We found two great dispersed camping spots in the Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon.
The first is right on Crane Prairie Reservoir, which was just warm enough for swimming:
- Location: 43°46’06.9″N 121°47’30.7″W
The second was right along the little Deschutes River (there are 4 nice spots near here):
- Location: 43°53’42.3″N 121°45’50.5″W
Both are about 1 hour outside of Bend.
Altitude: 4,500′
Cost: Free
Distance to drinking water: 2 miles
Swimming hole nearby? several nearby lakes
4×4 or high clearance vehicle required? yes
Privacy level? fairly private, but other sites are not too far away
Camp Fires allowed? yes
Toilets? no
How many vehicles per site? several
How many good, flat tent spots? several
Trailer Friendly? yes
Nearby Hikes: many great nearby hikes. Our favorite was the Winopee Lake Trail.
