68 Official Visitor Guide of Bend
PUT YOUR STAKES IN THE GROUND There’s no better way to experience the natural wonder of Bend’s great outdoors than by sleeping in it.
You’ll find countless spots around Central Oregon where you can pitch a tent, pop up a camper, or park your RV to forge a temporary home in the forest. The Visit Bend website has a page devoted to camping and RV parks, complete with handy grids to show amenities available at each place. One thing to keep in mind? The pandemic prompted lots of folks to start camping, so your favorite undiscovered campground may not be undiscovered anymore. Many campgrounds that weren’t previously reservable now require reservations, so check online for a status before you head out.
Cove Palisades, and Prineville Reservoir can all accommodate both RVs and tents. If roughing it is what you’re after, you’ll find oodles of dispersed camping and backpack-in-only options around Central Oregon. Keep in mind that this type of camping requires extra effort, such as bringing your own water, a porta potty, chairs and table, and being conscientious enough to pack out all of your trash. It’s also important to check fire regulations, since many areas prohibit campfires during the driest months of the summer. Some even ban them all year long.
For middle-of-the-road campers wanting access to pit If you like your campsites with some amenities, head toilets and potable water, scope out the campsites near for larger campgrounds at areas like East Lake in the Suttle Lake, off the Cascade Lakes Highway, or along the Newberry National Volcanic Monument; Cove Palisades Metolius River. or Perry South at Lake Billy Chinook; or Crane Prairie off the Cascade Lakes Highway. Nearby, you’ll find flush For a unique spin on camping, check into camper van and toilets and shower facilities to make your camping ex- RV rentals. Lots of local outfitters can set you up with a portable home you can take with you into the great perience a lot less spartan. outdoors. RVers will love the convenience of campgrounds within the city limits of Bend. Scandia, The Camp (smack dab And if you need to get cleaned up after a few nights in in the center of town), and Crown Villa RV Park all take the woods, Bend’s Bunk + Brew Historic Lucas House reservations. If you’re willing to stay 20 minutes west of hostel in Downtown Bend offers a “Dirtbag Deluxe” just Bend, Sisters City Park has both RV and tent sites in a for campers. For only $15, you get a shower, use of towels lovely creekside setting. State parks are another option and laundry facilities (including laundry soap!), sauna for those willing to drive 20-40 minutes. Smith Rock State access, Wi-Fi, and a cold brew. Stop in to get cleaned up Park has spots for tent campers, while La Pine State Park, before you head off on your next adventure!
