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Deschutes/South Campground
Overview
Located within the scenic Tumalo State Park, the Deschutes/South Campground offers a picturesque retreat along the banks of the famous Deschutes River. This destination serves as a premier base camp for exploring the high desert of Central Oregon, combining a rustic outdoor atmosphere with the convenience of being just minutes from urban amenities. Travelers often choose this park for its stunning riverfront access and the peaceful environment provided by the surrounding juniper and pine forests.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a few miles north of Bend, the campground sits in a unique transition zone where the ponderosa pine forests meet the rolling sagebrush hills. The Deschutes River flows directly through the park, creating a lush canyon corridor that contrasts beautifully with the arid landscape nearby. The location offers easy access to Highway 20, making it a convenient stop for those traveling through the region while maintaining a feeling of secluded natural beauty.
Amenities & Park Features
The park provides a variety of site types designed to accommodate different RV lengths and travel styles. The Deschutes loop is particularly popular for modern travelers as it features spacious full hookup sites that provide water, sewer, and electricity. Throughout the park, visitors have access to several key features that enhance the camping experience:
- Clean restroom facilities and modern hot showers
- A seasonal dump station and potable water fill sites
- Direct trailheads for the Deschutes River Trail
- Sturdy picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away when staying in this part of Oregon. Many visitors spend their days floating or fly-fishing on the river right from the park shoreline. A short drive leads to the vibrant Old Mill District in downtown Bend, which is famous for its craft breweries and riverfront shopping. For those seeking more rugged terrain, the iconic peaks of Mt. Bachelor and the Cascade Lakes are within easy reach for day trips involving hiking, mountain biking, or photography.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is an excellent choice for travelers who want to strike a balance between nature and city convenience. It is ideal for active families and outdoor enthusiasts who plan to spend their time paddling or hiking. Because of its proximity to the city, it also caters well to travelers who enjoy exploring the local culinary scene but prefer to retreat to a quiet, starry sky at night. It remains a top pick for those seeking a well-maintained, natural setting.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Chris Brady
Spent 3 days at the south shore campground. It was quiet and peaceful. The vaulted restrooms needed more attention, but overall an enjoyable stay.
Mark Thompson
A scenic location and well taken care of but the campsites are very close to one another. If all campsites are full, you're going to be pretty cozy with your neighbor.
Wayne Jenkins
Quiet sites... careful of the rain... nice lake... easy hiking trails
Richard Scott Taylor
We stayed for 10 days in May. Quiet every day but Saturdays when it fills up, but still very tolerable at capacity. Beautiful setting, stunning sunset and sunrise, good fishing and convenient to town.
Mechanical Nature
No water available at lake or at either campground. Sites uneven. Extremely crowded on weekends from June-October, and sometimes crowded on weekdays due to tour groups kayaking or canoeing. June-July is mosquito season in the Cascades, so prepare accordingly