West South Twin Campground

For Oregon locals seeking a genuine escape into the tranquility of the Deschutes National Forest, West South Twin Campground offers a refreshing change of pace from the busier recreational hubs around Bend. While its name might suggest direct lakefront access to South Twin Lake, it's crucial to understand that this campground is primarily located near the expansive Wickiup Reservoir, where the water levels fluctuate. This unique characteristic, while different from a constant lake, contributes to its peaceful riverine setting for much of the summer. West South Twin is a place where you can truly unwind, disconnect from cell service, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Central Oregon.

West South Twin Campground has been a beloved destination for families for generations, with some visitors enjoying its charms for over 60 summers. This enduring popularity speaks volumes about its ability to provide a consistent and cherished outdoor experience. It's a place where daily routines seamlessly blend fishing, family time, quiet relaxation, and evenings around a crackling campfire under the vast Oregon sky. This campground embraces a more traditional camping ethos, where the focus is on natural recreation and quality time spent outdoors.

We understand that clarity is key when planning your adventures, and while West South Twin Campground may not offer direct "lakefront" sites on a perpetually full lake, it provides a unique riverine experience on the Deschutes River where it expands into Wickiup Reservoir. Its true value lies in its excellent fishing opportunities, its peaceful atmosphere, and its close proximity to South Twin Lake and Twin Lakes Resort, which offers boat rentals and other water activities just a short walk away. For those who appreciate a relaxed, off-grid experience with superb access to Central Oregon's renowned angling and trails, West South Twin Campground remains a cherished local favorite.

West South Twin Campground is situated in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest, with its address listed as Bend, OR 97701, USA. More specifically, it is located between South Twin Lake and the much larger Wickiup Reservoir, on a stretch of the Deschutes River. This strategic position along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway makes it a well-positioned hub for exploring the diverse landscapes of Central Oregon.

Accessing West South Twin Campground is relatively straightforward. From Bend, you'll travel approximately 26.8 miles south on Highway 97 to Wickiup Junction. From there, head west on County Road 43 for about 11.0 miles, then continue west on Forest Road 42 for 4.6 miles, and finally, turn south on Forest Road 4260 for 2.0 miles to reach the campground. The roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, allowing for easy access for RVs, trailers, and tents.

While the campground itself is nestled in a natural setting, its location offers excellent accessibility to nearby attractions and conveniences. Twin Lakes Resort, with its amenities and lake access for South Twin Lake, is just a two-minute walk across the street. This provides a convenient option for boat rentals and other "fun activities." Beyond the immediate vicinity, major Central Oregon attractions like the Lava Lands Visitor Center and the Lava River Cave in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument are within a reasonable driving distance, offering unique educational and exploratory opportunities. This balance of natural seclusion and nearby amenities makes West South Twin Campground a practical choice for Oregon locals seeking both peace and adventure.

West South Twin Campground provides a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience amidst its natural setting.

• Campsites: The campground features 24 spacious campsites, capable of accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet in length. Each site offers a gravel parking spur, a picnic table, and a campfire ring with a grill, providing basic necessities for your outdoor stay.
• Flush Toilets: For added comfort, flush toilets are available at the campground, offering a more convenient restroom experience than primitive vault toilets.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available from communal spigots, ensuring access to fresh water during your visit.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are provided, with designated bins, making it easier for campers to maintain a clean site and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
• Boat Launch/Ramp: A developed boat launch area provides direct access to Wickiup Reservoir, making it convenient for those bringing their own watercraft.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host, saving campers the hassle of bringing their own or gathering it.
• Camp Host On-Site: The presence of a camp host contributes to the overall management and safety of the campground, providing assistance and information to visitors.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash and their waste is properly picked up and disposed of.

West South Twin Campground boasts several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for campers, particularly those focused on fishing and a relaxed, natural environment.

• Exceptional Fishing: The campground's location on Wickiup Reservoir, an impoundment of the Deschutes River, offers some of the best fishing in Central Oregon. The reservoir is renowned for its large brown trout (often reaching 20 pounds, with normal catches in the 5-to-8 pound range), as well as good numbers of kokanee and coho salmon, and decent populations of rainbow trout, brook trout, whitefish, and chub.
• Proximity to South Twin Lake & Resort: While the campground itself is on the reservoir/river, South Twin Lake, known for its clearer waters and more traditional "lake" feel, is just a 2-minute walk across the street, offering additional recreational options and boat rentals at Twin Lakes Resort.
• Relaxing, Off-Grid Experience: The absence of cell service provides a true opportunity to disconnect and unwind, fostering a more immersive outdoor experience. This is a significant draw for those seeking to escape digital distractions.
• Family Tradition: With some families having camped here for 60 summers, the campground offers a sense of history and community, making it a place where new traditions can be forged.
• Diverse Landscape: The surrounding area features beautiful pine-edged reservoir views, some willows, sandy beach areas (at full pool), wetlands, diverse forests, and rocky slopes, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife.
• Recreational Activities: Beyond fishing, the area offers opportunities for hiking, boating, canoeing, swimming (though swimming in the reservoir/river may have limited "good spots" depending on water levels, South Twin Lake is good for this), paddleboarding, and wildlife viewing.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being a well-used campground, it's described as "relaxing," indicating a generally quiet and enjoyable environment, perfect for unwinding.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about West South Twin Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Bend, OR 97701, USA (specifically within the Deschutes National Forest)

Phone for Campground Inquiries: (541) 323-1746 (This is often the Deschutes National Forest office number that manages the area.)

Mobile Phone: +1 541-383-5300 (This number is also listed, likely for the broader forest service or a general information line).

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially regarding site availability and reservations, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website and search for "West South Twin Campground." Reservations can typically be made up to 6 months in advance.

For Oregon locals, West South Twin Campground offers a truly authentic and deeply rooted Central Oregon camping experience that caters to a desire for both relaxation and outdoor adventure. Its long-standing tradition as a family favorite, spanning generations, speaks to its enduring appeal and ability to deliver consistent, cherished memories right in our backyard.

Crucially, for those in Oregon who prioritize exceptional fishing, the campground's proximity to Wickiup Reservoir—renowned for its impressive brown trout, salmon, and other species—makes it an absolute prime destination. The ability to fish daily, as many long-time visitors do, is a significant draw. While the reservoir's fluctuating water levels mean a "lake" might be more of a "river" during summer, the excellent fishing opportunities and access to Twin Lakes Resort's more consistent lake activities just a short walk away provide a versatile water experience.

Moreover, the absence of cell service at West South Twin offers a rare and valuable opportunity for Oregonians to truly disconnect from the digital world and fully immerse themselves in the natural environment. This "off-grid" feature fosters genuine family time, campfire conversations, and a deeper appreciation for the surrounding Deschutes National Forest. With its balance of essential amenities, a peaceful atmosphere, and abundant recreational options, West South Twin Campground is a perfect and well-suited choice for locals seeking a traditional, relaxing, and richly rewarding camping adventure in the heart of Central Oregon.

West South Twin Campground

Bend, OR 97701, USA