How much does camping cost at Big River?

Camping fees at Big River are $23 - $128/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big River first-come first-served or reservation?

Big River accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big River before I book?

Yes! Big River has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big River?

Big River is open April 24 to October 16. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big River?

Big River does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big River have?

Big River has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big River?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big River. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big River?

Big River offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big River?

Popular activities at Big River include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big River

4.15

147 reviews

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, Bend, OR 97701, USA

Top 15% in ORSummer

C-Report Card

Featured in:RV Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

4,206 ft

Price

$23 - $128/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest - US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,206 ft

Price

$23 - $128/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest - US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Big River

$23.00 - $128.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $126.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $23.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

Group Site Fee$126.00

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Provider

541-323-1746

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Campground Map

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, Bend, OR 97701, USA

Big River

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, Bend, OR 97701, USA

Nearby places

Sunriver (approximately 5 miles), Bend (approximately 17 miles)

Weather at Big River

Best Time to Camp at Big River

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, sunny weather and full access to the Deschutes for swimming, boating, floating, and peak fishing (daytime highs commonly in the 70s–80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F at 4,200 ft). Long daylight and stable roads mean easy access to trails through the ponderosa forest and mellow river floats; this is when rafters, anglers, and family campers get the most out of the site. Expect moderate to high crowds in July–August and watch for seasonal fire and/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in OR

Summer is best season: warm weather and full access to river for swimming, boating, fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 24 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is May 23 to October 18. Off-season reservations are not available during the winter months.

About Big River

Big River sits along the Deschutes River in Deschutes National Forest, a short drive from Sunriver. This small US Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites under ponderosa pines at mid-elevation, with direct river access for swimming, boating, and fishing. Reviewers praise spacious sites and scenery but note vault toilets can be unclean and road noise is present.

Big River Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping. It does not offer cabins, glamping, or other luxury camping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, sunny weather and full access to the Deschutes for swimming, boating, floating, and peak fishing (daytime highs commonly in the 70s–80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F at 4,200 ft). Long daylight and stable roads mean easy access to trails through the ponderosa forest and mellow river floats; this is when rafters, anglers, and family campers get the most out of the site. Expect moderate to high crowds in July–August and watch for seasonal fire and/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4206 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pine forest rises from dark basalt bedrock, remnants of ancient lava flows that shaped this stretch of the Deschutes River. The river carves through rocky channels and pools in deep spots that attract swimmers and boaters. Marshy meadows punctuate the forest, fed by underground springs and snowmelt. Elk graze at dawn, deer approach the river at dusk, and migratory birds pass through seasonally. Reviews praise the beauty of this river stretch and the spacious feel of the sites, though road noise carries through camp.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer traditional lodging like cabins or lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms such as ranger talks and exhibits are available at nearby attractions like the Lava Lands Visitor Center, but not directly associated with the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 14 consecutive nights and 28 total nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Extra vehicles charged per night fee.

Groups

Three group sites are available. Reviews indicate mixed experiences, with some praising spaciousness and others critiquing maintenance and neighboring noise issues.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or by phone.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided information.

Site SizeGroup sites are large and spacious, accommodating RVs and tents. User reviews mention that individual sites are also adequately sized for families and vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across campsites, with some users noting proximity to the road and lack of seclusion between spaces.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the river (009, 010) provide better views and quieter ambiance but may have increased mosquito activity. Sites like GRP B are closer to the road and less private.

Best CampsitesSites 009 and 010 get high marks for river proximity and scenery. Site 004 is noted as quiet. Reviewers warn that sites marked as walk-up (1 and 2) sometimes have reserved signs on them anyway, creating confusion.

Need help booking Big River?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No drinking water or electric hookups are available at this campground

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Big River

The Big River Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its location near the Deschutes River. Seasonal opportunities such as rafting, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing make it appealing year-round. Non-motorized boating is permitted, and the river features Class II flatwater, ideal for kayaks and canoes. Wildlife viewing of deer, elk, and migratory birds is also prominent.

Fishing4.0/5

Deschutes River famed for fly fishing; kokanee, rainbow, bull and brown trout noted.

Boating4.0/5

Non-motorized boating encouraged and a boat ramp is available for kayaks/canoes.

Water Sports4.0/5

Non-motorized boating (kayaking) encouraged; river access and boat ramp support paddling.

Hiking3.5/5

Hundreds of miles of nearby trails and access to wilderness areas including Newberry.

Swimming3.5/5

Direct river access with deep pools that attract swimmers; opportunities limited and safety noted.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Mid-elevation national forest setting favors dark skies, though not explicitly noted.

Photography4.0/5Basalt flows, river channels, pools and pine forest provide good photo subjects and vistas.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided; vault toilets are the only restroom option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Big River

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From Booking Sources

4.2

147 reviews

Satisfactory

Big River is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Big River Campground are mixed, highlighting the scenic beauty of the river and surrounding area while expressing dissatisfaction with maintenance issues such as dirty vault toilets, road noise, and litter. Positive comments praise its proximity to the Deschutes River and suitability for family and group gatherings.

Review Summaries

Based on 147 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 147 reviews.

Site 009Loved
Site 009 received positive remarks about cleanliness and scenic views.
site 001Issues noted
Specific site reviews mention issues like squatting campers at reserved sites (e.g., site 001), road noise affecting sites close to highways, and…

What Campers Love

Many reviews commend the campground's proximity to the river, spacious sites, and potential for family fun. Quotes such as "love this stretch of river" and "beautiful scenery, large camp sites"...

Based on 147 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include dirty vault toilets, road noise, lack of potable water, and instances of poor campsite management. Some users reported issues with rowdy campers and site occupation by...

Based on 147 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ample drinking water and supplies, as there is no potable water onsite. Citronella and bug spray are essential due to mosquitoes. Reviews also suggest reserving sites in advance and checking...

Based on 147 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are praised for water-based activities like kayaking and fishing, but also noted for mosquito prevalence and higher noise levels. Winter months attract visitors for cross-country skiing...

Based on 147 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great site right on the river. We even had a buck walk through our camp one night." - Cathy Norman; "Petit camping facile d’accès..." - Denis Forcier; "Spacious and partially shady..." - Brandy...

Based on 147 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not prominently discussed, though large group sites may accommodate diverse needs.

Based on 147 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some users encountered issues with unsupervised dogs causing disturbances. Several reviews mention the need for responsible pet management.

Based on 147 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Big River

$23.00 - $128.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $126.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $23.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

Group Site Fee$126.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

Go if

You want river access for swimming and boating with room to spread out under the pines.

Skip if

You need pristine restrooms, potable water on-site, or a quiet setting away from traffic.

Nearby Campgrounds

15800 STATE REC. RD, LAPINE, Oregon, 97739, United States

LaPine State Park sits along the Deschutes River in Oregon's high desert, where 134 campsites spread across three loops beneath ponderosa pines. The campground runs $19-$40/night and offers full hookups, showers, and year-round access to the South Loop. Rangers keep the place spotless (reviewers call it "one of the cleanest public campgrounds"), though cell service is sparse and some shower facilities feel cramped.

Big River

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Big River

Campground Map

Weather at Big River

Best Time to Camp at Big River

Planning Tips

About Big River

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big River?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Big River

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Overview

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Ask Camp Sage about Big River

Best Time to Camp at Big River

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big River?

Amenities available

Things to do at Big River

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns