Deschutes Campground

For Oregonians who love the diverse landscapes our state offers, Deschutes Campground, nestled within the Deschutes River State Recreation Area, is a true gem. Located where the mighty Deschutes River converges with the Columbia River, this campground provides a unique blend of high desert scenery, fascinating history, and unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities. It's a place where the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge meets the serene beauty of a wild and scenic river, making it an ideal escape for a weekend adventure or a longer stay.

Deschutes Campground is not just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it's a gateway to experiencing the very best of what Central and Eastern Oregon have to offer. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the river, with the crisp, dry air invigorating your senses. Here, you can cast a line into world-class fishing waters, embark on a scenic hike or bike ride along old rail beds, or simply relax by your campfire under a canopy of stars. Visitors consistently praise the campground's cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.

One of the standout features of Deschutes Campground is its year-round accessibility, particularly for RVers in its A-loop. This means that even as other campgrounds close for the colder months, you can still enjoy riverside reverie in all seasons. While the distinct "lullaby" of passing trains is part of the experience for some (and a good reason for earplugs for light sleepers!), the trade-off is direct access to stunning river views, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful ambiance that truly allows you to disconnect. Whether you're a passionate angler, an avid hiker, or simply looking for a beautiful spot to unwind, Deschutes Campground offers a memorable Oregon outdoor experience.

Deschutes Campground is prominently located within the Deschutes River State Recreation Area, with its address pointing to the general area of Oregon 97760, USA. More specifically, it's situated just a few miles east of The Dalles and is easily accessible from Interstate 84. This prime location places it in the heart of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, approximately 60 minutes east of Portland and about 25 minutes west of Hood River.

The park's location offers a fantastic mix of river canyon terrain, high-desert landscapes, and rich cultural history, including remnants of the Oregon Trail. Roads leading to the park are paved and generally suitable for RV travel, making it an easy destination for campers of all types. While on-site supplies are limited, basic services can be found in nearby Biggs Junction or Wishram, and the larger towns of The Dalles and Hood River are within a reasonable drive for more extensive provisions. The proximity to these towns, combined with its direct access to the Deschutes River, makes it a convenient yet immersive outdoor escape for Oregon locals.

• Campsites: Deschutes Campground offers a variety of camping options across four loops (A, B, G, T), totaling 78 campsites. This includes 34 electrical sites with water hookups (in A-Loop, though water is shut off in winter), 14 primitive RV/tent sites, 11 primitive tent-only sites, and 4 reservable group RV/tent camping areas. Sites come with picnic tables and fire rings with grills.

• Restrooms & Showers: The A-Loop features modern bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers, available seasonally. Vault toilets are available in other loops, and porta-potties are provided when main restrooms are closed during the winter months.

• Potable Water: Potable water spigots are available throughout the campground during the warmer seasons. In winter (late fall to mid-March), water is generally shut off, so campers should plan accordingly.

• Group Camping: The G-Loop offers four reservable group sites that can accommodate up to five RVs or tents, suitable for up to 25 people, making it ideal for family reunions or larger gatherings.

• Trash Services: Bear-safe trash receptacles are provided for convenient waste disposal.

• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site to assist visitors and ensure facilities are well-maintained, contributing to the overall positive experience.

• Firewood & Ice: Firewood and ice are often available for purchase from the camp host, though it's always wise to confirm availability, especially during fire ban seasons.

• Riverside Location: The campground sits directly along the banks of the Deschutes River, offering multiple points of walk-in access for fishing, swimming (with life jackets, as there is no designated beach), and general enjoyment of the water. Many sites boast beautiful river views.

• World-Class Fishing: The Deschutes River is renowned for its excellent steelhead, trout, and salmon fishing. Anglers can enjoy superb opportunities right from the campground, though specific regulations (like no bait or fishing from boats in certain sections) and a Boater Pass are required.

• Extensive Trail System: The park features over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Popular options include the Deschutes River Trail (26 miles round-trip, an old railbed trail for hikers and mountain bikers) and the hiking-only Ferry Springs Trail with canyon views.

• Year-Round Camping (A-Loop): The A-Loop remains open year-round, offering electrical sites, a significant advantage for those who enjoy winter camping. While water is seasonal, this flexibility is a major draw for Oregonians.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse riparian and high-desert environment attracts a variety of wildlife, including deer, otters, herons, mergansers, and various waterfowl. Spring and early summer are particularly good for birdwatching and observing wildflowers.

• Proximity to Water Sports: Heritage Landing boat ramp, located across the river, is a popular launch point for rafting, kayaking, and jet boating on both the Deschutes and Columbia Rivers. Whitewater rapids on the lower Deschutes provide an exciting challenge for rafters.

• Historical Significance: The area is rich in history, including segments of the Oregon Trail and historical memorials within the park, offering an educational component to your outdoor adventure.

For more information or to make reservations for Deschutes Campground within the Deschutes River State Recreation Area, you can use the following details:

Address: Oregon 97760, USA (This general address covers the Deschutes River State Recreation Area)

For specific inquiries about the park, including current conditions, fire bans, or seasonal closures, it's best to contact Oregon State Parks directly.

Oregon State Parks general information: 1-800-551-6949

For Deschutes River State Recreation Area specific inquiries: (541) 739-2322

Reservations can often be made through the Oregon State Parks reservation system on Recreation.gov, which is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Deschutes Campground at the Deschutes River State Recreation Area is exceptionally well-suited for Oregon locals, offering a quintessential high desert and river experience that’s both accessible and deeply rewarding. For those of us living in Oregon, the drive to this part of the Columbia River Gorge is convenient, providing a quick escape from urban centers like Portland to a vastly different and striking landscape. The year-round camping options in the A-loop are a significant advantage, allowing Oregonians to embrace our state's diverse seasons and enjoy outdoor adventures even when many other campgrounds are closed. This flexibility makes spontaneous trips or planned winter getaways much more feasible.

The campground caters perfectly to the active lifestyle that many Oregonians cherish. With the Deschutes River at its doorstep, world-class fishing for steelhead, trout, and salmon is literally steps away. The extensive network of hiking and biking trails, including the scenic Deschutes River Trail, provides endless opportunities for exploration and exercise. Whether you're an avid angler, a dedicated cyclist, or simply enjoy a peaceful riverside stroll, there's an activity here that will resonate. The nearby access for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Deschutes and Columbia rivers further cements its status as an adventure hub.

Furthermore, the quality of the amenities—including electric and water hookups in many sites, and well-maintained flush toilets and hot showers (seasonally)—ensures a comfortable stay, even in a more rustic setting. The praise for the cleanliness of the facilities and the helpfulness of the camp hosts consistently highlights the care taken to provide a positive visitor experience. While the presence of train noise is a common observation, for many locals, it becomes part of the unique character of this historic river corridor. Deschutes Campground isn't just a place to set up camp; it's an invitation for Oregonians to immerse themselves in the natural beauty, rich history, and abundant recreational opportunities that define our incredible state, all within easy reach of home. It’s a place to create new traditions and return to year after year.

Deschutes Campground

Oregon 97760, USA