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.

If you like your campsites with some amenities, head for larger campgrounds at areas like East Lake in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument; Cove Palisades or Perry South at Lake Billy Chinook; or Crane Prairie off the Cascade Lakes Highway. Nearby, you’ll find flush toilets and shower facilities to make your camping experience a lot less spartan.

RVers will love the convenience of campgrounds within the city limits of Bend. Scandia, The Camp (smack dab in the center of town), and Crown Villa RV Park all take reservations. If you’re willing to stay 20 minutes west of Bend, Sisters City Park has both RV and tent sites in a lovely creekside setting. State parks are another option for those willing to drive 20-40 minutes. Smith Rock State Park has spots for tent campers, while La Pine State Park, 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 toilets and potable water, scope out the campsites near Suttle Lake, off the Cascade Lakes Highway, or along the Metolius River.

For a unique spin on camping, check into camper van and RV rentals. Lots of local outfitters can set you up with a portable home you can take with you into the great outdoors.

And if you need to get cleaned up after a few nights in the woods, Bend’s Bunk + Brew Historic Lucas House hostel in Downtown Bend offers a “Dirtbag Deluxe” just for campers. For only $15, you get a shower, use of towels and laundry facilities (including laundry soap!), sauna access, Wi-Fi, and a cold brew. Stop in to get cleaned up before you head off on your next adventure!

Thank You!

CARETAKERS OF OUR PUBLIC LANDS

So much of what makes Bend special is what surrounds us—our public lands. Thank you to our land managers for supporting the forests, mountains, grasslands, rivers, and parks we call our backyard. Thanks for the care you show to all who move through it on two or four or even eight legs. Thank you for working to protect this landscape from impacts, both human and non-human. We’re grateful you show up, even when Mother Nature flings snowballs or storm clouds or fireballs our way.

Your behind-the-scenes magic doesn’t go unnoticed. We thank you for taking care of the places that take care of us.

SLEEP

HUNDREDS OF WAYS TO COUNT SHEEP

When it comes to vacation lodging, we all have different needs.

Some of us want sticky s’mores in a tent beneath the stars, while others dream of luxury spa services and a frosty beverage to sip by the pool. Fear not: You’ll find the perfect lodging in Bend.

Craving the coziness of a bed & breakfast? Bend has several to choose from, with a few within walking distance of downtown Bend and historic Drake Park.

If you prefer the privacy of your own vacation home, you’ll love the variety of options scattered throughout town. Many Bend vacation rentals include extra perks like hot tubs, standup paddleboards, and bikes that make it easy to pedal your way from your front door to your favorite brewery. You’ll find homes big enough to accommodate your family reunion, or small and intimate enough for a honeymoon.

Whether you fancy an upscale, award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, or a trusted chain conveniently located on the highway, Bend can hook you up.

And don’t feel you need to choose between being close to restaurants and shopping or enjoying a quiet spot in the woods with your own private Jacuzzi. In Bend, you can have it all! We’ve got oodles of cozy hideaways tucked along the river near the Old Mill District or on the road to Mt. Bachelor. Planning a conference that calls for a state-of-the-art convention center with gorgeous views of the Deschutes River? You’re covered there, too.

In fact, you can break up the monotony of meetings with a round of golf or a kayak outing for the whole team.

Need family-friendly amenities to keep the kids happy and entertained? You’ll find properties in Bend with swimming pools, pickleball courts, rental bikes, and even organized outings like whitewater raft tours guaranteed to give the whole family a lifetime of vacation memories.

And hey, if you’re here on a budget and just want a no-frills room that’s clean and inviting, we’re happy to recommend our favorite low-cost options. You’ll love what Bend has to offer whether you’re pinching pennies or splurging on the vacation of a lifetime.

No matter where you rest your head, your dreams will always be sweeter in Bend.

For a complete list of Bend lodging choices, head to: