon.
And at the southern edge of Madras, the Jefferson County RV Park offers a convenient home base for exploring the many attractions of Central Oregon. The park hosts 65 (spacious) full-hookup sites, with an on-site RV dump, tent sites, reliable Wi-Fi, and restrooms and showers rounding out the park’s offerings.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Redmond, Oregon
Redmond offers easy access to the cities of Sisters, Bend, Madras, and Prineville—never mind the many attractions around the growing city itself. That prime location in the heart of Central Oregon makes the city a fun, convenient, and scenic spot for campers.
One of the area’s most popular campgrounds is the small grassy area near the southern border of Smith Rock State Park, a short walk from the park’s popular hiking, biking, and equestrian paths, as well as its world-famous rock-climbing routes. The basic tent campground hosts a handful of walk-in sites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis, and is open between late May and mid-November (weather permitting).
And at the northern edge of Redmond, Cottonwood RV Park hosts 52 sun-kissed, full-hookup sites, with a bevy of popular amenities that include a laundry facility, high-speed Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies, clean restrooms, private showers, and views of surrounding peaks.
Nestled in the heart of Redmond, the Expo Center RV Park (located within the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center) is a year-round RV park that’s not to be missed with over 100 full-service sites to park and enjoy a perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. Each site provides 30 or 50 amp electric hook ups, fresh water, sewer connections, and picturesque landscapes that are sure to impress. Nearby golf courses, restaurants, and plentiful outdoor adventures await you just outside your doorstep.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Prineville, Oregon
The Wild West-inspired city of Prineville sits at the eastern edge of Central Oregon, not far from the heart of the Ochoco Mountains, and acts as a gateway to all kinds of outdoor adventure—hiking, fishing, boating, cycling, and more. Naturally, several campgrounds offer a comfortable place to rest your head after a long day of adventuring.
Prineville Reservoir State Park sits along its namesake lake in the midst of a high-desert canyon, hosting 95 tent and RV sites (some of which are electrical or full-hookup sites), as well as five deluxe log cabins (one of which is pet-friendly); all sites and cabins come with a paved parking area, campfire ring, and picnic table. Flush toilets and hot showers are available, and campers can purchase firewood and ice from the park host. (If you’re up late, look up to the stars: Prineville Reservoir is an International Dark Sky Park, and is noted for its clear night skies, bright starry displays, and minimal light pollution.)
The Crook Country RV Park, located next to the Crook County Fairgrounds, boasts nearly 100 RV sites and 2 cabins that offer full hook-ups, Wi-Fi, a children’s play area, a covered pavilion for gatherings and more. A community facility also conveniently provides eight washers and dryers, and a cozy entertainment area for the whole family. Please note that there are no livestock trailers allowed and no tent camping, although seven cyclist tent sites are offered.
Further east, the quiet Ochoco Divide Campground hosts nearly two dozen tent and RV sites in a pine forest at the crest of the Ochoco Mountains. The basic campground boasts a campfire ring and picnic table at each site—and makes an ideal base camp for exploring the Ochoco Mountains and Painted Hills.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Maupin, Oregon
Maupin is a premier destination for white water rafting the Deschutes River in Central Oregon, and campers needn’t look very far for friendly campgrounds. Maupin City Park sits in the heart of the community, not far from the Deschutes River, and offers 25 RV sites, 22 tent sites, and three group sites for year-round stays. Amenities include plenty of shade, close proximity to the Deschutes River, restrooms with coin-operated showers, full hookups for RV sites, and free Wi-Fi.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in La Pine, Oregon
The community of La Pine sits surrounded by a wide range of stunning sights—the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, wide-open high desert, and more. So if you’re looking to learn more about the beautiful lakes of Central Oregon or visit the mountains around Central Oregon, consider a stay at one of the campgrounds.
The well-kept LaPine State Park is always a popular place to stay—and is especially agreeable for those seeking a comfortable camping experience. The park sits in a forest of ponderosa pine and hosts 82 full-hookup sites, 47 electrical sites, and 10 log cabins (some of which are wheelchair-accessible)—with hot showers and flush toilets, firewood for sale, and an off-leash dog park. A clubhouse hosts children’s activities, kitchen facilities, a refrigerator, and more.
If you’re heading into the Newberry Caldera, however, you’ll have six campgrounds to choose from—each operated by the U.S. Forest Service and offering drinking water, flush or vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire grills, boat launches, and easy access to nearby attractions. Each campground has its own charms, but Paulina Lake Campground earns plaudits for hosting 68 tent and RV sites (51 of which are pull-through) near the western shore of its namesake lake.
What to Know About RV Parks and Campgrounds in Central Oregon
The best camping trip requires a little planning and a bit of know-how—so here are a few quick tips for making the most of our next outing at RV parks and campgrounds in Central Oregon.
Reservations: The booking windows open six months out at most Oregon State Parks and U.S. National Forest campgrounds. Reservations are not typically required (except for cabins and yurts on these public lands), but campgrounds can fill months in advance—especially on popular summer weekends.
Camping season: Hearty campers and RV users can usually find sites all year long—but the most popular window for camping is typically late May to early October. Pro tip: Enjoy slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds when booking sites for early June and from mid-September on, when crowds dwindle.
Campfire rules: Every campground and RV park typically allows campfires, and most provide grills or designated campfire rings for the sake of safety. Be sure to set campfires only in designated areas, and be mindful of burn bans that may be in effect at the height of wildfire season (typically July-September).