Driftwood Campground

For Oregonians seeking a true escape into the tranquility of the Cascades, Driftwood Campground, nestled in the scenic Deschutes National Forest near Bend, offers an authentic and wonderfully rustic camping experience. This isn't your average bustling RV park; Driftwood is a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the starry nights are uninterrupted by city lights. Situated at an elevation of approximately 6,585 feet, alongside the beautiful Three Creeks Lake, this campground provides a refreshing high-country retreat from the everyday hustle. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate natural beauty, peace, and direct access to some of Central Oregon's most stunning landscapes.

Driftwood Campground is the first of four facilities located on Three Creeks Lake, offering campers beautiful views of the water and surrounding old-growth forests. The experience here is about disconnecting and immersing yourself in the wilderness, as evidenced by the lack of cell reception – a feature many visitors cherish for its ability to foster true relaxation and connection with companions. As one happy camper shared, "Absolutely beautiful. It's very quiet. No running water, so you'll need to bring or filter your own. We staged here before heading out into Sisters Wilderness. In the morning we woke up to a Bald Eagle on the tree in our campsite." This anecdote perfectly captures the essence of Driftwood: a serene, wildlife-rich environment that serves as an ideal basecamp for further exploration.

While its rustic nature means fewer modern conveniences, this is precisely what draws many to Driftwood. Visitors are prepared for a more self-sufficient camping adventure, embracing the quietude and the stunning natural backdrop. The recommendation for high-clearance vehicles due to the rocky access road is a testament to its off-the-beaten-path charm, ensuring that those who make the journey are rewarded with a less crowded and more intimate encounter with Oregon's wilderness. The blend of serene lakeside camping with direct access to extensive trail systems and abundant wildlife makes Driftwood Campground a cherished destination for those who truly love the outdoors and seek a genuine escape into the heart of Central Oregon.

Driftwood Campground is located in the Deschutes National Forest, with its address listed as Bend, OR 97703, USA. More specifically, it resides within the Sisters Ranger District, approximately 56 minutes west of Bend, providing a convenient yet secluded getaway for locals. The campground sits at the picturesque Three Creeks Lake, a stunning alpine gem located in a glacial cirque below Tam McArthur Rim.

Access to Driftwood Campground involves driving on Forest Service Road 16, also known as Three Creek Lake Road, which extends south from Sisters, Oregon, for about 17 miles. While the Honda Odyssey anecdote suggests some sedans might manage, previous visitors strongly recommend vehicles with higher clearance due to the rocky nature of the road leading into the campground. This cautionary note is important for planning your trip, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey to your campsite. The drive itself is incredibly scenic, passing through dense forests and offering glimpses of the stunning mountainous terrain that characterizes this part of Oregon. Despite its somewhat rugged access, the relative proximity to the town of Sisters means that essential supplies and services are not too far away, offering a balance between wilderness immersion and convenience.

• Individual Campsites: Driftwood Campground offers 18 campsites suitable for tents and camper vans, with some sites accommodating RVs and trailers between 18 and 65 feet. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for convenience. While reviews note "lots of bugs in the bathroom," they also mention it "wasn't overly smelly like they sometimes can be," indicating they are generally maintained.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for visitors to note that there is no running water available at the campground. Campers must bring their own water supply for drinking and other uses, or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources.
• Trash Collection: Garbage cans are typically available near the vault outhouses for waste disposal, though a "pack it in, pack it out" mentality is always encouraged in forest environments.
• No Cell Service: As a truly rustic and secluded campground, cell phone reception is virtually non-existent, allowing for a complete digital detox.
• Primitive Boat Ramp: A primitive boat ramp is available on the east shore of Three Creeks Lake, suitable for paddle boats only (no motors allowed), emphasizing the quiet nature of the lake.
• Reservations: Campsites are reservable up to 6 months in advance via recreation.gov. It's advisable to check availability and make reservations, especially during peak season (typically June to September).
• Camp Host: While a dedicated host may be stationed two miles away at Three Creek Meadows Campground, they reportedly visit Driftwood at least once daily to assist campers.
• Firewood: Firewood may be available for purchase from the camp host, but it's always good practice to bring your own supply.

• Lakeside Sites & Views: All 18 campsites are situated on the banks of Three Creeks Lake, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding old-growth forest. The serene and quiet nature of the lake, where no motorboats are allowed, contributes to a peaceful experience.
• Access to Sisters Wilderness: Driftwood Campground serves as an excellent staging point for exploring the breathtaking Sisters Wilderness. The Tam McArthur Rim Trailhead, offering panoramic views of the Three Sisters peaks (Faith, Hope, and Charity), is easily accessible from the campground entrance.
• Abundant Wildlife: The secluded forest setting and proximity to a clean water source attract a variety of wildlife. Visitors have reported sightings of bald eagles, deer, and the potential for elk, moose, and various other woodland creatures and birds.
• Hiking Opportunities: Beyond the Tam McArthur Rim Trail, numerous other hiking trails are available in the surrounding Deschutes National Forest, catering to various skill levels and offering diverse scenic experiences.
• Fishing: Three Creeks Lake is stocked with fish, making it a popular spot for fishing from shore, wading, or using non-motorized boats like kayaks, canoes, and float tubes.
• Stargazing: With no cell service and minimal light pollution, the night sky at Driftwood Campground is exceptionally clear, providing spectacular opportunities for stargazing.
• Natural Beauty: Surrounded by shore pine, waxmyrtle, huckleberry, and salal, the campground is immersed in a vibrant and healthy ecosystem, offering a true taste of Oregon's pristine nature.
• Photography: The beautiful lake, surrounding forests, and abundant wildlife provide endless opportunities for nature photography.
• Quiet and Seclusion: The "no cell service" policy and recommendation for higher-clearance vehicles help maintain a tranquil atmosphere, appealing to those who genuinely seek to unplug.

Address: Bend, OR 97703, USA (specifically located on Three Creeks Lake, accessible via Forest Service Road 16 from Sisters)

For campground inquiries, it is best to contact the Sisters Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest. The general contact number for the Deschutes National Forest Supervisor's Office is 541-383-5300. For specific campground inquiries or to confirm conditions, you may try 541-323-1746 (as listed on recreation.gov for Driftwood).

Driftwood Campground truly is a hidden gem for Oregon locals, particularly those residing in Central Oregon and the Willamette Valley, who are eager to embrace a more traditional and immersive camping experience. Its location near Bend and Sisters offers a convenient drive for many, yet once you arrive, you feel miles away from any urban distractions. The requirement for self-sufficiency, such as bringing your own water, is a small trade-off for the unparalleled peace and natural beauty that awaits.

For families and individuals looking to truly disconnect, the lack of cell service is a welcome feature, encouraging genuine interaction and appreciation of the surroundings. Hikers will revel in the direct access to the Tam McArthur Rim Trail and the broader Sisters Wilderness, while anglers will find the stocked Three Creeks Lake an inviting challenge. The possibility of waking up to a bald eagle in your campsite or spotting deer illustrates the rich wildlife experience on offer. Driftwood Campground provides a powerful antidote to modern life, allowing Oregonians to reconnect with the wild heart of their state, creating cherished memories under vast, star-filled skies. It's an ideal choice for anyone who values quiet reflection, outdoor adventure, and the simple, profound joy of being truly present in nature.

Driftwood Campground

Bend, OR 97703, USA