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Deschutes/South Twin Lake Campground
Overview
South Twin Lake Campground offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest escape within the heart of the Deschutes National Forest. Situated roughly 40 miles southwest of Bend, this campground is prized for its intimate connection to the water and its serene environment. Unlike many larger, more developed destinations, this park focuses on a tranquil atmosphere where the sounds of the wind through the pines and the gentle lapping of the lake take center stage for every visitor.
Location & Surroundings
Located along the iconic Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, the campground is nestled within a dense canopy of Ponderosa and lodgepole pines. The centerpiece is South Twin Lake, a nearly perfectly circular volcanic crater lake that remains calm throughout the day. The setting provides a striking contrast between the high-elevation forest and the clear, cool waters. Its position near the Wickiup Reservoir offers travelers a diverse geographic landscape to explore within a very short drive.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a traditional forest service site, meaning it is best suited for those prepared for dry camping. While there are no electric or sewer hookups at the individual sites, visitors have access to potable water and well-maintained vault toilets. Each site features a heavy-duty picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings. A major benefit is the adjacent resort, which provides a small convenience store and restaurant for those who might need a few extra supplies or a break from campfire cooking.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water-based recreation is the primary draw at this destination. Because the lake prohibits motorized boats, it is a haven for kayakers, paddleboarders, and swimmers looking for still waters. Anglers frequently visit to test their luck with the abundant stocked rainbow trout found in the lake. For hikers, the Twin Lakes Loop Trail offers a flat, scenic path around the water’s edge. Beyond the immediate area, the surrounding wilderness provides endless opportunities for mountain biking and wildlife viewing.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for RVers who prioritize natural beauty over resort luxuries. If you enjoy boondocking or have a self-contained rig, you will appreciate the quiet evenings and exceptionally starry skies. It is a fantastic choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts who want a safe, calm environment for children to swim or for beginners to practice their paddling skills in a protected, motor-free setting that feels miles away from the bustle of the city.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
CaliDee
Nice campground (tons of chipmunks) with super cute cabins, store with supplies, and restaurant overlooking the lake. Also, I saw some complaints about the bathrooms before I left went but the ones by us were lovely. They were kept very clean and had fully flushable toilets with sinks to wash hands.
Christian Oregon
Reservations using recreation.Gov. clean restrooms and flush toilets. This is a Forest Service campground with picnic tables and fire rings.
Glyeb Ewing
We came to camp and fish on the lake, its first come first serve camping. When we parked and walked to the water to float, a staff member pulled up to my wife and said we can't park here and that we have to use the day use parking or we are getting fined. The camp capacity was maybe at 20 percent occupancy with no reservation requirements. Not sure if this was the owner, a staff member, but it seems to be pretty on par with the other experiences I have read about with the staff here. Relax, don't take life so seriously.
Tiffany Olson
I will start out by saying my family used to camp here all the time when i was younger. With the trying times over the years it had been a while since wed been back. This last weekend we decided to take a day trip and visit a couple places in the bend/sisters area. I was very excited to remember some of the good times we used to have and unfortunatly i think thats where they will be stay...this place is not anywhere close to being the same as it used too. i did hear that it did get bought out a couple years ago but i guess id hoped they were still going to keep the same values of this place that keeps people coming back. This was such a disappointment because their was absolutely no customer service. no one seemed to care about talking to customers. They all seemed to only care about their own conversations they were having on their phone or with coworkers. We actually had to stand their awkwardly for awhile to wait for them to finish their discussion before they disgustingly turned to us and looked at us like what do you want...very uncomfortable! We also were interested in their "hand scooped ice cream" which was pretty much a small booth that originally probably had like 5 or so flavors to pick from but on this specific day EVERYTHING was sold out EXCEPT vanilla which i guarentee was probably freezer burnt....but no sprinkle no whipped cream no topping....ok so why are you open?!?! Plus they were very rude about the fact that they were only open that one day and as we approching them they said if we wanted to order something we better do it right then otherwise they were going to close....umm their was like no one their. Plus it was like 2:00 in the afternoon.... Overall this place has just become a huge disappoint especially because we know this place used to be very family oriented and fun. The people that used to own this place used to be so friendly and caring. So sad to see a tradition die 😢 And i guarentee a lot of other people are doing the same. No need to waste your hard earned money here!!! South Twin Do Better!!!
Patrick H
I would not trust these people - they do not offer you the ability to cancel a reservation even if you booked it months in advance. They took our deposit and were not willing to give it back. Be weary of this place.
